The Fantastic Four: First Steps star Ralph Ineson opens up about playing Galactus in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and explains why he believes the antagonist isn’t “evil.” Speaking with Empire ahead of the film’s release this summer, the actor discussed his experience bringing the character to life, detailing his preparation process for portraying the role. While Galactus is definitely an opposing force to Marvel’s First Family in the movie, threatening to destroy Earth, it doesn’t necessarily mean he has malicious intent. Like any good actor behind a compelling villain, Ineson doesn’t think his Galactus is nefarious.

“He’s a cosmic force. He’s a god, of sorts,” Ineson said, describing Galactus in the film. “I don’t think Galactus is evil.”

The Fantastic Four: First Steps marks the first time Galactus has been depicted in a live-action film since 2007’s Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. The version seen in that movie was heavily criticized, as Galactus was depicted as a cloud. As seen in First Steps marketing materials, the MCU’s take on Galactus will be comics-accurate. Trailers have teased the character’s massive scale and imposing figure.

[RELATED – The Fantastic Four: First Steps Is More Important for the MCU Than You Realize]

In the comics, Galactus was notable because the character broke established trends for villains in superhero stories. Rather than being an evildoer hellbent on world domination or conquering the universe, Galactus consumes planets so he can live. If he stops devouring worlds, he’ll cease to exist, so he does what he does in order to survive.

Specific story details about Galactus in The Fantastic Four: First Steps have largely been kept under wraps during the promotional campaign. All that’s really been revealed is the fact he has marked Earth as his next target. If the film follows the source material, one can see how Ineson doesn’t see Galactus as “evil.” Like anyone else, he’s just trying to live. There’s potential here for a very compelling portrayal of the villain, who is widely considered to be one of the best Marvel characters. Perhaps First Steps‘ take on Galactus could paint the character as a tragic figure, cursed by his perpetual hunger for planets. It would be fascinating if Galactus was torn and conflicted about things, understanding his actions are fueled by an unfortunate necessity.

If Marvel Studios delivers on this promise, Galactus could emerge as one of the most captivating villains in all of the MCU. The franchise’s best antagonists are ones that are well-rounded, relatable characters who aren’t just mustache-twirling evildoers out for power. Marvel has arguably struggled in the villain department during Phases 4 and 5 by attempting to craft sympathetic figures as foils for the heroes, but this is an instance where that approach could pay off. Obviously, Galactus is someone who needs to be stopped, but the character is so much more than a world-consuming monster. First Steps can demonstrate that in a way that hasn’t been on screen before.

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Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps is gearing up for its highly anticipated release this summer, and it’s only a matter of time before tickets go on sale. Before those pre-orders become available, theaters need to book showtimes, which means they need to know how long the film is. First Steps has a new run time, and it’s a little shorter than the figure that was initially reported. The movie’s landing page on the official AMC Theatres website has been updated to indicate that it is 2 hours, 10 minutes (130 minutes) long.

Despite this change, First Steps remains the longest Fantastic Four feature film. The Tim Story-directed movies from the mid-2000s ran for 106 minutes and 92 minutes, while 2015’s reboot from director Josh Trank was 100 minutes. First Steps is also the longest Marvel Cinematic Universe installment released this year. Thunderbolts* ran for 127 minutes and Captain America: Brave New World was 119 minutes.

Back in February, the website for the UK-based theater chain Odeon claimed The Fantastic Four: First Steps would be 140 minutes. While it’s possible this figure could change again at some point over the next couple of months, it’s reasonable to assume AMC has received new information as the chain prepares for the film’s release this summer.

[RELATED – The Fantastic Four: First Steps Is More Important for the MCU Than You Realize]

The new First Steps run time comes out in the midst of Disney/Marvel putting together a big marketing push for the summer tentpole. In addition to releasing a new trailer that offered fans a look at the MCU’s Silver Surfer, the studio has looked to raise awareness by airing ads highlighting the cast’s chemistry during ESPN’s coverage of the 2025 NBA playoffs.

It’s unclear why the First Steps run time is different now than it was a few months ago. One possibility is that the original figure from Odeon was merely a placeholder. Another is that different chains might have received different information about the film. Perhaps at one point, The Fantastic Four: First Steps was going to be a bit longer before some footage was left on the cutting room floor. Every film has deleted scenes, so the run time could have fluctuated as the movie made its way through the editing process.

Some might be surprised that The Fantastic Four: First Steps is slightly shorter than initially believed. As the kickoff to the MCU’s Phase 6, the film has a lot on its plate, introducing viewers to a new set of characters and an entirely different setting (First Steps takes place in a 1960s-inspired retro-futuristic reality). The Fantastic Four are set to be key figures in Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, so First Steps needs all the time it needs to properly flesh everything out and get audiences acclimated with the new take on Marvel’s First Family. But arguably what’s even more important is how First Steps uses its time. Whether it’s 130 minutes or 140 minutes, what matters most is entertaining viewers with a well-paced story. As long as First Steps is that, Marvel fans won’t care about missing an extra 10 minutes.

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The Fantastic Four: First Steps will introduce Marvel’s first family of superheroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but their highly anticipated debut carries much more significance than most fans realize. Phase 6’s first movie centers on Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) as they fight to protect their world against Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and Shalla-Bal/Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). The Fantastic Four: First Steps takes place in a timeline separate from the MCU’s main universe, though the heroes will eventually arrive in Earth-616, as confirmed by the post-credits scene of Thunderbolts* and the Fantastic Four members’ involvement in 2026’s Avengers: Doomsday.

Avengers: Doomsday is the real make-or-break movie in the MCU’s near future, yet The Fantastic Four: First Steps remains almost as important. Several factors relating to the Fantastic Four’s revival, the film’s release in proximity to Doomsday, and the coinciding debut of the DC Universe with Superman two weeks earlier, cement The Fantastic Four: First Steps as the MCU’s most important movie since 2019’s Avengers: Endgame. A lot is riding on its success, and the MCU cannot afford to miss.

[RELATED: Marvel Fan Finds Surprising Trend About MCU Movie Ratings (But Fantastic Four Might Break It)]

The Significance of The Fantastic Four: First Steps Cannot Be Understated

As the third live-action film iteration of the titular team, The Fantastic Four: First Steps will face endless comparisons to the previous versions put forth in Fox’s 2005 and 2015 Fantastic Four movies — the former of which was followed by 2007’s Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. Neither of the aforementioned titles garnered much critical or fan praise – thus, the bar is set fairly low for The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Undeniably iconic comic book heroes, the Fantastic Four have frustratingly never reached their full potential in movies. If the MCU’s Fantastic Four emerges as the best rendition of the characters, comic book fans will be delighted, and faith in the MCU’s ability to reboot beloved heroes ahead of casting its new X-Men could be restored.

Fantastic Four: First Steps is the second-to-last MCU movie to hit theaters before Doomsday, adding another pivotal layer of expectations and stakes. Charged with providing an adequate setup for the first Avengers film in seven years, First Steps needs to thoroughly develop its characters before their high-stakes showdown with Doctor Doom (Robert Downey Jr.) while providing enough context for Doomsday’s overarching plot. A good portion of fan hype for Doomsday will rely on the audience’s reception of The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

DC Is Starting Its Own New Universe

Lastly, factoring into the immense importance of The Fantastic Four: First Steps is its release date, just two weeks after the new DC Universe’s first movie, Superman, opens in theaters. Directed by James Gunn, Superman will introduce David Corenswet as the newest portrayal of the legendary hero, beginning a long-awaited new era of interconnected DC movies. It feels like forever since Marvel and DC films had an equal impact on the box office or on the superhero zeitgeist. Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy of the 2000s and early 2010s remains DC’s only model of consistent quality, while 2017’s Wonder Woman and 2018’s Aquaman prevailed as aberrations amid the DC Extended Universe’s messy and underwhelming slate. Meanwhile, the MCU has taken advantage of DC’s failures, captivating moviegoers with the Infinity Saga from 2008 to 2019, and has mostly maintained its cultural relevancy despite some hiccups in the years following Avengers: Endgame.

But, with Superman arriving right before The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Gunn’s DCU has the chance to generate genuine competition with the MCU for years to come. There will be a box office battle between The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Superman, and the two movies will also compete for the approval of critics and audiences. Twin revivals of iconic superheroes should make for a fun duel this summer. Even though Superman is only one movie, it’s likely the start of a new era in which Marvel and DC vie for supremacy in the genre.

The MCU Could Be in Trouble if The Fantastic Four: First Steps Fails

A ton is at stake for the MCU with The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Although Thunderbolts* helped breathe new life into the franchise, The Fantastic Four: First Steps must carry the momentum into Avengers: Doomsday. The MCU can neither afford a box-office bomb nor a critical reception failure here, as the countdown to its all-important next Avengers outing wanes. With Superman setting the bar for success a couple of weeks earlier, The Fantastic Four: First Steps needs to match or exceed the response to the DCU’s flagship film. If The Fantastic Four: First Steps falls short, the MCU’s will be limping into Doomsday, which already lacks sufficient buildup. The MCU has to get The Fantastic Four: First Steps right to bring the best version of the Fantastic Four to the big screen, to establish a proper preface for Avengers: Doomsday, and to prove that it still dominates the superhero genre. 

The Fantastic Four: First Steps opens in theaters on July 25th.

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David Tennant, an actor remembered for his portrayal of Kilgrave in Marvel’s Jessica Jones, stated at a recent MCM Comic Con that he had previously been interested in the role of Reed Richards from the Fantastic Four. While Tennant doesn’t reveal if actual talks happened about him playing the leader of the Fantastic Four in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the idea of the actor playing the part offers an interesting “what if” scenario. The part of Reed Richards in Marvel Studios’ upcoming film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, has been filled by Pedro Pascal. Tennant also commented on this casting, indicating his approval of Pascal for the role, and is excited to see the MCU debut of Mr. Fantastic.

“In terms of superheroes, I did slightly have my eye on Reed Richards,” Tennant said when asked which MCU hero he would like to play. “Unfortunately, it looks like they’ve gone in a different direction. Although if it has to be someone, I’m very happy for it to be Pedro Pascal, frankly.”

[RELATED: The Fantastic Four: First Steps Reveals Best Look Yet at MCU Galactus]

Tennant is globally recognized for his energetic and beloved portrayal of the Tenth Doctor in the iconic BBC science fiction series Doctor Who, a role he held from 2005 to 2010 and reprised for special episodes. Beyond Doctor Who, Tennant garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards, including a BAFTA Scotland Award and an International Emmy, for his chilling performance as serial killer Dennis Nilsen in the miniseries Des. He also starred as DI Alec Hardy in the hit crime drama Broadchurch, a role which also earned him a BAFTA Scotland Award and several TV Choice Awards for Best Actor. Other notable roles that have cemented his status as a versatile actor include his performance as the demon Crowley in the popular Amazon Prime series Good Omens, based on the novel by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, and as Barty Crouch Jr. in the film Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

In the MCU, Tennant became one of the franchise’s most compelling and terrifying villains in Season 1 of Jessica Jones through his portrayal of Kilgrave. Also known as the Purple Man from the Marvel comics, Kilgrave could control anyone’s mind with a simple vocal command. Tennant’s performance was lauded for its chilling blend of charm and sadism, creating a deeply unsettling antagonist whose psychological torment of Jessica Jones (Krysten Ritter) and others formed the dark core of the season. While Killgrave has been long dead in the MCU, the series is being reincorporated into canon as Ritter is confirmed to reprise her role as Jessica Jones in the upcoming Season 2 of Daredevil: Born Again.

Pedro Pascal Will Lead Marvel’s First Family in The Fantastic Four: First Steps

While Tennant didn’t score the role of Mr. Fantastic, Marvel Studios is preparing to launch the First Family with The Fantastic Four: First Steps. In addition to Pasca, the movie also stars Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/The Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/The Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing. The film is being directed by Matt Shakman, who previously directed Marvel Studios’ series WandaVision. The film will adopt a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic setting in an alternate universe, with key antagonists including the cosmic entity Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and Shalla-Bal (Julia Garner), a version of the Silver Surfer.

Official tie-in merchandise for The Fantastic Four: First Steps has also offered an early glimpse of Franklin Richards, the son of Reed and Sue. In Marvel Comics, Franklin Richards’ powers include telepathy, telekinesis, and reality manipulation, which leads him to play a key role in 2015’s Secret Wars storyline. Since Marvel Studios is building the path to its own Avengers: Secret Wars movie, the introduction of Franklin might tease how the MCU will handle the reality-shattering event on the big screen. Following their introduction in First Steps, the four main actors portraying the Fantastic Four are confirmed to appear in the upcoming film Avengers: Doomsday, a reunion already teased by Thunderbolts*. So, it’s fair to assume Franklin will somehow be involved in the upcoming MCU crossovers.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is scheduled to arrive in theaters on July 25th.

What are your thoughts on David Tennant’s past interest in playing Reed Richards? Let us know in the comments.

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WARNING: There are Thunderbolts* spoilers ahead! A new preview image from The Fantastic Four: First Steps released on Wednesday shows Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal) and Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn) in space, perhaps answering a question left hanging at the end of Thunderbolts*. The photo — published by Fandango — shows the two in spacesuits with the Fantastic Four logo on them, and a larger emblem on the wall behind them. This likely means the team is heading to space after they have their powers and are established as superheroes. This could be the very same ship that we saw heading towards Earth-616 in the post-credit scene, and hopefully, it has the Fantastic Four on board.

It’s no surprise to see Reed, Johnny, Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) and Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby) in space. The group’s origin story is an experimental space flight where they were bombarded with cosmic rays, leaving them each with unique superpowers. However, we know that First Steps is not an origin story movie, and the team would not have its logo at the time of their origins anyway. Whatever this scene is, it takes place after the Fantastic Four are established as a team.

This confirms that the Fantastic Four already have the resources to return to space at the time of this story. From there, it’s reasonable to speculate that they may be in the very spaceship we see in the post-credits scene of Thunderbolts*. Hopefully, this means it’s the Fantastic Four themselves heading towards the MCU’s primary earth setting, though it could still be their ship with someone else on board — perhaps Doctor Doom (Robert Downey Jr.).

[RELATED: I Think the MCU Needs Its Veteran Directors To Bring the Franchise Back]

The set-up at the end of Thunderbolts* seems to be intentionally mysterious. We’re told explicitly that the scene takes place 14 months after Val declares the team the “New Avengers,” but we’re also told that they’re still at odds with Sam Wilson’s team. We then see a satellite image of a ship heading towards earth with the Fantastic Four logo painted on the side. The Avengers are not sure whether to regard it as a threat, and they’re watching closely. They have confirmation that the ship came from an alternate dimension, not just elsewhere in space.

First Steps takes place in a separate timeline from the rest of the MCU, and there are plenty of ways it could crossover into the main reality of Earth-616. The logo is a good hint that the Fantastic Four developed the interdimensional travel themselves, but it’s not clear why, nor why they’re targeting Earth-616. It’s also possible that the team developed this technology only to have it stolen by Doom, who might have some nefarious reason of his own to shift timelines.

It’s a mystery that’s likely to go unsolved until The Fantastic Four: First Steps hits theaters on July 25th. Thunderbolts* is still playing in theaters around the U.S.

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Hungry for a new look at The Fantastic Four: First Steps villain Galactus? Ralph Ineson‘s big bad looms large over Marvel’s First Family — Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Richards/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm/the Human Torch (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm/the Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) — in the Marvel Studios movie, which has the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) herald his arrival to Earth in 1960s retro-futuristic New York City.

In a new piece of promotional art that comes from the film’s partnership with Snapple, the planet-devouring Galactus is shown towering over the Fantastic Four’s headquarters: the Baxter Building. (Unlike most floating head posters, Ineson’s Galactus is true to size.)

RELATED: The Fantastic Four: First Steps Director Explains Why Galactus Is the Villain (And Not Doctor Doom)

Like the Eater-of-Worlds consuming planets to satiate his ravenous hunger, Snapple will help fans quench their thirst with a line of Fantastic Four collectible bottles. Each of four classic flavors will feature one member of the Fab Four: Snapple Apple (Mister Fantastic), Peach Tea (Invisible Woman), Peach Tea Zero Sugar (Human Torch), and Kiwi Strawberry (The Thing).

In the comics, Galactus is Galan from the planet Taa and the sole survivor of a universe that existed before the cosmos-birthing Big Bang. Introduced in 1966’s classic Fantastic Four #48 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby — the first in the Galactus Trilogy that also marked the debut of his space-faring herald, Norrin Radd’s Silver Surfer — Galactus first came to Earth as the Silver sought a planet with the energy and elemental resources to sustain his master. (The threat was so great that Uatu the Watcher, who vowed to never interfere with the events he would solemnly observe, intervened in an attempt to conceal the Fantastic Four’s home planet from Galactus.)

After appearing as a featureless cosmic cloud in 2007’s Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, the comic-accurate Galactus is also taking his first steps into the Marvel Cinematic Universe — with Ineson inhabiting the role beyond off-screen voicework.

“I didn’t want to just use motion-capture for Galactus. I wanted to actually have someone there embodying the part,” director Matt Shakman previously told Entertainment Weekly about the Game of Thrones and Nosferatu actor. “So we’ve built an entire costume for him, and we’ve done a lot of photography testing to figure out, ‘How do you make sure that the scale is correct? How do you film Mount Rushmore?’”

Set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world in an alternate Marvel Cinematic Universe timeline, The Fantastic Four: First Steps “introduces Marvel’s First Family as they face their most daunting challenge yet,” the synopsis states. “Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, they must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer. And if Galactus’ plan to devour the entire planet and everyone on it weren’t bad enough, it suddenly gets very personal.”

Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps — starring Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ralph Ineson, Julia Garner, Paul Walter Hauser, Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles, and John Malkovich — opens only in theaters on July 25.

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Official tie-in merchandise for The Fantastic Four: First Steps spoils the first look at one of the most popular Marvel characters: Franklin Richards. Included in the first batch of First Steps Funko Pop! collectibles is a Sue Storm figure, and it comes packaged with little baby Franklin. Sue’s infant son is dressed in an outfit that’s the inverse of the Fantastic Four team, as his clothes are predominantly white with blue accents. The rest of the initial wave of Funkos consists of Reed Richards, the Human Torch, Silver Surfer, and two variations of the Thing. In one, Ben Grimm spots his classic Fantastic Four costume; in the other, he’s in his civilian trench coat and top hat.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps marketing has teased Franklin’s arrival to the MCU on multiple occasions. The film’s trailer confirms Sue is pregnant, while a still image features the family’s robot assistant HERBIE building a crib for Franklin. To this point, it was unknown if Franklin would be seen on screen, but the Funkos indicate he will be born during the movie.

Audiences are going to meet a lot of powerful characters in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, including the villain Galactus, but Franklin’s impending introduction to the MCU is perhaps one of the movie’s most exciting developments. In Marvel Comics, Franklin is one of the mightiest beings in the multiverse. He possesses telepathic and telekinetic abilities, and he can shoot energy blasts and create pocket dimensions. Franklin plays a significant role in the 2015 Secret Wars comic event.

[RELATED – Marvel Fan Finds Surprising Trend About MCU Movie Ratings (But Fantastic Four Might Break It)]

After making their debut in this summer’s First Steps, the Fantastic Four will appear in both Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars. While it’s been confirmed Reed, Sue, Johnny, and Ben are all returning, nothing has been said about whether or not Franklin will be featured in the Avengers films.

The Franklin Storm Funko Pop! could be a sign that there will be some sort of time jump in First Steps. When Johnny and Ben deduct Sue is pregnant in the trailer, she does not have a baby bump. It’s likely the family learns the news early on in the film before it skips ahead several months. Since this is the first time the Fantastic Four have been properly featured in the MCU, the movie’s first act could be fairly low-stakes, establishing the characters and how they fit in the 1960s retro-futuristic dimension, and then the Galactus crisis happens once the foundation has been laid. Easing viewers in and getting acclimated to a fresh set of characters and setting would be best.

If Franklin is born during First Steps, it’s reasonable to assume he’s on the spaceship with his parents and uncles in the Thunderbolts* post-credits scene. Whatever causes the Fantastic Four to arrive in Earth-616, they aren’t going to leave the baby behind. It’ll be interesting to see how Franklin fits into future MCU installments. Marvel Studios probably wouldn’t bring someone with his power set into the fold unless there was a plan in place to utilize the character in some way. Avengers: Doomsday already had a lot on its plate with 27 confirmed actors, and now there could be a super-powered baby in the mix. Perhaps the Avengers films will have a time jump of their own so they could portray Franklin at an older age.

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Everything is about to get fantastic for Marvel fans! Well, it would be better if we could stretch or become invisible. We might need to take bursting into flames into more consideration. It all starts with Funko’s latest drop, which is inspired by the upcoming Marvel Studios film The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and you’re getting your first official look here at ComicBook! What’s more, there’s a (small) spoiler in the wave that will be very interesting for the MCU moving forward.

Marvel’s latest attempt at bringing the original super-powered family to the big screen aims to break the MCU’s yo-yo between duds and successes. With Thunderbolts* earning a Rotten Tomatoes score of 88%, it’s now up to Fantastic Four to keep the success going, and a new wave of Funko Pops is sure to help. The wave includes Mr. Fantastic, Human Torch, and The Thing of course, but it also includes Silver Surfer and a super-sized Galactus. However, the really interesting Pop in this wave is The Invisible Woman (with Franklin) Pop & Buddy.

The trailer for Fantastic Four: First Steps revealed that Sue Storm is pregnant in the film, and one would assume that it would be with Franklin Richards. However, the Pop & Buddy figure shows that he will actually be born in the movie and presumably take his…first steps toward becoming one of the most powerful characters in the Marvel Universe. To secure your own Fantastic Four: First Steps Funko Pops, head to Entertainment Earth here or here on Amazon / Hot Topic to pre-order. A direct link to the exclusive in the wave can be found below.

• The Fantastic Four: First Steps The Thing in Trench Coat Funko Pop! Vinyl Figure – Entertainment Earth Exclusive
• Fantastic Four Galactus Super 6-Inch Funko Pop
• Fantastic Four Silver Surfer Funko Pop
• POP & Buddy: Invisible Woman (Sue Storm) w/ Franklin
• Fantastic Four Mister Fantastic (Reed Richards) Funko Pop (a Keychain option is also available)
• Fantastic Four Human Torch (Johnny Storm) Funko Pop
• Fantastic Four The Thing (Ben Grimm) Funko Pop

On a related note, the first Fantastic Four LEGO set ever recently debuted, and it features the villain that all of us are so anxious to see. The Fantastic Four vs. Galactus Construction Figure (76316) includes 427 pieces and four minifigures with unique accessories. The set centers around a posable and buildable figure of the villain Galactus, who’s facing off against minifigures of Mr. Fantastic with extendable legs, Human Torch with hand blasters, feet flames and a flight prop, the Invisible Woman with force shields, and The Thing with extra-large hands.Fans can get their orders in starting on May 31st / June 1st at 9pm PT / 12am ET right here at the LEGO Shop for $59.99.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ cast features Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/The Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/The Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing. Fans will also get a chance to see Ralph Ineson as Galactus and Julia Garner as Shalla-Bal, a female version of the Silver Surfer. The Fantastic Four: First Steps hits theaters on July 25th.

Want to stay up to date with Marvel collectibles and news? Then keep an eye on our Gear Page!

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The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s future is sure looking a lot like its past. The Fantastic Four: First Steps, for instance, is helmed by WandaVision’s helmer Matt Shakman, and only after it was supposed to be directed by Jon Watts, the man responsible for helming the three Tom Holland Spider-Man movies. Anthony and Joe Russo are back for the next two Avengers installments, while Shang-Chi filmmaker Destin Daniel Cretton is helming Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Meanwhile, rumors are swirling that Thunderbolts* director Jake Schreier is helming the MCU’s X-Men reboot.

Even on the television side of things, Moon Knight and Loki season two directors Aaron Benson and Justin Moorhead are now directors of various season one and two episodes of Daredevil: Born Again, and Cretton is a key figure behind Wonder Man. The MCU is pretty much just relying on a handful of names to realize its projects now (particularly on the big screen), as the studio tries to recapture its former glory. While not an ideal creative approach, this just might be exactly the course correction the MCU needs.

The MCU’s Weird History With Directors

The original Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase One movies hired veterans of filmmaking, like Jon Favreau, Kenneth Branagh, and Joe Johnston, to helm various titles. Even Joss Whedon, who only had one feature-length directorial effort to his name before The Avengers, had at least worked in Hollywood for decades. Phases Two and (especially) Three began a trend of embracing smaller indie directors fresh on the scene who could helm big blockbusters. Jon Watts, Taika Waititi, and Ryan Coogler all came from this approach, while Anna Boden & Ryan Fleck (Captain Marvel) were indie veterans. While the MCU’s default directors were Sundance darlings, the studio often resorted to a small collection of screenwriters to get scripts done.

Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely, Chris McKenna & Erik Sommers, Patrick Burleigh, Megan McDonnell, and especially Eric Pearson were all longtime fixtures as MCU screenwriters across the first five Phases. Heck, many of them were veterans of the Marvel Studios screenwriter program! They were the perfect go-to people to execute titles that, starting with Phase Four, always featured “A Kevin Feige Production” in the end credits but not “A Jon Watts Film”, “A Jake Schreier Film,” or “A Nia DaCosta Film.” The MCU’s director choices externally reflected “authorship”, but it was clear that Fiege was running the ship and had go-to writers to help realize those visions.

[RELATED: These Are The Only MCU Movies That Lost Money In Their Theatrical Runs]

All of that to say, perhaps it’s best that the MCU finally put down the facade and finally have its choice in directors mirror the franchise’s recurring screenwriters. The scripts for the MCU have always operated more like TV show scripts or the screenplays that would’ve filtered through MGM’s Golden Age. Now the MCU has a reliable stable of directors it can turn to in churning out new projects. Feige likely loves the idea of putting behind him the endless struggles of Julius Onah’s Captain America: Brave New World, Peyton Reed’s Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, or even Sam Raimi’s tormented return to blockbuster cinema, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness – just as he quickly tired of trying to juggle the creative whims of veteran filmmakers like Joe Johnston (The First Avenger), Kenneth Branagh (Thor), and even MCU icons like Jon Favreau (Iron Man) and Joss Whedon (The Avengers).

Young Fresh Voices May Now Have Fewer Opportunities To Get Sucked Into The MCU

Ryan Coogler was just a few months shy of 30 when he got hired for Black Panther. Jon Watts just turned 34 when he got the Spider-Man: Homecoming gig. Chloe Zhao was 36 when she was hired for Eternals. By contrast, Shawn Levy was 56 when Deadpool & Wolverine hit theaters, Matt Shakman will turn 50 a few years after First Steps hit theaters, and both of the Russo Brothers are well into their 50s as they gear up to helm Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars. The MCU now resorting to recurring directorial talent means that the studio is no longer angling to get fresh-faced Sundance darlings. The franchise is now turning to a small pool of superhero blockbuster veterans to get its projects, especially movies, done right.

For cinema writ large, that decision could be a massive boon. Recent outstandingly talented indie cinema auteurs like A.V. Rockwell, Rich Peppiatt, Shuchi Talati, and countless others may no longer be on the radar of Feige and company. That’ll leave these artists time and resources to create exciting original cinematic visions, rather than getting stuck directing three Iron Fist movies. Look at how much fervent creativity Boden and Fleck channeled into their post-Captain Marvel project Freaky Tales, or how infinitely better Nia DaCosta’s debut feature, Little Woods, is compared to The Marvels. Freaky Tales and Woods are the kind of smaller, original productions indie directors need to be encouraged to create, rather than every one of these artists making the Colin Trevorrow leap from Safety Not Guaranteed to Jurassic World.

Feige and the rest of Marvel Studios’ brass turning to a smaller, pre-determined group of directors to handle its film and TV operations could allow more cinematic artists to follow their own path, rather than getting caught up in the Disney machine. And hey, if Marvel Studios improves its recent cinematic track record by relying on proven talent, that’s just a nice bonus. Though it doesn’t suggest tremendously versatile works are in the MCU’s future, a new emphasis on recurring veteran directors (particularly for films) does seem to be a smart move for both franchise and the greater landscape of cinema.

Thunderbolts* is now playing in theaters, The Fantastic Four: First Steps hits theaters on July 25th.

The post I Think the MCU Needs Its Veteran Directors To Bring the Franchise Back appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Marvel’s First Family joins the Marvel Cinematic Universe on July 25th with the debut of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which gives you plenty of time to build the new LEGO set inspired by the film. Interestingly, this is the first Fantastic Four set that LEGO has ever produced, but we will undoubtedly see plenty more before the film ends its run in theaters. It all starts with the Fantastic Four vs. Galactus Construction Figure (76316) which will come with 427 pieces and four minifigures with unique accessories.

The set centers around a posable and buildable figure of the villain Galactus that’s facing off off against minifigures of Mr. Fantastic with extendable legs, Human Torch with hand blasters, feet flames and a flight prop, the Invisible Woman with force shields, and The Thing with extra-large hands. You’ll be able to get your order in starting on May 31st / June 1st at 9pm PT / 12am ET right here at the LEGO Shop for $59.99. As you’re about to see, that’s not the only Marvel-themed LEGO set that you should have on your radar for the Summer.

The Fantastic Four set joins several Marvel LEGO releases that are pegged for August 2025. You can find all of the details right here, but a quick breakdown with links is available below. Note that we expect that more sets will be unveiled in the coming weeks, so stay tuned to our LEGO page for info on the latest drops.

• LEGO Spider-Man vs. Doc Ock Subway Train Scene (76321) / 393 pieces / $54.99 / Available to pre-order now / See here at LEGO
• LEGO Spider-Man vs. Oscorp (76324) / 808 pieces / $139.99 / Available to order August 1 / See here at LEGO:
• LEGO Avengers: Age of Ultron Quinjet (76325) / 1131 pieces / $129.99 / Available to pre-order now / See here at LEGO
• LEGO Peter Parker’s Apartment (76317) / 394 pieces / $54.99 / Available to pre-order now / See here at LEGO
• LEGO Iron Man & War Machine vs. Hammer Drones (76320) / 204 pieces / $22.99 / Available to order August 1 / See here at LEGO
• LEGO Captain America vs. Thanos (76319) / 107 pieces / $39.99 / Available to order August 1 / See here at LEGO
• LEGO Avengers: Endgame Thor vs. Chitauri (76322) / 373 pieces / $54.99 / Available to order August 1 / See here at LEGO

You can find many of the upcoming LEGO releases here in the “Coming Soon” section on the LEGO website. After the launch, they will shift here in the “Available Now” section. Some of the new releases will be available here on Amazon, but in most cases you’ll want to stick with LEGO to take advantage of the special offers for Insiders. You can sign up for a free LEGO Insiders account right here.

The post LEGO Galactus Is The First Ever Fantastic Four Set appeared first on ComicBook.com.

A meticulous Marvel fan has unearthed a fascinating trend in the reception of recent Marvel Cinematic Universe films, suggesting a methodical alternating pattern of critical and audience duds followed by beloved hits. Reddit user WithArsenicSauce recently posted a detailed analysis on the popular /r/marvelstudios subreddit, compiling and averaging scores from four major review aggregate metrics: Rotten Tomatoes (both critic and audience scores), IMDb, and Letterboxd. By converting these varied ratings into a standardized 0-100 score and then calculating an average for each film, the user’s data reveals a distinct “one bomb, one hit” cycle that has seemingly been in effect since the release of 2022’s Thor: Love and Thunder. The question now is whether the highly anticipated Fantastic Four: First Steps will continue or decisively break this peculiar pattern.

According to WithArsenicSauce’s compilation, Thor: Love and Thunder kicked off this cycle with a middling average score of 58 out of 100. This was immediately followed by Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, which garnered a significantly stronger average of 76, marking it as a “hit” in this sequence. The trend continued with Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania dipping back down to an average of 54, only for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 to soar with an impressive 82. Subsequently, The Marvels saw a lower average of 57, which was then contrasted by the widely anticipated Deadpool & Wolverine achieving a robust 78. Most recently in this observed pattern, Captain America: Brave New World received an average of 55, followed by Thunderbolts*, which landed an average score of 81. This consistent yo-yo effect — low score, high score, low score, high score — paints a picture of an almost predictable wave in how these films are being received overall.

[RELATED: Thunderbolts* Is a Hit (But Will It Make Enough Money?)]

Rotten Tomatoes provides a percentage score from critics and a separate percentage score from audiences, both taken into account by WithArsenicSauce. IMDb uses a user-based rating out of 10 stars, and Letterboxd uses a 5-star system predominantly driven by its user community. Converting these into a unified 0-100 scale and averaging them aims to provide a more holistic view of each film’s overall reception across different segments of viewers and critics, instead of valuing only one source of feedback. While not an official studio metric, this fan-driven analysis offers a visual representation of the MCU’s fluctuating appeal in its post-Endgame era, addressing fans’ concerns about the continuity of the MCU.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps Could Break the MCU’s Reception Curse

With Thunderbolts* seemingly locking in as a “hit” in the fan-observed alternating pattern with an average score of 81, the sequence would predict that the next MCU theatrical release, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, is due for a more lukewarm or even negative reception. However, many factors surrounding Marvel’s First Family suggest this highly anticipated film could be the one to shatter the curse. For starters, set for a prime summer release on July 25, 2025, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is the official MCU introduction of some of the most iconic characters in Marvel Comics history, a debut eagerly awaited since Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox’s assets. Then, the film is tasked with kicking off Phase Six of the MCU, setting the stage for epic crossovers like Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. So, it’s fair to assume Marvel Studios has been more careful while overseeing the production of The Fantastic Four: First Steps to avoid a failure that could damage the brand even further.

It’s also worth noting that Marvel Studios has assembled a compelling team for The Fantastic Four: First Steps. The core cast features Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/The Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/The Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing. Adding to the anticipation, the film is confirmed to feature formidable cosmic villains, with Ralph Ineson cast as Galactus and Julia Garner portraying Shalla-Bal, a version of the Silver Surfer. Behind the camera, Matt Shakman, lauded for his Emmy-winning work on Marvel Studios’ critically acclaimed Disney+ series WandaVision, is directing. Shakman’s involvement alone has raised expectations for a unique and thoughtful approach to the material, increasing the odds that First Steps will bring back the Marvel wonder lacking from many recent projects.

Thunderbolts* is now available in theaters. The Fantastic Four: First Steps hits theaters on July 25th.

What do you make of this alternating reception pattern for recent MCU movies? And do you think Fantastic Four: First Steps will break the trend? Share your thoughts in the comments!

The post Marvel Fan Finds Surprising Trend About MCU Movie Ratings (But Fantastic Four Might Break It) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Thunderbolts* introduced a new team of heroes who will do their best to protect the Earth from upcoming threats. The latest Marvel Cinematic Universe movie also began to pave the way for the future of the franchise. While audiences were happy to see unexpected characters delivering a very solid movie, the post-credits sequence from Thunderbolts* turned out to be somewhat confusing. Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) and the rest of her team witness a foreign ship making its way to the planet, and the scanners reveal that the aircraft belong to the Fantastic Four. It could be easy to predict that Marvel’s First Family will lose during the events of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which is why they’re headed to the main timeline. But what if that wasn’t the case?

The Fantastic Four: First Steps hasn’t been released yet. Fans can’t know for sure the exact reason why the team is headed towards the Earth that the Avengers have protected for years. Instead of losing against Galactus (Ralph Ineson), there could be plenty of reasons as to why the Fantastic Four could be desperate to make contact with the heroes of this universe, and it all comes down to what’s about to happen in the MCU.

1) A Warning Regarding Doom

Marvel Studios shocked the world when they announced that Robert Downey Jr. will appears as Doctor Doom in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. Even if viewers know who Doctor Doom is in the comic books and who will be portraying him on the big screen, Marvel hasn’t revealed where this villain will hail from originally. We could assume that Downey’s Doctor Doom originates from the Earth in The Fantastic Four: First Steps and that the team led by Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal) could have some experience with the villain by the time the credits roll on their movie.

Should this pan out, it wouldn’t be the first time heroes from the MCU travel long distances to warn their peers about upcoming threats. In Avengers: Infinity War, Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) was sent by Heimdall (Idris Elba) to warn Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) about the arrival of Thanos (Josh Brolin), and the same thing could happen between the Avengers and the Fantastic Four.

The Fantastic Four don’t have to lose against Galactus in order to warn other timelines about the arrival of Doctor Doom either. A possible outcome could be the team defeating Galactus before confronting Robert Downey Jr.’s villain, creating the need for them to travel to a different universe while seeking help.

2) A Heroic Sacrifice

Facing off the latest version of Galactus won’t be an easy task for the Fantastic Four. In the comics, the villain is able to consume entire planets to satisfy his hunger. This will almost certainly be the larger conflict of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, a hungry abomination making his way to the Fantastic Four’s home in order to consume it all. The team won’t have a lot of time to come up with a plan and one course of action will be to gather as much information about Galactus as possible before time runs out.

The trailers for The Fantastic Four: First Steps hinted at this conflict with the introduction of the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner), who made her way to Earth to declare the planet as “marked for death.” What if fighting against Galactus isn’t the only price the Fantastic Four have to pay? Perhaps the team could be forced out of their universe as a sacrifice. The last resort to save their people could be related to the group escaping towards the main MCU timeline. If this scenario happens to take place, the people of the Fantastic Four’s timeline is saved while the team itself travels closer to the events of Avengers: Doomsday.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps will reveal the fate of Marvel’s First Family, but the tease of their arrival in the MCU at the end of Thunderbolts may not be as spoilery as some fans believe.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps premieres in theaters on July 25.

The post Is Thunderbolts’ Post-Credits Scene Really The Spoiler It Seems to Be? appeared first on ComicBook.com.

With 36 movies and 11 Disney+ shows, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has had a lot of villains. So many, in fact, that it’s somewhat difficult to narrow the list down to 10. But some do stand above others, and those are the ones that follow. However, if they’ve become heroes in subsequent projects since their debut as a villain, they were left off. That means no Ghost from Ant-Man and the Wasp (though she was and remains one of the MCU’s most underrated villains) or the Winter Soldier in his brainwashed form. That also means no Loki, who was an iconic villain in 2012’s The Avengers but has since changed his self-serving ways. But if this were a ranking of even villains who haven’t remained as such, Loki would rank number one.

And if you’re expecting to see Kang the Conqueror from Loki‘s first season and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, he’s not here. Maybe in another universe where Avengers: The Kang Dynasty was actually made. Just missing the cut were Justin Hammer from Iron Man 2, Red Skull from Captain America: The First Avenger, and Alexander Pierce from Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Without further ado, here are the top MCU villains.

10) Iron Monger

On one hand, Jeff Bridges’ Obadiah Stane/Iron Monger kicked off an unfortunate trend when it comes to MCU villainy. Specifically, the antagonist is just the evil variation of the protagonist. For instance, in the universe’s sophomore film, The Incredible Hulk, as well as in Ant-Man, and Black Panther (to an extent). But the first time out the gate it worked, thanks in no small part to the strength of Bridges’ performance.

It’s amazing how well Iron Man works as a whole, considering it was shot without a finished script. This includes Bridges’ role within the film. You believe his contempt for Tony Stark; he feels wronged, slighted. In reality, the company was always going to go to Tony. As well it should, not because of nepotism or birthright, but rather because, unlike Stane, Stark has original ideas. Stane just wheels and deals under the table and steals inventive concepts from actual geniuses.

9) Valentina Allegra de Fontaine

Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ Valentina Allegra de Fontaine was a presence in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Black Widow, and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, where she was shown to be as unethical as Obadiah Stane, to an increasing degree. But she didn’t reach the level of full-on villain until Thunderbolts*. Prior to that, she was just shady.

In Thunderbolts* Val’s willing to not only lie, cheat, and cover up dirty deeds, she’s willing to have people killed – oftentimes to, well, cover things up. Louis-Dreyfus is ranged enough as a performer to make de Fontaine endearingly snarky, and by the same token, ranged enough to make her seem utterly unpredictable. She’s the best fully human villain (who never suits up) thus far, even over Justin Hammer, Senator Stern, and Alexander Pierce.

8) Kingpin

In the opening, we mentioned how Netflix villains were excluded, hence no Kilgrave. But Vincent D’Onofrio’s Kingpin has since appeared in both Hawkeye, Echo, and Daredevil: Born Again. Even in Hawkeye, with such limited screentime, he was a formidable presence.

D’Onofrio was and remains a perfect choice for the character, and that’s only become clearer as Kingpin’s story and backstory has been expanded. The actor does a great job displaying the man’s ambition but, even more importantly, he does a great job convincing the audience the crime lord has as much pain inside him as he does rage.

7) Hela

After the incredibly lame Dark Elves in Thor: The Dark World, the God of Thunder film franchise really needed a great villain for film three. And, in Cate Blanchett’s Hela in Thor: Ragnarok, it got one.

On one hand, it would be really easy to chalk up the success of Hela to Blanchett’s immense talent. But Christian Bale, a comparably talented performer, was enlisted for the following film, and even though he was the best part of it, he wasn’t enough to save it. And, admittedly, his storyline in that film was actually pretty touching. But Hela is just flat-out more fun, and Blanchett has fun with it.

6) Agatha Harkness

Is there an argument to be made that Agatha Harkness was a reformed woman in Agatha All Along? Sure, but she still wasn’t quite what one would call a protagonist. She just wasn’t the one being toyed with that time. There were quite a few moments when she showed the same colors she showed towards the end of WandaVision.

The first Marvel Disney+ series is still the best one, and it’s likely to remain as such. WandaVision is one of the most uniformly excellent projects to come from the MCU, big screen or small. This includes the whole-episode emulations of television past as well as the big reveal that Westview is being controlled by Wanda Maximoff. And, of course, there’s the reveal that the strange occurrences in Westview have been originating from Agatha, all along.

[RELATED: 10 Best Non-Superhero Movies from MCU Directors]

5) Ego, The Living Planet

One’s favorite installment of the Guardians of the Galaxy Trilogy is less certain than pretty much any other MCU trilogy. But, without a doubt, Ego is the best villain of the three. As great as many people find the first film to be, there was a pretty unanimous consensus that Ronan the Accuser was dull.

Kurt Russell’s Ego is anything but. Like another entry on this list, he’s a father figure, and not a particularly good one. It’s just, in this case, the protagonist is led to believe he’s a good one, only to find out the reality is the opposite in a devastating reveal. The other example is a blatantly poor father who ends up having a soul after all.

4) Vulture

Anyone can understand a protective parent, even if they’re not a parent themself. That’s exactly what Vulture is in Spider-Man: Homecoming. And were it not for Doc Ock and Green Goblin, he’d be the best villain in a Spider-Man movie, period.

The moment Peter Parker realizes his date’s father, Adrian Toomes, is the Vulture is great, but so too is the moment Toomes realizes Parker is Spider-Man. Toomes even gives Parker an out: he can just go into prom and forget about everything he knows when it comes to Toomes’ illegal business activities, but the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man knows that’s not what heroes do. Vulture is compelling because he doesn’t really want to hurt anyone, but sometimes feels he has to. He’s been messed over by the government and, to an extent, by Tony Stark. He’s just trying to provide for his family.

3) Xu Wenwu

A complex motivation can be compelling, but so too can a simplistic one. In the case of Xu Wenwu AKA the (real) Mandarin from Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, that simplistic motivation is also quite complex. Namely, love.

Or, more specifically, love that has become grief and false hope. Wenwu was never a particularly great father to Shang-Chi, showing him how to commit acts of violence when he should have been teaching him compassion. But compassion isn’t the name of Wenwu’s game; it never was. He’s a conqueror, and a driven one at that. But once he is led to believe he can possibly reunite with his deceased wife, that vast ambition is redirected. By the end of the film, Wenwu learns what is important, but up until his final moments, he is one of the most interesting villains in comic book movie history.

2) Killmonger

Admittedly, Namor in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is pretty great. And, if this list were longer, he’d be there. But as far as the Black Panther franchise goes, there’s just no beating the original’s Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan).

Writer/director Ryan Coogler is an absolute master of crafting villains whose motivations are understandable, even if their actions are not (see Sinners for another example), and Killmonger is no exception. Unlike Obadiah Stane, who just feels as though he’s been cheated out of a throne, Killmonger actually was. His way of ruling, brief as that rule is, may be eerily similar to a dictatorship, but the reasons for his anger are justifiable. Sure, once the film becomes two men in Black Panther suits fighting next to futuristic trains, it becomes a little bland, but as a character, Killmonger is fantastic.

1) Thanos

It’s doubtful the MCU will ever have a villain more iconic than Thanos. For one, the franchise spent multiple phases slowly building up his presence before unleashing him in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. Doctor Doom will give him a run for his overarching antagonist money, but it’s still a tall order.

It remains to be seen how Avengers: Doomsday will handle Doom, but the big question is whether he will be as complex a character as Thanos. We watch this guy kill the villain of the first MCU team-up movie in the first few minutes and later throw his daughter off a cliff to complete his mission. Not to mention, the mission itself is the instantaneous elimination of half of all life in the universe. Thanos feels his actions are wholly altruistic. Of course, it’s really just genocide, but he doesn’t see it that way. That’s a powerful character, in more ways than one.

MCU movies are streaming on Disney+.

The post 10 Best MCU Villains, Ranked (And Vulture Is #4) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

With Thunderbolts* finally available, Marvel fans get to break down the movie’s exciting post-credits scene in search of clues about the MCU’s future. In particular, Thunderbolts* unexpectedly offers hints on what to expect from The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which will be coming to theaters in a few months. While the post-credits scene is obviously teasing a future team-up, validated by the casting of Avengers: Doomsday, there’s still plenty we don’t know about those images, with some theories even pointing out an even more tragic setting than we first imagined. Of course, we’ll have to deal with full Thunderbolts* spoilers below, so be warned.

In Thunderbolts* post-credits scene, Yelena’s (Florence Pugh) team has been operating as the New Avengers for 14 months, using the former Avengers Tower as their new headquarters. At the end of this enlightening scene, the Watchtower’s computers detect an interdimensional ship approaching Earth. The satellite images of the vessel reveal it’s adorned with the Fantastic Four symbol, teasing the arrival of Marvel’s First Family in the Sacred Timeline.

[RELATED: Is Wilson Fisk the New York City Mayor in Thunderbolts*?]

The scene reignites speculation about The Fantastic Four: First Steps, seemingly confirming the First Family’s tragic fate. After all, if the Fantastic Four is coming from an alternative timeline, that most likely means their home world was destroyed somehow, turning them into interdimensional exiles. However, since we don’t see who is inside the ship, Thunderbolts* could be teasing an even more disturbing fate.

Are All the Members of the Fantastic Four Coming to the Sacred Timeline?

While the Fantastic Four ship appears at the end of Thunderbolts*, there’s no telling if all the members of the First Family are aboard it. In fact, uncertain if the ship carries anyone at all. The ship could have been sent by the FF as a warning, trying to alert other timelines of the dangerous Incursions currently destroying the multiverse. Or, in a tragic twist of fate, the ship could have only a few of the Fantastic Four heroes, those who managed to escape the fury of Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom.

Splitting the Fantastic Four would raise the stakes for Avengers: Doomsday, as the First Family would have to work on two different fronts to reunite. That could be the primary motivator for the FF to join forces with the Sacred Timeline heroes, as they would need to venture into the multiverse to rescue their loved ones. This possibility would also position the FF members who arrive at the Sacred Timeline as guides to the rest of the heroes, aware of the dangers that lie ahead and how to navigate the thread of splitting timelines that now populate the MCU since the end of Loki.

Thunderbolts* is now available in theaters. The Fantastic Four: First Steps hits theaters on July 25th.

Who do you think is aboard the Fantastic Four spaceship in the Thunderbolts* post-credits scene? Join the discussion in the comments!

The post New Fantastic Four Theory Could Mean You’re Totally Wrong About That Thunderbolts* Scene appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Marvel Studios has officially revealed the voice actor behind HERBIE in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and it’s someone Star Wars fans are quite familiar with. The titular team’s lovable robot companion is voiced by Matthew Wood, who previously voiced villain General Grievous in multiple Star Wars projects. First Steps director Matthew Shakman opened up about how HERBIE fits into the film and shed some light on the qualities Wood brought to the role. He also discussed the various techniques used to portray HERBIE during production, including a wooden stand-in puppet and a functioning animatronic.

“He’s absolutely as important and as alive as any other member of the cast,” Shakman told Empire about HERBIE. “He’s sometimes a slightly put-upon robot, but he is definitely a member of the family. He’s just so charming and adorable. He is really Reed’s right hand in the lab, capable of assisting him on any sort of experiment, always by his side, whether in New York City or out in space … He’s charming, he’s funny — but he also will break your heart. Which I hope is emblematic of the movie.” Empire also unveiled a new image of HERBIE building a baby crib:

The Fantastic Four: First Steps marks the first proper live-action appearance for HERBIE. The character was previously in a deleted scene from 2005’s Fantastic Four, a silent cameo where the robot was seen on a shelf. With First Steps marketing focusing on establishing the MCU’s version of Marvel’s First Family, HERBIE hasn’t been spotlighted much in promotional materials. However, he can be seen in the trailers, making sauce for dinner.

[RELATED – Fantastic Four: First Steps Getting First-Ever Canon MCU Comic From Marvel]

Wood has made a name for himself by working in the sound department on various movies and TV shows, but arguably his biggest claim to fame is voicing General Grievous. He first played the Separatist leader in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, later reprising the role in projects like The Clone Wars and Star Wars: Battlefront II. The Fantastic Four: First Steps is the first time he’s been involved in a Marvel movie as an actor.

It doesn’t sound like HERBIE has a huge role in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, but he should still be a memorable part. He’ll probably be used as a source of comic relief; The Thing’s interaction with HERBIE from the trailer (where Thing tastes the sauce) is played for laughs, so there are likely other similar moments involving the robot. It should be fun to see what his dynamic with the four main team members is like, particularly Reed. Plus, his long-awaited inclusion in a live-action film will help First Steps differentiate from previous big-screen versions, paying homage to a Stan Lee/Jack Kirby creation with decades of history. HERBIE’s inclusion is just another way First Steps tips its hat to the past.

What’s interesting is that Shakman notes HERBIE will also break viewers’ hearts, suggesting there could be a bittersweet or emotional scene with the robot. As Marvel builds to Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars, there are numerous theories about how the Fantastic Four become involved in the confrontation with Doctor Doom. One that’s gained traction posits the Fantastic Four’s dimension is destroyed by Galactus, sending them on a quest to find a new home in the multiverse. If that’s the case, perhaps HERBIE is left behind. Hopefully First Steps doesn’t feature anything that dark, but it’ll be fascinating to see how he makes fans laugh and cry this July.

The post Fantastic Four’s HERBIE Voice Actor Revealed by Marvel (And There’s a Star Wars Connection) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

[Warning: This article contains Thunderbolts* spoilers.] The Fantastic Four have taken their first steps into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. There are four movie-ending reveals in Thunderbolts*, with the first being that the final film of Phase 5 is an Avengers movie after all. Thunderbolts* is actually titled *The New Avengers, the Thunderbolts are really the new Avengers in a trademark dispute with the other team of new Avengers being assembled by Anthony Mackie’s Captain America, and the upcoming The Fantastic Four: First Steps film apparently ends with Marvel’s First Family rocketing into the main MCU from their alternate, retro-futuristic version of the 1960s.

In a post-credits scene set 14 months after Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) declares Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), John Walker (Wyatt Russell), Alexei Shostakov (David Harbour), and Ava Starr (Hannah John-Kamen) to be the new Avengers, Earth’s mightiest heroes are alerted to a spaceship that has entered the atmosphere. Although the ship’s occupants are unrevealed, the Anthony and Joe Russo-directed scene ends with the New Avengers looking at the giant “4” logo emblazoned atop the spacecraft.

RELATED: Thunderbolts* Has Another Fantastic Four Easter Egg You Probably Missed

As it turns out, the sequence cut an exchange between Stan’s Bucky and Russell’s John, who would have had an Abbott and Costello “Who’s on First?”-style exchange about the number 4.

“We had a very funny thing,” Stan told Rotten Tomatoes. “Because [Bucky] was looking at [the Fantastic Four’s spaceship] as it comes in, and I go, ‘What’s the number for?'”

“And [John] had to be like, ‘What’s the number for, or what’s the number four?'” Russell added. “And it turned into a Leslie Nielsen sketch.”

“I thought it was just genius,” Stan said. “I’m very sad it’s not there.” Russell, however, was “very happy it wasn’t there, because I think it might’ve made everybody want to murder my character immediately.”

The post-credits sequence sets up not only The Fantastic Four: First Steps, the first film of the MCU’s Phase 6, but next summer’s Avengers: Doomsday, which brings the Fab Four — Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Susan Richards/the Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm/the Human Torch (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm/Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) — into the present-day MCU.

Thunderbolts* director Jake Schreier confirmed that the post-credits scene was recently filmed by the Russos during the currently-shooting Avengers: Doomsday, which doesn’t hit theaters until May 2026.

“I didn’t film that scene. I was there when it was filmed, and I can say that it comes from the set of a production that might be starting production right around now,” Schreier told ComicBook in April. “But I was so honored to have that happen. We always knew kind of the end moment, from the beginning, and then it was about building the story that led up to that [The New Avengers reveal].”

“The specifics of what those end credits scenes came to be, those came together quite late,” he added. “That only got filmed maybe [not] even a month ago at this point. It was very recent.”

Thunderbolts*/*The New Avengers is now playing in theaters, followed by Matt Shakman’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps on July 25 and the Russos’ Avengers: Doomsday on May 1, 2026.

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The Multiversal Saga had dozens of movies and TV shows, some better than others. While every individual story is firmly set within the canon constraints of the MCU, many of the recent Marvel Studios projects felt disjointed, unable to connect to other story threads. Thunderbolts* manages to brilliantly balance its goals by telling a self-contained story that makes sense in itself while setting the stage for future crossovers and changing the MCU’s status quo for good. As a result, Thunderbolts* is a meaningful entry to the MCU canon whose importance extends beyond its titular characters, planting seeds for the future and directly addressing movies already on the release calendar.

WARNING: Spoilers below for Thunderbolts*

The central conflict of Thunderbolts* revolves around Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) and her clandestine efforts to create a superhero via Project Sentry. This involved illegal human experiments conducted by the shady company OXE, which Valentina used to run before she became the CIA Director. When Congress begins investigating her actions, Valentina attempts to burn all evidence on Project Sentry by dispatching her black ops agents to kill each other. First united by Valentina’s manipulations, Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), John Walker (Wyatt Russell), and Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen) join forces to escape alive, accidentally encountering Bob Reynolds (Lewis Pullman), the unstable sole survivor of Project Sentry.

[RELATED: Thunderbolts* Has the Most Predictable MCU Death Ever (But It Still Had a Twist)]

Bob possesses immense power thanks to Valentina’s formula, but his fractured psyche manifests two personas: the heroic Sentry and the nihilistic, destructive Void. When Valentina tries to stage a public confrontation to debut Sentry, the Void is unleashed upon New York City, slowly spreading his influence throughout the city. The reluctant team, initially dubbed “Thunderbolts” as a joke by Yelena, band together with Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) and Red Guardian (David Harbour) to save Bob from himself, subdue the Void, and prevent an Avengers-level catastrophe. In doing so, they become unexpected MCU heroes.

The MCU Has Two Avengers Teams

One of the biggest shakeups from Thunderbolts* is the confirmation that the MCU now officially has competing Avengers teams. Seeing the public cheer for Yelena’s crew after they helped save civilians from the Void, Valentina pulls a masterful political maneuver. She holds a press conference, spins the narrative, and introduces the former “Thunderbolts” as the New Avengers, a team she claims to have assembled. The rebranding saves Valentina’s career from the congressional investigation and gives the team members a clean slate and a chance at genuine heroism.

This development directly conflicts with the plans of Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), the current Captain America. Thunderbolts*’s post-credits scene, set 14 months after the main events, reveals that Sam is actively building his own Avengers team and is even threatening to sue Valentina’s group for copyright infringement. Furthermore, while Valentina’s New Avengers are government-sanctioned and operate out of the former Avengers Tower, now rebranded as the Watchtower, they face public mistrust due to their criminal pasts. This sets up a significant conflict for Avengers: Doomsday, with two distinct Avengers factions potentially needing to find common ground against a larger threat, perhaps facilitated by Bucky’s unique position having ties to both sides.

There’s Something Shady Going on in Outer Space

The Thunderbolts* post-credits scene also hints at cosmic trouble brewing. In the scene, Yelena expresses frustration that crucial information regarding a crisis happening in outer space is being withheld from the New Avengers. Given their controversial status and the likely reluctance of agencies such as S.A.B.E.R. to fully trust them, this isn’t entirely surprising. However, the throwaway line points towards larger events unfolding off-world, likely connected to the multiversal threats and Incursions expected to be central to Avengers: Doomsday. The deliberate withholding of information suggests the situation is serious and potentially being handled by other entities, setting the stage for the New Avengers (and Sam’s Avengers) to inevitably get involved as threats escalate.

The Fantastic Four Left Their World and Came to the Sacred Timeline

Perhaps the most direct tease for a future MCU project comes at the very end of the Thunderbolts* post-credits scene. As the New Avengers monitor threats from the Watchtower, they receive an alert that an “extradimensional” ship is entering Earth’s orbit. Zooming in via satellite reveals the vessel bears the unmistakable logo of the Fantastic Four. This reveal confirms that Marvel’s First Family will arrive in the Sacred Timeline sometime after their upcoming film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

The implication is that the events of First Steps, which takes place in an alternate retro-futuristic reality, likely end with the team needing to flee their home dimension. Whether this is due to a defeat at the hands of Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and Silver Surfer (Julia Garner), the intervention of Doctor Doom (Robert Downey Jr.), or a decision to warn other realities about Incursions remains to be seen. What’s clear is that their arrival positions the New Avengers as the likely first point of contact, placing Yelena’s team squarely at the forefront of the events leading into Avengers: Doomsday.

Thunderbolts* is now available in theaters. The Fantastic Four: First Steps hits theaters on July 25th.

How do you think the New Avengers will help change the MCU in the future? Share your theories in the comments!

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Even before Thunderbolts* hit theaters, Marvel fans were puzzled about the movie’s premise. The new MCU movie revolves around a team of former low-level antagonists looking for redemption. While there are a couple of super soldiers in the bunch, the Thunderbolts are nowhere near Avengers level. Yet, the marketing campaign of Thunderbolts* underlined how the movie introduces the Sentry and the Void, the two superpowered personas of Robert “Bob” Reynolds (Lewis Pullman), arguably some of the most powerful beings in Marvel Comics. So, as much as we all love Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova, it didn’t feel fair to pit the Black Widow against a god.

WARNING: Spoilers below for Thunderbolts*

Now that Thunderbolts* is out in theaters, MCU fans get to watch a surprisingly mature and sensible superhero movie about trauma, mental health, and the importance of human connection. The film has some of the best action scenes of the Multiversal Saga, and the team of misfits proves they are far from being pushovers. Nevertheless, they cannot beat the Void in a fistfight, which is why Thunderbolts* finds a clever solution to subdue its primary threat and still deliver a mindblowing third act confrontation.

What Is the Void? And What Does He Want?

In the years preceding Thunderbolts*, Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) leverages her power as director of the  CIA to hide illegal human experiments conducted by the shady company OXE, which Valentina used to run before her political career. Since the Avengers disbanded, Valentina feels the only way to ensure the U.S. hegemonic geopolitical position is to have a new superhero focused on defending the country’s interests and subordinated only to her. OXE’s experiments, conducted under the codename “Project Sentry,” were supposed to create such a hero. Unfortunately, every test subject OXE found died in the procedure… except Bob.

Bob is a bipolar man with a history of childhood trauma and drug addiction, who decided to travel through Asia in search of enlightenment — or at least more drugs. When approached by OXE, Bob jumped at the opportunity to have a strange substance injected into his veins, especially with the promise that the experiment would make him better. As it turns out, Project Sentry gave Bob superpowers, making him bulletproof and able to fly, granting him superspeed and superstrength, and even gifting him with powerful telekinetic abilities. If Bob were stable, he could become the mightiest force for good in the MCU. Unfortunately, his fractured psyche leads to the emergence of a dark alternate persona., named “The Void.”

[RELATED: Thunderbolts* Has the Most Predictable MCU Death Ever (But It Still Had a Twist)]

Due to his mental health issues, Bob can feel invincible some days, ready to face any challenge head-on. On other days, he’s consumed by trauma, convinced that life is meaningless and there’s no way to drown the sorrow that festers inside his chest. When he was injected with the Project Sentry formula, both of Bob’s personalities became superpowered. At his most optimistic, Bob can become the Sentry, but his nihilistic worldview results in him becoming the Void. The Void maintains all of the Sentry’s superpowers, with the added ability to trap people in a dark dimension where they are forced to relive their traumas, nonstop. Since life is pointless and we can’t fight trauma, The Void wishes to speed up the process, spreading his influence all over the world in the form of a shadow that engulfs everything it touches. 

How Do the Thunderbolts Defeat the Void?

Valentina wants the Sentry to kill the Thunderbolts in a staged fight for the press, to show the world how powerful her new hero is. However, even knowing that Bob is extremely dangerous, Yelena understands his trauma, as she has been suffering from depression herself. When the Void emerges and starts to make people disappear, Yelena takes a leap of faith and jumps into the shadow, determined to reach out to Bob.

Inside the shadow, Yelena is taken back to the fateful night when she completed the Red Room’s first test, luring one of her friends to her death in the woods. When she manages to escape this traumatic cage, she just ends up in a different one, forced to face her gruesome upbringing in Russia and her current alcoholism and loneliness. She eventually reaches Bob, who’s been hiding from his own demons in a relatively peaceful attic memory. There, Yelena offers her help, telling Bob that he doesn’t have to face The Void alone and that she will be by his side. The Void resists, destroying the attic memory, but the rest of the Thunderbolts soon arrive, having followed Yelena’s brave example.

Together, the team navigates the shadow memories until they reach the laboratory where the Void first emerged, in Malaysia. There, the Void uses telekinesis to trap the Thunderbolts in the walls with wires and twisted metal. The villain dares Bob to fight him, leading to a bloody confrontation where the traumatized man pins the Void to the ground and repeatedly punches him in the face. The Void laughs while the outburst of violence slowly engulfs Bob in darkness. It’s a powerful scene in which Bob, alone, tries to beat himself, angry at the trauma he carries. 

Yelena manages to escape her ensnarement, rushing towards Bob and embracing him. Soon, all the Thunderbolts do the same. They hug Bob while tears roll down his cheeks, offering him desperately needed comfort. The message here is that trying to deal with trauma alone only makes things worse, and we all need a support network. Human connection is the biggest weapon against depression and loneliness. With the help of his newfound friends, Bob manages to overcome the Void, and the dark mist covering New York dissipates. Just like that, Thunderbolts* delivers a cinematic ending sequence, deals with its core themes with the complexity they deserve, and justifies how a ragtag team of spies and soldiers defeated the most powerful MCU villain yet.

What Happens to Valentina?

Realizing that she will go to prison for Project Sentry and that the people of New York actually cheered the Thunderbolts while they saved civilians from The Void, Valentina pivots. The brilliant strategist lures the Thunderbolts into a press conference where she quickly announces they are a team of heroes Valentina has put together: “the New Avengers.” At first, the Thunderbolts are shocked, but they soon realize this is an opportunity for them to become heroes and make up for past errors. Exchanging glances, the Thunderbolts roll with Valentina’s lie and become the government-sanctioned New Avengers. However, Yelena tells Valentina they own her now, as the New Avengers can destroy the CIA director’s career by revealing the truth about the Void.

While this is the last time we see Valentina in Thunderbolts*, the movie’s post-credits scene reveals the New Avengers have been using the Watchtower as their headquarters, the same building that once was the Avengers Tower, and which Valentina bought from Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.). The New Avengers also have the U.S. government funding and backing their operations, which means Valentina is still working in the background to ensure the New Avengers remain the primary superhero team in the country.

Are the New Avengers The Only Superteam in the MCU?

In Thunderbolts*‘s post-credits scene, we also learn the New Avengers have experienced some issues with public perception. Due to their problematic past, many people don’t embrace them as Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. To complicate matters, Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), aka Captain America, is also leading his own team of Avengers. We don’t know if Sam has already found recruits or is in the process of assembling his teammates, but he’s suing the New Avengers for copyright infringement and pushing for his team to be recognized by the government. That means the emergence of the New Avengers delayed Sam’s plan to reforge the Avengers. Come Avengers: Doomsday, we should learn more about this conflict of interest.

What’s Happening in Outer Space?

The Thunderbolts*‘s post-credits scene is packed with interesting bits of information. For instance, in a throwaway line, Yelena complains that people have withheld information from the New Avengers about a crisis in space. Since there’s a 14-month jump between Thunderbolts* and the post-credits scene, this is the farthest we are in the MCU timeline. That means whatever is happening in space is probably connected to the Incursions and the plot of Avengers: Doomsday. 

To hammer this point down, the scene ends with the New Avengers receiving a warning about an interdimensional ship coming to Earth, a vessel decorated with the logo of the Fantastic Four. That means that Fantastic Four: First Steps will most likely end in tragedy, forcing the First Family to flee from their retro-futuristic timeline and look for shelter in the Sacred Timeline. This moment also positions the New Avengers as the primary response team after the Fantastic Four’s arrival, meaning they will band first when it’s time to face Doctor Doom.

Thunderbolts* is now available in theaters. The Fantastic Four: First Steps hits theaters on July 25th.

How did you enjoy Thunderbolts*? How would you rank it among Multiversal Saga movies? Let us know in the comments!

The post Thunderbolts* Ending Explained: How Can a Team of Nobodies Defeat a God? appeared first on ComicBook.com.

After almost two decades of the MCU, everybody knows they should sit down and watch the credits while waiting for an extra scene. It’s no different with Thunderbolts*, an ensemble story that unites a group of morally compromised MCU characters in hopes of redemption. As it turns out, Thunderbolts* has two separate stingers to reward fans. The first, placed mid-credits, is a lighthearted payoff to a joke set up in the middle of the movie, just there to expand on a specific character’s inner universe. However, the post-credit scene that unfolds at the last minute of the projection is essential for worldbuilding, as it teases future MCU developments by spoiling the ending of an upcoming Marvel movie.

WARNING: Spoilers below for Thunderbolts*

At the end of Thunderbolts*, Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) stages a press conference to save her skin and crowns Yelena’s band of misfits as the New Avengers. The movie ensures Valentina comes out unscathed from a congressional investigation while giving the people heroes they can cheer for. Yelena and the others back up Valentina’s lies because it’s a chance for a clean slate and the opportunity to do something meaningful with their lives. Just like that, a new Avengers team is formed, while Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) is still recruiting his own heroes after the events of Captain America: Brave New World.

Thunderbolts* post-credits scene then flashes ahead 14 months after Valentina announced the team’s existence to the world. The New Avengers are using the Watchtower, formerly known as the Avengers Tower, as their new base of operations, and trying to do good despite public mistrust. Given each New Avengers’ shaky past, people are split between embracing and refusing them, which is understandable. To make matters worse, Sam’s Avengers initiative is officially unfolding, with Captain America threatening to sue the New Avengers for copyright infringement. Nevertheless, the U.S. government recognizes the New Avengers as its prime superhero team, giving them some official backing.

[RELATED: Comics Starter Pack: A Beginner’s Guide to the MCU’s Thunderbolts*]

The post-credits scene of Thunderbolts* humorously tackles these issues by having the Red Guardian (David Harbour) propose changing the team’s name to “New AvengerZ” to evade the lawsuit. It also establishes that Bob (Lewis Pullman) remains at the Watchtower as an unofficial member of the New Avengers. Bob can’t conjure the Sentry’s powers without summoning the Void, so he helps by doing the dishes and keeping the place tidy. 

More importantly, the post-credits scene gives two teases about the plot of Avengers: Doomsday. First, Yelena (Florence Pugh) complains about a crisis unfolding in Outer Space that no one wants to inform the New Avengers about, given their controversial position. Then, in the scene’s final moments, the New Avengers get a warning about an “extradimensional” ship entering Earth’s orbit. When using a satellite to look at the vessel, the New Avengers set the ship, which turns to reveal the Fantastic Four logo. While the New Avengers don’t recognize the symbol, the post-credits scene is sending a clear message to fans about The Fantastic Four: First Steps, perhaps spoiling the ending of the First Family’s upcoming movie.

How Does Thunderbolts* Post-Credits Scene Spoil Fantastic Four: First Steps?

With the cast announcement of Avengers: Doomsday, Marvel Studios confirmed all four main stars of The Fantastic Four: First Steps will be part of the MCU’s upcoming crossover event. It was clear, since then, that the Fantastic Four would band with the heroes of the Sacred Timeline against Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom. However, this encounter demanded multiversal shenanigans, since First Steps takes place in an alternative retro-futuristic timeline inspired by the 1960s Space Race. With Thunderbolts* showing the Fantastic Four’s ship coming to Earth-616 (or Earth-199999 if you prefer), it’s clear that the First Family will have to leave their timeline at the end of First Steps. The question now is why.

Given that the main threats of First Steps are Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and Silver Surfer (Julia Garner), the Fantastic Four could lose the fight and have their Earth destroyed, thrusting them into a multiversal exodus for a new home. Perhaps they beat Galactus only to be overpowered by Doctor Doom in the final moments of the movie, leading to the same results. Or, on a more hopeful note, the Fantastic Four may become aware of the dangers of Incursions in their timeline and decide to travel across the multiverse to warn others of the battle to come. Whatever the reason, now we know that the Fantastic Four comes to the Sacred Timeline before the events of Avengers: Doomsday.

Thunderbolts* is now available in theaters. The Fantastic Four: First Steps hits theaters on July 25th.

Why do you think the Fantastic Four will come to the Sacred Timeline in the MCU? Share your theories in the comments!

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Currently, anticipation for summer 2025 superhero movies Superman and The Fantastic Four: First Steps is reaching fever pitch. As part of that excitement, an inevitable part of the pre-release cycle of superhero movies is currently transpiring: online folks combing through the cast lists of upcoming blockbusters, finding cast members who don’t have an assigned role, and speculating what famous comic book characters they must be playing. First Steps cast members Sarah Niles and Natasha Lyonne, for instance – they must be portraying important figures of Marvel Comics lore? Right?

This trend isn’t new, but it’s constantly being proven to be much ado about nothing. Rarely are these theories right, and they often set up unnecessary expectations for both actors and entire movies that can never be matched by the actual experience. Though it’s hard to escape these sorts of deeply ingrained behaviors, fans simply must learn to stop endlessly speculating about comic book movie casting.

A Tale of Ike Barinholtz (& Other Actors)

One of the most famous examples of comic book movie pre-release casting speculation getting out of hand was Ike Barinholtz in Suicide Squad. The Studio actor played prison guard Griggs in David Ayer’s version of the DC antihero team. However, sixteen months before Suicide Squad’s August 2016 debut, rumors spread like wildfire that he would be portraying Dr. Hugo Strange. It was a rumor that plagued the movie for eons and culminated in Barinholtz simply playing a throwaway supporting character invented for the film.

Another 2016 DC Extended Universe project suffered from a similar phenomenon. For Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, Scoot McNairy was cast in a mysterious, unnamed role that led to the internet going wild with speculation. It was soon widely reported that he’d play Jimmy Olsen in the project, while others claimed he was portraying one of the Robins. In the end, McNairy simply played Wallace Keefe, another original character with no connections to the comics.

Marvel film adaptations haven’t been immune to this phenomenon either. Peter Dinklage was one of the few Avengers: Infinity War cast members to play a brand-new character, which sent the internet into speculation overdrive. Predominantly, folks convinced themselves that he would be playing Pip the Troll, an MCU role Patton Oswalt would later take on in Eternals. On and on the list goes, with folks conjuring up visions of comic book movies in their head before they ever hit the silver screen.

[RELATED: 8 Times Superhero Movies Replaced an Actor (And Hoped You Didn’t Notice)]

The Perils of Incessant Comic Book Movie Casting Speculation

There’s nothing wrong with being stoked for upcoming comic book movies. Playful speculation among friends isn’t anything harmful, either. However, the way ceaseless comic book movie pre-release casting speculation can overshadow the final product is a very strange and even dangerous phenomenon. Audiences should accept and asses a movie for what it is, rather than for whether or not it lives up to their ideas of who Scoot McNairy or Peter Dinklage “should” be playing.

It’s tempting to assume and speculate over the idea that every single comic book movie is populated exclusively with characters from the comics. After all, even the M.O.D.O.K. TV show made a big bad out of the obscure Marvel Comics entity Hexus, the Living Corporation. However, letting these movies breathe before their release and allowing for the potential that these actors are playing original creations is tantamount. Criticize or love the movie for what it is, but don’t get too wrapped up in the idea that, say, Scoot McNairy can only be playing Jimmy Olsen in Dawn of Justice.

Unfair expectations also hinder talented actors like Barinholtz, Dinklage, and McNairy (among many others) from being lauded, criticized, or receiving any other response for the work they delivered in their respective superhero movies. There are already so many expectations for artists navigating major studio superhero fare – why also place the burden of overbearing fan theories on top of their shoulders to boot?

In the future, let’s all relax and let the chips fall where they may on topics like who Natasha Lyonne is playing in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. If she’s voicing H.E.R.B.I.E., awesome. If she’s playing someone new, that could be awesome too. Non-stop speculation over every possible comic book movie cast member has been the norm for too long. That doesn’t mean it has to persist.

Suicide Squad is now streaming on Netflix, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps hits theaters on July 25th.

The post Why Fans Need To Stop Speculating About Comic Book Movie Casting appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Fantastic Four: First Steps releases later this summer, and Marvel is pulling out all of the stops to promote this movie. Not only are the characters’ comic counterparts getting a new ongoing series around the time of the movie’s release, but Disney announced at the South by Southwest film festival that the Four will be appearing in parts of Disneyland outside the typical Marvel locations, just as Tomorrowland. More importantly than any of that, however, we now have confirmation that Marvel Studios and Marvel Comics will be collaborating to produce the first-ever canon comic set in the MCU.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps comic book is a one-shot comic that will delve into the lore and world of the movie before its release, and its events will be entirely canon-compliant with the world of the movie. It boasts a superstar creative team of writer Matt Fraction (Fantastic Four, Uncanny X-Men) and artist Mark Buckingham (Fantastic Four, Fables), each of whom has experience with the Fantastic Four from their storied careers. The creators of the film worked closely with the comics team to capture the look and feel of their specific take on the characters to the best degree possible. Fraction and others from the comic team even spent time on set during the filming of the movie, so it’s clear that this comic isn’t just a spur-of-the-moment release; it has been in the works for a very long time.

Why Is The MCU Fantastic Four Getting A Tie-In Comic?

The fact that the two giant sides of Marvel are working together to create a comic book for the first time ever shows exactly how much faith the company is putting into Fantastic Four: First Steps. It makes sense, given that this is the MCU debut of Marvel’s First Family – the characters that would completely flip the standard for all Marvel comic storytelling going forward. They put Marvel Comics on the map, and it looks like Marvel Studios is trying to capture lightning in a bottle again to light a fire under its fanbase.

RELATED: Superman and the Fantastic Four Are Actually Teaming Up In 2025

The fact that this comic features work from both facets of Marvel shows exactly how much they both believe in this story. Marvel Comics Editor-in-Chief C.B. Cebulski himself has commented on the comic’s upcoming release, saying, “As Marvel’s First Family, the Fantastic Four and their stories have always been at the very center of the Marvel Universe. With The Fantastic Four: First Steps coming later this summer, we at Marvel all felt this was the perfect opportunity to bring our teams together in honor of their legacy in both the world of the film and within our comics. It’s been a blast to have our teams in Publishing and Studios bounce ideas back and forth to create something truly special and one-of-a-kind, and we can’t wait for fans to be able to dive in to this comic—squarely in the world of the MCU—and experience the Fantastic Four like we’ve never seen before this summer.”

What Can We Expect From the Comic?

Based on the cover art we have been shown, it is safe to assume that this comic will depict an adventure the Fantastic Four had before the movie takes place. The cover, art by Phil Noto, pays homage to the first ever appearance of the Four in Fantastic Four #1, so it might be a story closer to when they first gained their abilities. As we know that the movie will take place four years after the Fantastic Four’s space accident, it is also likely that this comic will shine some light on their origin in a way the movie won’t. 

We don’t know for sure what could happen in the comic, but whatever it is, it’s safe to say that the very fact that it exists is worth celebrating. Marvel is giving everything they have to promote The Fantastic Four: First Steps and place them on the pedestal they deserve as the original beating hearts of Marvel Comics that pushed every boundary of what a comic book was. As C.B. Cebulski said, “The heart of Marvel has always stemmed from the comics, and Kevin and the team have been bringing those pages to life in extraordinary ways with each and every film. With this comic, we’re bringing those two worlds together in a way we think fans will love.”

This could even open the door for future MCU events and canon-compliant comics, which would mean all kinds of stories we would never get to see on just the big screen. Marvel Comics and Marvel Studios working together on making a comic book just means even more content for the characters that we all love, and I am all for it.

Fantastic Four: First Steps, the comic, releases on July 2.

The post Fantastic Four: First Steps Getting First-Ever Canon MCU Comic From Marvel appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Fantastic Four leader Reed Richards has one of the highest I.Q.s in the Marvel universe. His intellect is so great that he’s often one of the first heroes called upon when a world-ending tragedy emerges — and with good reason. Reed has saved the Marvel universe several times by inventing devices like the ultimate nullifier, a weapon capable of stopping cosmic-level threats like Galactus. But despite his reputation, Reed Richards isn’t a miracle worker, and even a genius of his caliber has limits. There have been many times over the years when Reed has flat-out failed in stopping threats to the Marvel multiverse, sometimes at great cost.

With The Fantastic Four: First Steps hitting theaters this summer, we thought it might be a good time to look back on seven times Reed Richards’ unparalleled intellect wasn’t enough to solve a major Marvel mishap.

He Was Unable to Restart Wolverine’s Healing Factor

When a strange virus from the microverse shorts out Wolverine’s famous healing factor it makes sense that the Ol’ Canucklehead would turn to Reed Richards for help … eventually. After first asking Tony Stark and The Beast for help and coming up empty-handed, a despondent Logan tries Richards only to be denied once again. Playing the part of a Debbie Downer, Reed explains to Wolverine all the ways his adamantium bones will try to kill him now that he has no healing factor, but offers absolutely nothing in the way of practical solutions.

Reed’s only suggestion boils down to Wolverine hiding from all his enemies long enough for him to maybe figure out a cure. For such a smart guy, you’d think Reed would realize how stupid it is to ask Wolverine not to fight.

He Failed to Stop the Hulk Twice

Reed Richards is part of a cabal of Marvel heroes known as the Illuminati, who meet in secret to discuss what’s best for the rest of the Marvel universe. During one such meeting, the Illuminati decide that the Hulk is too much of a danger to Earth and hatch a plan to exile him to a distant planet where he can live out the rest of his life in peace. Unfortunately, their plan backfires when the Hulk travels through a wormhole and instead ends up on the war-torn planet Sakaar, where he succeeds in leading a revolution and becoming a great leader. Unfortunately, a spy sabotages the ship the Hulk arrived in, killing his wife and unborn child and causing him to swear revenge on the Illuminati.

Upon returning to Earth, the Hulk is an even bigger threat than he was when the Illuminati decided to banish him. Feeling responsible, Reed attempts to stop a rampaging Hulk by using his stretchy powers to bind him. Sadly for Reed, the fight ends tragically with his body stretched to the limit and lacking the strength to reshape itself.

He Picked the Wrong Side During Marvel’s Civil War Event

When the “Superhero Registration Act” splits the Marvel universe into two factions, Mr. Fantastic stuns the rest of the Fantastic Four by siding with Tony Stark and the pro-registration group. That’s fail number one, as Stark’s authoritarian regime wants to register all superheroes, making their identities public and giving them official Government jobs that would essentially make them part of the U.S. military.

Reed screws up again when he builds Prison 42, a superhero jail located in the Negative Zone where Iron Man and his lackeys detain unregistered heroes with no due process whatsoever. Digging himself deeper, Reed helps to create a clone of Thor that goes on to kill superhero Goliath, alienating him from his family and friends even further. Eventually, Richards would see the error of his ways and reconcile with the rest of the Fantastic Four, but not until after changing the whole world’s perception of him from a helpful scientist to a heartless technocrat who prizes logic over empathy.

He Couldn’t Stop Onslaught

The ’90s were a wild time for comics, and Marvel was no exception. Take Onslaught, for example. A physical manifestation of psychic energy created from a combination of Charles Xavier and Magneto’s subconsciouses dressed up in a Super Shredder version of Magneto’s armor, Onslaught is the kind fo extreme edgelord the decade was famous for. Given that he was pretty much created solely to be an unstoppable threat — see also, DC’s Doomsday — it’s understandable that Reed alone wouldn’t be able to stop him.

What is a little embarrassing is that he had to be saved from certain death by his young son Franklin, who threw him and the rest of the Fantastic Four, as well as the Avengers, into a pocket dimension he literally pulled out of thin air. Maybe everyone on Earth-616 has been asking the wrong Richards for help.

He Couldn’t Help Beast Bring Back the Mutants

During the climax of Marvel’s House of M event, the Scarlet Witch utters the words “No more mutants,” instantaneously wiping out all but 198 mutants from existence. Not only that, but the X-gene — the gene responsible for giving mutants their abilities — completely disappears from the Marvel universe. Doctor Hank McCoy, AKA Beast, gets right to work trying to find a way to restore the mutant population, only to be stymied at every turn.

Beast’s search for a way to bring the X-gene back eventually brings him to the Baxter Building and Reed Richards’ laboratory. While Reed works hard and gives it the old college try, ultimately, he’s unable to help McCoy.

He Couldn’t Save Aunt May’s Life

When Peter Parker’s Aunt May is struck by a bullet meant for him, Spider-Man does everything in his power to save her. Parker goes to Dr. Strange, Iron Man, Doctor Doom, and eventually Reed Richards to try to find a way to save his aunt. Sadly, none of them are able to help, leading Spider-Man to eventually make a deal with Mephisto that costs him his marriage.

We’re not calling Reed a liar or anything, but for a guy who routinely travels through time, visits alternate dimensions, and developed a fabric made of unstable molecules, fixing an old lady with a gunshot wound should be a piece of cake.

He Can’t Cure His Best Friend

Of all Reed’s failures, the one he takes most personally is his inability to permanently reverse the Thing’s condition. Ever since the space flight that caused the Fantastic Four to mutate into their current states, Ben Grimm has begged and pleaded with his friend to find a way to make him normal again. Over the years, Reed has tried repeatedly to change Ben’s orange, rocky exterior back into regular skin, with varying results.

Sometimes he’s able to cure his friend temporarily, but eventually something always happens to revert him back into The Thing. No matter how hard he tries, Reed just can’t seem to find a permanent cure for his best friend’s condition, a condition he feels at least partly responsible for.

If you have a Reed Richards failure you think should have been on the list, let us know in the comments!

The post 7 Marvel Problems Even Reed Richards Couldn’t Solve appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Marvel’s planet-consuming interplanetary villain Galactus will arrive on Earth with only Marvel’s first family standing in his way in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and he’s already made a huge impression in the movie’s first two trailers. In the comics, Galactus is an enormous entity imbued with a force known as the Power Cosmic. While this grants Galactus tremendous power, strength, and longevity, he must also sustain himself by consuming entire planets throughout the universe. This leads to a Galactus having a tense relationship with the Silver Surfer, a being from the planet Zenn-La also granted abilities by the Power Cosmic who serves as the herald of Galactus, but who eventually turns against him.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps will largely follow this story in its introduction of its titular team of heroes into the MCU, with the Fantastic Four warned by the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) of the impending arrival of Galactus. While Galactus has not yet been shown in his entirety in either of The Fantastic Four‘s first two trailers, the glimpses provided of him thus far are more than enough to indicate just how powerful and supremely massive a villain Galactus will be in the movie.

Galactus Is Enormous In The Fantastic Four: First Steps (But His Exact Size Isn’t Clear)

Galactus is only shown in a few quick glimpses in the two The Fantastic Four trailers, but it’s plenty to sell the sheer enormity of the intergalactic villain. The first appearance of Galactus in the first trailer isn’t technically a proper look at the villain, but simply an image of Galactus casting his shadow over Manhattan, and another of the back of his head as he stands some distance away from the Statue of Liberty. The fact that Galactus can cast his shadow over a large section of Manhattan already implies quite a lot about just how powerful a presence he will be in the movie.

The only other look at Galactus offered in The Fantastic Four‘s second trailer is at the very end, with the villain’s enormous feet seen walking through the streets of Manhattan. While no specific height has been given for Galactus in the movie, the image of his feet seen in The Fantastic Four trailer only shows about up to the lower part of his shins, which aligns with about the fourth floor level of the buildings around him. This means that Galactus, as he will be depicted in The Fantastic Four, is likely to be in excess of a full mile in height (bigger than 5,280 feet). However, that is also considerably shorter than would be necessary for Galactus to be able to cast the kind of shadow that he does over Manhattan, but those familiar with Galactus in the comics know there’s a reason for that.

RELATED: Fantastic Four’s Galactus Actor Addresses MCU Future

How Big Is Galactus In The Comics? It’s Complicated

Galactus has been portrayed as various different sizes in the comics, and in all, size is a completely abstract concept for him. In wielding the Power Cosmic, the abilities of Galactus including shrinking or increasing his own size. This places the mainline height of Galactus and his appearance in The Fantastic Four trailers in a more understandable context for those less familiar with his comic book origins.

While being the height of a skyscraper would make Galactus an intimidating challenge for any superhero to face, he would hardly be capable of devouring entire planets at this size. However, with Galactus able to alter his own size, this makes Galactus himself and his plans of attack easier to comprehend. While approaching a planet with the intent of consuming it, Galactus needs to be at the greatest size achievable for him under the Power Cosmic. However, with Galactus actually venturing onto Earth itself in The Fantastic Four, it makes sense for him to shrink himself down to a smaller but still gigantic height to battle the Fantastic Four and other MCU heroes in a more direct way, along with being more practical for Galactus to retrieve something specific or carry out another mission of some kind on Earth. Of course, it seems that Galactus isn’t likely to shrink himself down to a size smaller than the average kaiju in The Fantastic Four, so Marvel’s First Family will definitely have their work cut out for them in putting a stop to him.

Only 1 MCU Character Is Bigger Than Galactus

In terms of sheer height and size, Galactus has almost no rival or even equivalent in the MCU, but there is one key exception in the form of the Celestials. Seen in Chloe Zhao’s 2021 MCU movie Eternals, the Celestials are god-like beings responsible for the creation of the Eternals, who are in turn tasked by the Celestials with battling beings known as Deviants that exist on countless planets throughout the universe. As seen in Eternals, the Celestials are utterly gargantuan, with the Celestial Arishem appearing the movie’s ending and absolutely dwarfing Earth in his presence.

Given the power Galactus has to consume planets whole, it isn’t clear exactly what kind of ceiling The Fantastic Four might place on his overall height and build when portrayed at their peak, and if he might run Arishem a close second in overall size. Nonetheless, the Galactus glimpsed in The Fantastic Four‘s marketing is very true to his comic book self as an absolutely massive and immensely powerful MCU villain.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps will be released in theaters on July 25th.

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Actress Julia Garner says that she spent a lot of time with Joseph Quinn while filming The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which might tell us something about the story and where it’s headed. Garner is playing Shalla-Bal, the Silver Surfer in this highly-anticipated movie, while Quinn is playing Johnny Storm, the Human Torch. It makes sense for the two to spend a lot of time together, as both of their characters can fly, and both need to be animated with special effects that require motion-capture filming. However, there’s also a chance that this is a hint about where the story is heading. It’s possible we’ll even see a romance kindling between these two.

“I did a lot of days with Joe. Joseph Quinn is so lovely, and I think he’s absolutely brilliant in this,” Garner told Entertainment Weekly in a new interview published on Thursday. The actress said that she worked with all four actors cast as the Fantastic Four, but emphasized her time spent with Quinn.

There has never been a romance between Shalla-Bal and Johnny Storm in the comics before, but that’s never stopped the MCU. It might make a compelling B-story for this film, especially if the heroes are trying to appeal to the Silver Surfer’s humanity and break through her cold facade. Shalla-Bal was originally written by Stan Lee as a fiercely protective lover and partner to the Silver Surfer Norrin Radd, and that romanticism could carry over here with a new target.

[RELATED: The Fantastic Four: First Steps Debuts New Clip (With a Human Torch Easter Egg)]

In the same interview, Garner said that she dug deep into comics featuring Shalla-Bal, and also that she learned more about the 1960s in general so that she’d have some competence in this movie’s new setting. First Steps takes place in an alternate reality within the MCU, with a 60s-inspired retro-futuristic aesthetic. It is not expected to feature any familiar characters from the main timeline, meaning this new ensemble will need to be the center of attention at all times.

Of course, the pragmatic explanations are enough to explain Garner and Quinn’s time together. Both are playing characters who are fully covered in CGI for much of the movie, which means they needed to film in motion-capture suits. It’s likely that they used the same space and equipment on set for this, which would naturally bring them together. That doesn’t preclude the possibility of a deeper connection, and it makes enough sense to spawn some interesting theories, at least. As the only hero who can fly, it would make sense for Johnny to spend the most time talking to the Silver Surfer. We already saw him chase after her and grab her board in the trailer, after all.

Whether Garner is heralding an MCU romance or not, we’ll find out for ourselves very soon. The Fantastic Four: First Steps hits theaters on July 25th. Before that, Thunderbolts* premieres on Friday, May 2nd.

The post Silver Surfer Star Spent “A Lot of Days” With One Fantastic Four Member (Is It Romance?) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Julia Garner admits that she was just as confused as fans about her role as Silver Surfer in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. When most fans think of the Silver Surfer, they think of the Norrin Radd version, who has starred in several solo comics and appeared in titles like Fantastic Four and Avengers. The herald of Galactus even had a major part in 2007’s Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. But Garner will play Shalla-Bal, the female Silver Surfer, in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. She just needed to get over her confusion about Silver Surfer typically being a man.

Entertainment Weekly spoke to Julia Garner about The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Silver Surfer. Garner was asked if she knew she was being cast as Silver Surfer, or if that was kept a secret from her when she met with director Matt Shakman.

“No, I met up with Matt, who’s lovely. We met up at some restaurant in Burbank or something, I don’t even remember, but I knew it was for the Fantastic Four,” she said. “And then I was confused because I was like, ‘Wait, isn’t the Silver Surfer a man?’ I was just like, Okay, well, I’ll play anything.’ [Laughs] I was a very big fan of Matt’s, so there was already, in my mind, like, ‘I should probably meet with Matt Shakman because he’s a very smart director and I love his work.’ And then he was explaining to me that it’s actually Shalla-Bal and that whole thing.”

[RELATED: Here’s How Fantastic Four: First Steps Could Be Setting up a Full MCU Reboot]

Garner then said that the way the meeting went, she wasn’t entirely sure she had nailed the casting. She added, “He wasn’t telling me a whole bunch about the movie, but we were talking a lot about the 1960s. Our meeting went all over the place, and I thought I wasn’t actually going to get the part because the meeting was all over the place. I was like, ‘I don’t know how he will hire me for this job.’ I mean, we were talking about communism, brutalist architecture, all this stuff. And then they were like, ‘You got it.’ I was like, ‘Wait, what?’ So I think that we vibed, but you never know, basically, is what I’m saying.”

The Fantastic Four: First Steps released its official trailer last week, giving fans the first look at Jennifer Garner as Silver Surfer. Shalla-Bal comes to Earth to warn the Fantastic Four that the planet has been marked for death by Galactus. Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), who usually has an answer for everything, is left reeling for the first time in his life when he doesn’t have an answer for how to stop the Devourer of Worlds.

Garner teased that Silver Surfer’s allegiance to Galactus will be a running subplot throughout the movie. Is she really aligned with Galactus? Is she a hero or a villain? These are questions Fantastic Four will explore.

“It’s going to be really interesting — I have to be so cryptic about everything, otherwise I’m going to have Marvel come after me,” Garner said. “But it was described as there’s this mystery about her, and there’s this sense of this ambiguous energy going on of whether she’s good or not. She is the herald of Galactus, so she works for Galactus, but you’re not sure where she stands. Does she stand with her boss, or is she just doing what she’s told? She has this mysterious energy about her, and slowly that mystery will get solved with the audience throughout watching it.”

The Fantastic Four: First Steps opens in theaters on July 25th. Are you excited to see Silver Surfer in the movie? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

The post Marvel’s Silver Surfer Star Was as Confused by Her Fantastic Four Casting as Fans appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps star Julia Garner opens up about her possible future in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and potentially headlining a Silver Surfer spinoff movie. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, the actress extensively discussed her role in this summer’s blockbuster and was asked about what could be next for the character. While Garner doesn’t know how Silver Surfer could factor into the franchise moving forward, she would be open to starring in a solo film. She believes the character has a lot of interesting potential to be explored in that kind of project.

“Oh my God, I wish I could answer that question, but I don’t have an answer, honestly,” Garner said when asked about her MCU future. “I was just happy to be a part of this movie. But we’ll see.”

On the topic of being game for a spinoff movie, Garner said, “A hundred percent, I would love to do that. The Silver Surfer is such a cool character, and I feel like it’s so rare to be presented with any sort of mystery in this day and age. So any kind of energy like that on screen, I know I want to see that, so that would be awesome if that happened.”

[RELATED – Here’s How Fantastic Four: First Steps Could Be Setting up a Full MCU Reboot]

Audiences got their first look at Garner’s Silver Surfer in the official Fantastic Four: First Steps trailer that was released earlier this month. Garner is playing the Shalla-Bal version of the character. Garner’s casting was controversial in some circles, but her Silver Surfer is rooted in Marvel Comics history. While Norrin Radd (Shalla-Bal’s lover) is the best-known Silver Surfer, in the alternate reality of Earth-9997, Shalla-Bal becomes Galactus’ Herald instead.

Garner’s MCU future is unknown at the moment, but some of her First Steps co-stars know where they’ll appear next. Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach are among the 27 actors Marvel confirmed for Avengers: Doomsday during a livestream event in late March.

Obviously, Silver Surfer’s MCU future depends on how the character’s story in First Steps unfolds, and Garner can’t get into those details yet. The character certainly has a rich history in the comics that would make for a solid foundation for a project. If Garner’s performance is a hit with fans, it wouldn’t be surprising if Marvel looked for a way to revisit the character at some point. A feature-length spinoff movie might not be in the cards (how Marvel’s slate unfolds post-Secret Wars remains to be seen), but perhaps there’s another avenue Marvel could explore. Silver Surfer could be the focus of a Disney+ series or a Special Presentation that dives deeper into her story.

Shalla-Bal has crossed paths with Doctor Doom in the comics, so maybe Garner will find herself in the ever-expanding Avengers: Doomsday ensemble. Marvel has stated that there are additional Doomsday casting announcements to be made at a later date. The studio might be holding off confirming Garner now to keep Silver Surfer’s fate in First Steps a mystery for now. There’s a lot of excitement about seeing Silver Surfer finally join the MCU, so hopefully Garner isn’t one and done.

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Pedro Pascal has offered a surprising glimpse into his preparation for playing Reed Richards, revealing an unexpected source of inspiration for portraying the brilliant mind of Mister Fantastic in Marvel Studios’ upcoming The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Speaking with ComicBook during an interview at the Star Wars Celebration event in Tokyo, Pascal detailed his cerebral approach to the character, focusing on Reed’s intellect over his famous elasticity. The actor, known for physically demanding roles like Din Djarin in The Mandalorian, drew a sharp contrast between that collective performance and the unique challenge of embodying the iconic leader of Marvel’s First Family. His comments underscore the film’s focus on character and intellect, even amidst the cosmic adventures promised by the recent trailer, which gave fans their first glimpses of Reed’s powers and the formidable Silver Surfer (Julia Garner).

“With Reed, his body may stretch, but this is a brain character,” Pascal told us. “I guess I’ll just give it completely away. I thought of the brilliance of an octopus. Not in any literal physical translated way, but I put it into my subconscious. Yeah. That’s the biggest character secret reveal that I’ve given to you.” This unusual comparison points towards an interpretation grounded in intelligence, adaptability, and perhaps the multi-faceted problem-solving capabilities associated with the highly intelligent cephalopod. It signals Pascal’s intent to delve deep into Reed Richards’ unparalleled intellect, rather than solely relying on the visual spectacle of his stretching abilities.

[RELATED: 3 Theories About How Fantastic Four Will Connect to Avengers: Doomsday]

“That’s such a great question,” Pascal responded when asked to compare the physical challenges of playing Reed Richards versus Din Djarin. “You know, with Din Djarin, there’s so much physical authorship that is a collective effort, with my work, Brendan Wayne’s work, Latif Crowder’s work, other bodies that have stepped into the armor, but primarily, those two guys and myself. With Reed, that, for me, was a brand new kind of experience to author something that is very, very familiar to the world, has previous authorship, a very specific understanding of the pages of the comics, and different evolutions and stuff like that. And then something that is so independent in its identity as far as our version is concerned. To me, you know, his body may stretch, but this is a brain character, and it’s really his mind that was the most important to me.”

Pascal Embraces Reed Richards’ Genius Mind Over Physicality

Pascal’s take on Reed Richards is a significant departure from previous live-action interpretations, which have often struggled to balance the character’s intelligence with his fantastic physical abilities. By drawing inspiration from one of nature’s most intelligent creatures, the actor appears to be prioritizing Richards’ scientific genius, a core elements that have defined the character since his creation by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in 1961.

With The Fantastic Four: First Steps featuring the team facing Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner), Pascal’s intellectually-driven approach to Reed Richards will likely play a crucial role in the film’s conflict resolution. In the comics, Richards has repeatedly used his intellect rather than brute force to confront cosmic-level threats, including finding diplomatic solutions or scientific countermeasures to entities like Galactus. This unusual attitude to superheroism has long distinguished the Fantastic Four from other superhero teams, positioning them as explorers and problem-solvers rather than traditional combatants.

Pascal’s interpretation becomes even more intriguing considering The Fantastic Four: First Steps‘s confirmed setting in a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic alternate universe. Drawing inspiration from the Space Age optimism and Jack Kirby’s original comic visuals, this backdrop provides fertile ground for exploring Reed’s scientific pioneering spirit.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps, directed by Matt Shakman, is set to launch Marvel’s First Family into the MCU on July 25, 2025.

Are you excited about Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards? Let us know in the comments!

The post Fantastic Four: First Steps: Pedro Pascal Reveals Inspiration for Reed’s Stretching Power (& It Will Surprise You) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer makes her debut in the new trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Marvel’s First Family officially joins the Marvel Cinematic Universe this summer, and they’re bringing the Devourer of Worlds (Galactus) and his herald, the Silver Surfer, with them. The highly anticipated film reboots the Fantastic Four with an all-new cast featuring Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Johny Storm/Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing. They are the heroes of their world, but their planet will be threatened by Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner).

The trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps begins with a newscaster recapping the exploits of the Fantastic Four, and how they started as four brave astronauts who headed into space and came back forever changed. A group of kids cheer for Thing to lift a car over his head, which he does. People from all walks of life are thanking the Fantastic Four, before they’re finally introduced to the television audience in attendance. The Fantastic Four come out in matching blue-and-white costumes with the “4” logo on the chest. The costumes are similar to the space suits they wore on that fateful day they got their powers.

The FF then gather at the Baxter Building for dinner. Reed and Sue arrive late, and when pressed on it by Johnny and Ben, they correctly guess that Sue is pregnant. Johnny jokes that Reed is out of his depth, while he and Ben are going to be the best uncles ever. However, the joyous occasion is interrupted by the appearance of Shalla-Bal, aka the Silver Surfer. She confronts the Fantastic Four on the street, asking if they are the protectors of their world. When they say yes, Silver Surfer warns them that their planet is marked for death.

[RELATED: 3 Marvel Characters Who Could Show Up in The Fantastic Four: First Steps]

Reed, who is normally a confident person, appears shaken by the threat of Galactus. We then see the Fantastic Four in action, saving innocent bystanders on the street during the chaos and destruction. Thing pulls a boat through the water by its anchor, Sue creates a force field, Johnny soars through the air, and Reed finally shows off his stretching abilities as he jumps and dodges debris falling all around him.

The trailer ends with a shot of Galactus stomping through the city streets. We only see his feet, but they are massive and the size of buildings. There is a cute Easter egg of the trailer being “Presented in FantastiVision.” The official trailer for Fantastic Four releasing now probably means that it will be attached to Thunderbolts*, which arrives in theaters on May 2nd. Thunderbolts* also revealed its final trailer yesterday.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps opens in theaters on July 25th.

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It’s renumberin’ time. It’s been a little more than two years since Marvel relaunched The Fantastic Four with a new creative team (writer Ryan North with artists Iban Coello, Ivan Fiorelli, and Carlos Gomez) in 2022 and returned to a new No. 1 following Dan Slott’s 46-issue run on the World’s Greatest Comic Magazine. Last month, Marvel announced that the current Fantastic Four comic run — written by North with art by Cory Smith (Wolverine) — would be ending with issue #33 in June, and the new Fantastic Four #1 (legacy #727) would launch the eighth volume in time for Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps movie in July.

North, who is also scripting the core title of the ongoing Doctor Doom-centric One World Under Doom publishing initiative, will remain on writing duties and will be joined by artist Humberto Ramos (The Spectacular Spider-Men).

Before sending Marvel’s First Family to four different time periods, North and Ramos will first team up for a story in Free Comic Book Day 2025: Fantastic Four/Giant-Size X-Men #1 (May 3) before the Fantastic Four’s new era begins in the extra-sized Fantastic Four Vol. 8 #1 (July 9).

RELATED: New Amazing Spider-Man Creative Team Talks 2025 Relaunch as Spider-Man Swings Into a New No. 1

“There’s a big new Fantastic Four film on the way, which means that a whole bunch of new people are suddenly going to be interested in our cosmic quartet,” Marvel’s Fantastic Four editor Tom Brevoort wrote on his Substack blog. Brevoort responded to a fan’s question about why the publisher resets the title’s numbering while keeping the same writer on the book, which led to two Chip Zdarsky-penned Daredevil #1s in 2019 and 2022.

“It’s always nice to give folks like that an easy access ramp with a new #1 rather than hoping that they’ll jump on for #34 or whatever,” Brevoort continued. “And we do have a new artist, the terrific Humberto Ramos, as well as a big story to start with, so hopefully it’ll feel like it’s worth it to you. Or it’s a big cash grab, I’m fine with that since I like cash and it enables us to keep the lights on and the presses running.”

Marvel will also be launching a more evergreen title, the four-issue Fantastic Four Fanfare, that will appeal to both longtime fans and new readers ahead of Mister Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Human Torch, and the Thing taking their first steps into the MCU this summer.

Free Comic Book Day 2025: Fantastic Four/Giant-Size X-Men #1

In advance of Marvel’s First Family arriving on the big screen this summer, Ryan North and Humberto Ramos craft an unusual story in which the FANTASTIC FOUR respond to a most unusual interdimensional summons! And on the eve of the birth of the ALL-NEW, ALL-DIFFERENT X-MEN, there is one extra mutant in attendance. WHO is it? Only Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing can tell you! Plus, ANOTHER surprise! We’re simply too good to you!

On stands: May 3

Fantastic Four Fanfare #1 (of 4)

MARVEL’S FIRST FAMILY! In this special, full-color anthology series, each issue focuses on a particular member of the team! For this inaugural outing, Mark Waid and Ramon Rosanas depict an escalating prank war between the Human Torch and the Thing; Alan Davis sends the team into hazards deep underground; and Andrew Wheeler and Sara Pichelli reveal what happens when the Mole Man interrupts Johnny Storm’s star-making turn on reality television!

On sale: May 7

Fantastic Four #33 (Vol. 7 Final Issue)

FANTASTIC ZERO! It all comes down to this! Thirty-three issues of fantastic adventure culminate in a final stirring adventure, back to the beginning…of EVERYTHING. When the solution to what Doom did to Ben can only be found in the past, the Fantastic Four must voyage back four hundred and thirty-six quadrillion seconds into the Big Bang! Of course, the tremendous energies there make it unsurvivable – unless H.E.R.B.I.E. is in control of the precise timing required. Action, adventure and big ideas collide in this special finale issue – which leads into our even more special new #1 issue, coming next month!

On sale: June 25

Fantastic Four #1 (2025)

A NEW ERA FOR MARVEL’S FIRST FAMILY!

The FANTASTIC FOUR return with a new issue #1, kicking off a whole new volume of their adventures through time, space, science and the human condition! When the Fantastic Four take on Doom, things go well until they suddenly go catastrophically wrong – and they’re sent to four different eras in Earth’s history! Alone and isolated in wildly different time periods, Reed, Johnny, Ben and Sue all have to fight to survive. Their only hope is to reach the Forever Stone: a mass of dense granite that happens to be one of the longest-lasting rocks on the planet, which – through a combination of obscurity and raw geological luck – has stayed both intact and accessible for most of Earth’s history! Also featured in this extra-big, extra-special issue: Ben Grimm fights a dinosaur! No other comic DARES to feature the Thing battling several Mapusauruses, but that’s just where WE get started! And it’s all brought to life by the incredible new series artist Humberto Ramos!

On sale: July 9

The post Marvel Editor Explains Why The Fantastic Four Is Relaunching With a New First Issue appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Before Beatlemania, there was Marvel’s Fab Four. After Mister Fantastic, the Invisible Girl, the Human Torch, and the Thing battled the subterranean Mole Man’s island of monsters and the shape-shifting Skrulls in their street clothes, 1962’s The Fantastic Four #3 turned Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm into celebrity superheroes. The classic issue by creators Stan Lee and Jack Kirby not only saw the four don their colorful costumes for the first time, but also marked the debut of their flying Fantasti-Car and their secret, high-tech headquarters: the Baxter Building.

The issue also featured a Human Torch pin-up page by Kirby, which true believers may have spotted in a snippet of new footage from Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps movie.

In the four-second clip posted below, Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn) is enjoying a bowl of dinnertime Lucky Charms cereal. On the front of the period-accurate box: mascot L.C. the Leprechaun (who debuted in 1964). On the back of the box: himself flaming on as Human Torch, taken from Kirby’s pin-up in Fantastic Four #3.

“You’re late,” Johnny tells sister Susan (Vanessa Kirby) and brother-in-law Reed (Pedro Pascal). “What do you mean?” Sue asks, surprised that her kid brother seems to know news she’s yet to break: Sue is expecting.

“What do you mean what do I mean? You’re late for dinner,” he responds.

“He is really smart,” director Matt Shakman previously told EW about Quinn’s Johnny in the 1960s-set Fantastic Four reboot. “He’s on that spaceship for a reason, and I think sometimes people forget that in various comic stories, he’s been one of the most heroic of them, even if he’s undercutting his heroism at every turn through humor. He’s Sue’s brother, which means they are cut from similar cloth.”

RELATED: The Fantastic Four: First Steps Star Hints Their Character Could Take a Villainous Turn in the MCU

“He’s a man that leads with a lot of bravado, which can be an affront sometimes. But also he’s funny,” Quinn added. “Myself and [Marvel Studios boss] Kevin [Feige] were speaking about previous iterations of him and where we are culturally. He was branded as this womanizing, devil-may-care guy, but is that sexy these days? I don’t think so. This version of Johnny is less callous with other people’s feelings, and hopefully there’s a self-awareness about what’s driving that attention-seeking behavior.”

Set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world in an alternate Marvel Cinematic Universe timeline, The Fantastic Four: First Steps “introduces Marvel’s First Family as they face their most daunting challenge yet,” the synopsis states. “Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, they must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer. And if Galactus’ plan to devour the entire planet and everyone on it weren’t bad enough, it suddenly gets very personal.”

Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps — starring Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ralph Ineson, Julia Garner, Paul Walter Hauser, Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles, and John Malkovich — opens only in theaters on July 25.

The post The Fantastic Four: First Steps Debuts New Clip (With a Human Torch Easter Egg) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Pedro Pascal is no stranger to playing established franchise characters, but he admits that Reed Richards is the most intimidating yet. The actor joined Game of Thrones as fan-favorite Oberyn Martell after it was already a hit, he carried the hopes of Boba Fett fans everywhere when The Mandalorian first started, and then he became the player-character in the HBO adaptation of The Last of Us. In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Pascal said that each of these roles was more daunting than the last, but none of them were as scary as the Marvel Comics icon Mr. Fantastic. Still, he feels he struck the right balance of meeting expectations and being authentic.

“It was really intimidating,” Pascal said his casting in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. “I relied on the people that I was around to hold me to the experience and help get me through it. Stepping into something like Game of Thrones and then going into the early days of Netflix with Narcos and then Star Wars and the world of video games with The Last of Us, each time I’ve felt like I couldn’t top how intimidating the last one was.”

“They’re all scary because you really want to make people happy, especially if it’s something that’s widely known with particular expectations around it because you want those expectations to be met,” he went on. “You also want to be authentic to yourself so that it can be the best that it can be for anybody who wants to be entertained by a story and travel with us into this world.”

[RELATED: 3 Marvel Characters Who Could Show Up in The Fantastic Four: First Steps]

It’s pretty staggering to stop and look at Pascal’s career up to this point, noting that nearly all of his biggest roles have been in established franchises. The actor’s IMDb page also includes Kingsman: The Golden Circle in his “best known for” section. Somehow, Pascal has mastered the art of blending into these familiar, long-running stories as if he’s been there all along, and he belongs there.

That task will be a bit easier in First Steps, which does not take place in the MCU’s main continuity, Earth-616. Instead, it is set in an alternate timeline with the franchise’s rapidly expanding multiverse. The “retro-futuristic, 1960s-inspired” setting is the perfect place to introduce Marvel’s first family, though it does raise the question of how these characters will end up crossing over into greater narrative.

Based on his track record alone, Pascal should be the perfect star to pull off this transition. The Fantastic Four: First Steps hits theaters on July 25th, 2025.

The post The Fantastic Four’s Pedro Pascal Calls MCU Debut “Intimidating” (And Compares It To Last of Us) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Sue Storm, the Invisible Woman, is one of the most enduring and important characters in the Marvel Universe. Not only is she a founding member of the Fantastic Four, the original superhero team, but she is Marvel’s first ever female superhero. Sue has been through a lot over the years, from meeting Marvel’s version of God, to seeing the ends of the cosmos, to battling world-ending threats like Galactus. With the Fantastic Four comics always being just as much a family drama as they are superhero books, Sue has experienced as much heartache and emotional turmoil as she has cosmic dangers. Through it all, Sue has tried to always be the mother figure of the group, the one people can rely on and trust. She’s done that, but that isn’t to say she’s perfect.

Far from it, in fact. The Invisible Woman has her own share of darkness inside her heart, and that’s something that Vanessa Kirby looks forward to diving into in her portrayal of the character in the upcoming Fantastic Four: First Steps. Sue is a complex character that’s full of love and hate and all kinds of tangled things. But the darkness in Sue’s heart isn’t just an esoteric thing, it has manifested in another form called Malice, the Mistress of Hate. Kirby says that she “is obsessed with that chapter of her life. So I wanted to make sure that there were tones of Malice in there with her, that she wasn’t just the stereotype of a goody, sweet mother.” 

Who Is Malice?

Malice originated way back in Fantastic Four #280, in an encounter with the supervillain Psycho-Man, so far in the past that Sue still went by the Invisible Girl. Psycho-Man inverted the feelings within Sue’s mind, turning all her love to hate and vice versa, then unleashed her on the rest of the Fantastic Four. With nothing holding her back, Sue showed that she was the most powerful of the Four, easily dismantling the then-member She-Hulk, and backing the Human Torch and Mr. Fantastic into a corner. To bring her back to her senses, Reed realized that he had to appeal to her hate and… verbally abused her and slapped her, which snapped her back to her senses. It might be problematic by today’s standards, but the sheer shock of Reed actually hitting her did work.

RELATED: Godzilla Vs. Fantastic Four Turns Two Kaiju Into Heralds of Galactus

Sue was absolutely livid once she learned what Psycho-Man did to her and for the next several issues was bent on getting revenge. When she confronted him again, he initially captured her and tormented her psyche, until the Four escaped and Sue put him through the same mental torture he did to her. It was this encounter that inspired Sue to change her hero name to the Invisible Woman, showing how being forced to confront the darkness inside her fundamentally changed how she sees herself, as she can’t deny that it’s there anymore.

Malice Has Emerged More Than Once

This wasn’t just a one-and-done evil-side, however. Malice would continue to appear throughout the years, often with Sue physically fighting her darker side in some manner. During the original comics’ version of “Infinity War”, Sue mentally battled her Malice alter ego for control of her body. But instead of destroying her, Sue accepted Malice as a part of her, and fully fused them into one being. After, Sue would be a bit more curt and prone to angry outbursts, showing that Malice is a definitive part of who she is. However, this Malice influence would eventually be removed by Psi-Lord, an alternate reality version of her son Franklin. Malice would be trapped within the mind of the Dark Raider, an evil alternate version of Reed, and hasn’t appeared since.

Malice’s existence can be interpreted in a number of ways. It could be said that Malice, who resembles the sexist evil dominatrix stereotype, is just a byproduct of her writer being John Byrne, who historically enjoyed writing his female characters confronting their darkness by making them turn evil and wear skimpy leather outfits. Jean Grey’s stint as the Black Queen is an example of that. But it’s far more interesting to look at Malice as being a deep-seeded part of Sue, a darkness that she feels but works to keep in check.

As I said, Sue Storm is a very interesting and complex character. She is a woman who battles her darkness, and ultimately chooses to love as deeply as she does. Her pregnancy is supposed to play a major part of the plot of Fantastic Four: First Steps, and while I don’t think we’ll be seeing Malice as she is in the comics, it would definitely be cool to see a new interpretation of the Mistress of Hate on the big screen.

What do you think? Let us know in the comment section!

The post Who is Malice? What You Need to Know About Sue Storm’s Dark Side appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps will introduce Marvel’s First Family to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The highly-anticipated summer blockbuster will take in an alternate timeline within the MCU, meaning that things will look different from what fans are used to. Reed (Pedro Pascal), Sue (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny (Joseph Quinn) and Ben (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) will live through the biggest events of their lives in a world where the Avengers never assembled, there is no Captain America, and other heroes are simply unheared of. That’s right, the Fantastic Four will be the only heroes in their world. The fact that no one else will be protecting the world could lead to exciting appearances from familiar faces, just perhaps in a different context.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps will be a fresh start for a franchise that is already dealing with almost two decades of baggage. As no other heroes have risen to power in this world, it gives Marvel a chance to do something new. With a clean slate, director Matt Shakman has the chance to introduce his own version of the characters who have entertained the world for years. The Fantastic Four will also be seen in next year’s Avengers: Doomsday. How will everything be connected to the upcoming crossover? Could that have something to do with unexpected appearances that surprise viewers in this adventure? Here are some of the Marvel characters who could unexpectedly show up in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, perhaps setting the stage for bigger stories to come.

1) Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom

Marvel shocked the world when they announced that Robert Downey Jr. would be coming back as the dangerous Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday. The performer who brought Iron Man to life over the course of a decade is now ready to become the biggest rival his team has ever faced. But is it possible for Doctor Doom to make his debut in The Fantastic Four: First Steps? Director Matt Shakman has warned audiences not to expect him in the movie, but this is the MCU we’re talking about. Secrets and surprises are always kept under wraps until they manifest on screen.

In the comic books, Doctor Doom has been the nemesis of the Fantastic Four for decades. The character even appeared in previous cinematic adaptations of the team, with Julian McMahon and Toby Kebbell both portraying the character in different films. It would make perfect sense for Robert Downey Jr.’s Victor Von Doom to be introduced here. In addition to the comic book background, Doom’s home country of Latveria has never been mentioned in the MCU. The character has no presence on the Sacred Timeline up to this point that we know of. Could Robert Downey Jr.’s villain actually come from the same Earth as the Fantastic Four, thus explaining his absence? Perhaps, and it would certainly open the door for him to appear in The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

[ RELATED: Fantastic Four’s MCU Uniforms Revealed ]

2) The Mole Man

The Mole Man is a classic Marvel villain the Fantastic Four have encountered many, many times in the comic books. In some iterations of the story, the character has the power to control a seemingly infinite number of scary creatures he has brought to life through science. In the original Ultimate universe, the Mole Man was the crucial part of the Fantastic Four’s origin, and he eventually became the first major villain the team had to take down. It would be a heartfelt homage to include the Mole Man in The Fantastic Four: First Steps in some capacity.

While a confident amount of online rumors have suggested that the Mole Man will be seen on the big screen once The Fantastic Four: First Steps premieres this summer, the character hasn’t been officially cast for the film. Fans will have to speculate for a few months regarding the appearance of the character. At the same time, the Mole Man could be a minor threat the Fantastic Four take care of before fighting against Galactus (Ralph Ineson) later on in the movie. Time will tell if Matt Shakman and Marvel Studios have actually decided to include the villain.

3) Bruce Banner

The Incredible Hulk was a founding Avenger in the MCU. While audiences shouldn’t expect a giant green monster to leap across the big screen in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, the team led by Reed Richards will be dealing with a lot of scientific equipment and research in the movie. The MCU loves to include callbacks to other corners of the franchise whenever a new installment releases. The Fantastic Four may need the help of a brilliant gamma scientist when trying to understand what happened to their bodies after the accident gave them their powers. A variant of Bruce Banner could be a nice way to shake things up while presenting audiences with something they already know.

A variant of Bruce Banner could also be a clever way of introducing a new actor to play the character in case Mark Ruffalo wants to step away from the role. The performer has been portraying the Hulk for more than a decade. Other cast members from the original team have already stepped away, including Chris Evans and Scarlett Johansson. Could Mark Ruffalo be next? If so, The Fantastic Four: First Steps offers an opportunity for the MCU to not have to kill off or phase out the Bruce Banner (or Hulk) character entirely.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps premieres in theaters on July 25.

The post 3 Marvel Characters Who Could Show Up in The Fantastic Four: First Steps appeared first on ComicBook.com.

During the press tour for The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Vanessa Kirby revealed Sue Storm will be pregnant in the movie. This revelation heralds the debut of Franklin Richards, a character whose comic book history teases the universe-altering implications for the MCU. That’s because Sue and Reed’s firstborn son possesses reality-warping abilities that dwarf even cosmic entities. As such his timely arrival in the final stretches of the Multiversal Saga could be teasing Marvel Studios is ready to soft reboot its universe, taking inspiration in how Marvel Comics cleaned the slate for new stories with the “Secret Wars” crossover event.

Since 2019, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has been constructing what he terms the “Multiverse Saga,” a narrative throughline culminating in Avengers: Secret Wars. This event shares its title with two seminal Marvel Comics storylines, the original 1984 limited series by Jim Shooter and Mike Zeck, and Jonathan Hickman’s 2015 reimagining. The second “Secret Wars” resulted in a substantial reshaping of Marvel’s comic universe, with various realities colliding to form Battleworld, a patchwork planet ruled by Doctor Doom. When the dust settled, elements from different continuities had merged into a refreshed yet familiar Marvel universe — the Ultimate Universe’s Miles Morales coexisting alongside the mainstream Peter Parker, for instance.

[RELATED: Marvel Already Revealed How They’ll Include the X-Men in Avengers: Doomsday]

Fans have long speculated that Marvel Studios intends to follow a similar trajectory, using Secret Wars as an opportunity to consolidate disparate Marvel film properties under a single coherent continuity. This theory gained substantial credibility with the announcement that original X-Men cast members from Fox’s films will appear in 2026’s Avengers: Doomsday. The integration of these previously separate continuities suggests Marvel is building toward a fundamental restructuring of their cinematic universe, honoring what came before while creating space for newly accessible characters and concepts.

Further supporting this theory is the surprising return of Robert Downey Jr. not as Tony Stark but as Doctor Doom, who served as the godlike ruler of Battleworld in Hickman’s Secret Wars. The casting connects Marvel’s most iconic actor to the villain who, in the comics, reconstructed reality from the fragments of collapsing universes. This parallel, combined with the Russo brothers’ return to direct both upcoming Avengers films, indicates Marvel is assembling the narrative components necessary for a comprehensive universe revision. The question remains: how will they execute such ambitious multiversal restructuring while maintaining audience investment in their established universe? The answer may lie in the powers of one soon-to-be-born Franklin Richards.

Franklin Richards’ Powers Could Be Used for an MCU Reboot

In Marvel Comics, Franklin Richards stands apart even from characters classified as Omega-level mutants due to the unprecedented scale of his abilities. Unlike heroes with specific power sets like super-strength or energy manipulation, Franklin possesses fundamental reality-warping capabilities that allow him to reshape existence according to his will. 

Franklin’s abilities manifest as matter and energy manipulation, psionic powers including telekinesis and telepathy, teleportation, and perhaps most significantly, the capacity to create pocket universes. These aren’t simply mental constructs but fully realized realities with their own physical laws and inhabitants. In various comic storylines, Franklin has also demonstrated immortality, precognition, astral projection, and the ability to resurrect others. Franklin’s power set is so extensive that writers often need to find narrative reasons to limit or temporarily suppress his abilities to maintain dramatic tension.

The most relevant precedent for Franklin’s potential role in reshaping the MCU comes from his actions following the Onslaught saga in 1996. When the combined forces of the Avengers and Fantastic Four appeared to perish while defeating the psychic entity Onslaught, Franklin unconsciously created an entire alternate reality (later dubbed the “Heroes Reborn” universe) where these heroes continued to exist. This pocket dimension featured reimagined versions of familiar characters with altered origins and relationships, allowing Marvel to refresh iconic properties while technically preserving continuity. When editorial direction shifted months later, Franklin’s powers provided the narrative explanation for reintegrating these heroes into the mainstream Marvel universe.

[RELATED: 3 Theories About How Fantastic Four Will Connect to Avengers: Doomsday]

A similar scenario played out during Hickman’s run leading to 2015’s Secret Wars. As the multiverse collapsed through a series of “Incursions — catastrophic collisions between universes that the MCU has already established in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness — an adult Franklin Richards worked alongside Reed to preserve fragments of reality. After Doctor Doom constructed Battleworld from these fragments and ruled as a god, Reed, Franklin, and Valeria ultimately rebuilt the multiverse, integrating elements from various realities into a revitalized continuity.

The MCU has meticulously established the conceptual groundwork for similar developments. Loki explored the concept of alternate timelines and the consequences of their interaction. Spider-Man: No Way Home demonstrated that characters from completely separate film franchises could cross between universes. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania expanded on the quantum realm as a nexus point between realities. These narrative threads create a framework within which Franklin’s reality-manipulating abilities would function as a logical extension of established principles.

Marvel producer Brad Winderbaum recently addressed MCU reboot rumors directly, saying, “You can’t really fully reboot anything. It’s a very difficult thing to do to a living, breathing fictional universe… to just start from scratch, because of all the fan investment and love for the stories that have come so far.” This philosophy suggests that rather than erasing what came before, Marvel intends to evolve its universe while honoring its legacy, precisely the approach that Franklin’s powers could facilitate by serving as the perfect excuse for a soft reboot.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps premieres in theaters on July 25, 2025, with Avengers: Doomsday scheduled for release on May 1, 2026, followed by Avengers: Secret Wars on May 7, 2027.

Do you think Franklin Richards will have a significant role in Avengers: Secret Wars? Will the MCU be soft rebooted in the near future? Join the discussion and in the comments!

The post Here’s How Fantastic Four: First Steps Could Be Setting up a Full MCU Reboot appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Marvel’s First Family will be making their MCU debut in July with The Fantastic Four: First Steps. After the release of the film’s first trailer and details revealed during Marvel’s presentation at CinemaCon, many fans started to speculate what we would see in the film and how it connects to the MCU as a whole. Rumors include the team being on the same planet Earth as the X-Men in The Marvels, creating a potential showdown with the Avengers in Avengers: Doomsday, but with Sue Storm’s pregnancy in First Steps and the impending arrival of Franklin Richards, some fans are digging a bit deeper for inspiration from Marvel Comics’ past.

Franklin Richards was introduced in 1968, later manifesting incredible powers that launched him to the top of any “most powerful” list of Marvel characters. With his potential addition to the film, he could end up as a lure for Galactus to the retro Earth. Franklin could also be the spark behind the eventual creation of Battleworld in Secret Wars. But what if his presence represents a more divisive storyline for Marvel fans, perhaps something like Heroes Reborn?

What is Heroes Reborn?

Long before NBC revived its (unrelated) Heroes television franchise with a similar name, Marvel introduced Heroes Reborn to shelves, lead by Jim Lee and Rob Liefeld. Published in 1996, the year-long initiative saw Marvel heroes sacrificed to defeat Onslaught, including the Avengers and Fantastic Four. However, instead of actually dying they were whisked to a pocket Earth, thanks to Franklin Richards. Classic stories and origins were retold and reimagined, with Lee and Liefeld leading the charge. While sales were up for the rebooted titles, the concept fell apart after Liefeld was removed from the project and Lee was given the reins on the entire creation. It ended after twelve issues, leading to Heroes Return and their re-introduction to the main Marvel Universe.

A key part of Heroes Reborn is the arrival of Galactus as a massive threat to all of the heroes. The narrative throughout the rebooted titles revolved around the impending arrival of the world devourer, connected Marvel favorites to the villain, and concluded in a four-issue showdown that may be parallel with The Fantastic Four: First Steps and its Galactus fight. In the closing crossover, Doctor Doom uses time travel to return to a point before Galactus’ arrival and each of his respective destructions of Earth. Each time he and the heroes are thwarted, with some notable names dying along the way until Galactus is killed by the Silver Surfer in the final issue.

Seeing all of the heroes featured in the crossover is unlikely, but some story details line up with the rumored plot for First Steps. The biggest rumor claims Galactus succeeds in eating the retro-futuristic Earth in First Steps, opening the door for Franklin Richards to help his family survive and make their way to the main timeline. We’re also aware this version of Galactus is the same across the entire multiverse, so the destruction of this planet and the ongoing incursions between other parallel timelines should be enough to lure him to the main Marvel “sacred” timeline.

[RELATED – 5 Things Fantastic Four: First Steps Has to Get Right]

How Could Heroes Reborn Play Out In the MCU?

The World Devourer holds a special connection to Franklin Richards, possibly marking him as a bigger target in the film. His powers aside, Franklin has demonstrated an ability to connect with Galactus and even becomes the villain in the many possible futures depicted in Fantastic Four comics. If The Fantastic Four: First Steps does find influence in the late ’90s Heroes Reborn crossover, what can we expect?

Franklin Richards would likely demonstrate his powers, possibly against Galactus, in a final attempt to save the parallel Earth. Tying this to the incursions or showing him to help his family escape the destruction would also be a solid possibility. If it plays out as some speculation indicates, Franklin Richards could fill the void left by Molecule Man’s absence in the MCU. Switching Molecule Man for Franklin Richards in the Secret Wars story would see Doom use the young boy’s power to create Battleworld and keep the peace.

We’ll keep our ears open and eyes peeled as we draw closer to the film’s premiere in July. Until then, what is your theory on Franklin Richards’ potential role in the MCU moving forward? Would Heroes Reborn ruin the entire franchise if it is introduced immediately? Sound off in the comments.

The post Is Marvel’s New Fantastic Four Movie Headed Toward an MCU Version of Their Worst Reboot? appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Ebon Moss-Bachrach makes his MCU big-screen debut in this summer’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps, but Ben Grimm/The Thing is actually the second character he’s played in the franchise. The actor previously appeared as Micro on Netflix’s series The Punisher, and Moss-Bachrach is aware of a very cool connection between his two Marvel roles. While speaking with Entertainment Weekly for the outlet’s cover story on First Steps, the actor explained how both of his MCU characters have ties to Marvel Comics legends Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, who co-created the Fantastic Four back in the 1960s.

“Jack Kirby wrote [Ben Grimm] as a bit of an homage to his father, and to the streets that he grew up on,” Moss-Bachrach said. “I’m a New Yorker, and I’ve spent a lot of time on Essex Street, on Delancey, on Clinton. So it does feel like home to me, and the production did a beautiful job recreating that. It was so cool to walk down and see the hat seller and the fish seller. I was shocked that we were outside of London because it fully felt like the Lower East Side.”

He added, “I think it’s cool that Micro is named David Lieberman, who takes his last name from Stan Lee. Then Ben Grimm is this Kirby amalgamation. So, in my brief two portrayals of Marvel characters, I’ve hit the two big guys. It’s a deep honor that I take to heart.”

[RELATED – 3 Theories About How Fantastic Four Will Connect to Avengers: Doomsday]

Moss-Bachrach portrayed Micro on 12 episodes of The Punisher; all of his appearances were in the show’s first season. He is set to play a significant role for the rest of the MCU’s Multiverse Saga, as his Ben Grimm is slated to appear in Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars following his debut in First Steps.

The Fantastic Four: First Step‘s 1960s retro-futuristic setting honors the characters’ comic book roots, as Marvel’s First Family debuted in November 1961. While working on the film, director Matt Shakman said he was inspired (in part) by the work Lee and Kirby did together on the title. Marvel Studios also honored the late Lee with First Steps wrap gifts that featured Lee’s signature “Excelsior” catchphrase.

Lee and Kirby’s work obviously laid the foundation for the MCU, a franchise that’s showing no signs of slowing down after nearly 20 years. Though the two icons have passed away, the creative teams behind various Marvel productions are still finding ways to recognize them and their invaluable contributions to pop culture. Kirby’s distinct style has been influencing Marvel directors for years (see: Taika Waititi on Thor: Ragnarok), and filmmakers continue to include nods to Lee in their movies (the “Stanlee Steamer” bus banner in Deadpool & Wolverine). Everyone involved with these projects understands they wouldn’t be making them if it weren’t for what Lee and Kirby accomplished, so they know it’s important to honor the legends whenever they can.

It’s clear Moss-Bachrach isn’t taking the connection between his characters lightly, and it sounds like it informed his performance as Ben Grimm in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Ideally, that will help his iteration strike a chord with audiences, which is very important considering the Fantastic Four’s significance through the rest of the Multiverse Saga. If Moss-Bachrach is able to channel the spirit of Kirby in his portrayal, he could emerge as a fan favorite character viewers can’t wait to see more of.

The post Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Star Has Two MCU Characters (& There’s a Connection) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

An important plot device in The Fantastic Four: First Steps teases the introduction of a powerful Marvel character. A lot of new details have come out regarding the Fantastic Four’s Marvel Cinematic Universe debut, including the cast returning to take on Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday. The film is bringing in some heavy hitters in the form of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, Thunderbolts, the original X-Men, and yes, the Fantastic Four. However, the most powerful person in the MCU has yet to be seen on screen, but The Fantastic Four: First Steps can change all that.

Entertainment Weekly released an in-depth look behind the scenes of The Fantastic Four: First Steps. When the topic turns to Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm, aka Invisible Woman, it’s confirmed that Sue will be pregnant in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and the pregnancy plays a major role in the film.

“Matt [Shakman] and I were really aware that there hasn’t really been a mother with a baby in these superhero archetypes women have been getting,” Kirby said. “One of the things I love most from Sue’s history is when she becomes Malice, and all her dark stuff comes out. I was obsessed with that chapter of her life. So I wanted to make sure that there were tones of Malice in there with her, that she wasn’t just the stereotype of a goody, sweet mother.”

[RELATED: Fantastic Four: First Steps Director Says “There’s No Easter Eggs” (And We’re Relieved)]

Kirby continued, “I’ve always been really interested in the mess of femininity, and how can you be both? How can you be all the things? Not just the tough, invincible, powerful woman, but also a mother who gives birth, which is itself a superhero act. I love that these characters are real humans in a messy family who argue and try to work it out and get things wrong.”

While we know Sue Storm is pregnant, they don’t reveal which child Sue is pregnant with. In the comics, Sue and Reed Richards have two children: their oldest son, Franklin Richards, and a daughter named Valeria Richards. Franklin has the tremendous power to basically create universes, and has often been referred to as a mutant, though storylines have tried to retcon that character progression. Since Franklin is the firstborn, he’s likely the child teased in the Fantastic Four movie. As for Valeria, she has an intellect that rivals her father, Mister Fantastic. She is also the god-daughter of Doctor Doom.

If Franklin Richards is born and enters the MCU, he automatically jumps to the top of the list of most powerful characters. Hulk, Thor, and Captain Marvel have physical strength, and Scarlet Witch has mystical prowess. But Franklin Richards can rewrite the fabric of reality. That will surely draw the interest of beings such as Galactus, who is the villain of The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

Footage of The Fantastic Four: First Steps was screened at CinemaCon and featured the first look at Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer, Herald of Galactus. The reception following the footage has been positive, with many fans beaming with excitement over the Silver Surfer and Sue Storm pregnancy news. The Silver Surfer has been a fan-favorite villain in the Fantastic Four series, with the movies bringing him to life with the help of Doug Jones and Laurence Fishburne in the 2007 film Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. This is the first time we’ll get to see Shalla-Bal make her appearance in the movies, with Ozark‘s Julia Garner surfing the waves as the female variant.

What do you think about Sue Storm being pregnant in The Fantastic Four: First Steps? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

The post Fantastic Four Officially Teases MCU Debut of One of the Most Powerful Marvel Characters appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Mother or Malice? That was the question in 1985’s Fantastic Four #280, where the Four’s foes, the emotion-manipulating supervillain Psycho Man and the Hate-Monger, made Sue Richards of the Fantastic Four into Malice: Mistress of Hate. (Sue had recently suffered a miscarriage during her second pregnancy in Fantastic Four #267, leaving her vulnerable to Psycho Man’s control.) He then turned the most powerful member of the Fantastic Four — the Invisible Girl — against her family.

As Malice, Sue defeated She-Hulk (who had replaced the Thing) before being confronted by brother Johnny and husband Reed, who ultimately freed Sue from her hateful persona. Psychologically scarred by Psycho-Man’s assault and violation of her heart and soul, the vengeful Sue suffered more torment as Psycho-Man’s manipulations made her experience the deaths of the Fantastic Four.

RELATED: The Fantastic Four: First Steps Director on Why Galactus Is the Villain, Not Doctor Doom

His Psycho-Ray put Sue through the emotional wringer with intense feelings of doubt, fear, and hate, and so Sue turned his weapon against him — collapsing his autonomic nervous system in the process. Fantastic Four #284 would be Sue’s final appearance as the Invisible Girl: she rechristened herself the Invisible Woman.

Although her dominatrix-styled alter-ego has resurfaced just a handful of times, it might next return somewhere unexpected: the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Vanessa Kirby, who plays a pregnant Sue in Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps, suggests that Sue’s long-repressed emotions could eventually manifest as Malice as they did in the comics.

“[Director] Matt [Shakman] and I were really aware that there hasn’t really been a mother with a baby in these superhero archetypes women have been getting,” the actor told Entertainment Weekly. “One of the things I love most from Sue’s history is when she becomes Malice, and all her dark stuff comes out. I was obsessed with that chapter of her life. So I wanted to make sure that there were tones of Malice in there with her, that she wasn’t just the stereotype of a goody, sweet mother.”

She continued, “I’ve always been really interested in the mess of femininity, and how can you be both? How can you be all the things? Not just the tough, invincible, powerful woman, but also a mother who gives birth, which is itself a superhero act. I love that these characters are real humans in a messy family who argue and try to work it out and get things wrong.”

Kirby makes her MCU debut alongside Pedro Pascal (Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic), Joseph Quinn (Johnny Storm/Human Torch), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Ben Grimm/the Thing) in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, in theaters July 25, before the quartet return in next summer’s Avengers: Doomsday.

The post Fantastic Four: First Steps Star Hints Their Character Could Take a Villainous Turn in the MCU appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Joseph Quinn’s portrayal of Johnny Storm in The Fantastic Four: First Steps is going to be quite different from previous cinematic iterations of the character. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly for the outlet’s cover story previewing this summer’s Marvel blockbuster, the actor shared that he had discussions with Kevin Feige about the best approach to play the character. Comparing his take to what came before, Quinn noted how earlier versions of Johnny were more brash and didn’t exactly align with modern sensibilities. Though First Steps is a period piece, Quinn was cognizant of how Johnny’s behavior could be perceived by today’s moviegoers and strived to put his own stamp on the character.

“He’s a man that leads with a lot of bravado, which can be an affront sometimes. But also he’s funny,” Quinn said. “Myself and Kevin were speaking about previous iterations of him and where we are culturally. He was branded as this womanizing, devil-may-care guy, but is that sexy these days? I don’t think so. This version of Johnny is less callous with other people’s feelings, and hopefully there’s a self-awareness about what’s driving that attention-seeking behavior.”

In the previous Fantastic Four film adaptations, Chris Evans and Michael B. Jordan played Johnny Storm/Human Torch. Both actors conveyed the character’s “hothead” nature in different ways; Evans’ iteration had a sarcastic streak and was a bit of a womanizer, while Jordan’s was a rebellious thrill seeker, as evidenced by his penchant for street racing.

[RELATED – Fantastic Four: First Steps CinemaCon Footage Revealed Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer (& The Response Is Positive)]

Quinn’s interpretation has only been briefly seen in the Fantastic Four: First Steps teaser trailer. Since the preview was focused more on establishing the film’s tone and atmosphere, audiences only got the smallest taste of the MCU’s Johnny, so there wasn’t much to go off of. Quinn is confirmed to reprise the role in next year’s Avengers: Doomsday.

Based on Quinn’s comments, the Johnny audiences meet in The Fantastic Four: First Steps will maintain several of the character’s classic traits while toning certain elements down. That’s arguably for the best, as it will allow Quinn’s version to stand on its own merits and honor the spirit of the source material at the same time. In some ways, it sounds like Quinn might have drawn from his experience playing Eddie Munson on Stranger Things to inform his Johnny Storm performance. Eddie quickly became a fan favorite due to his larger-than-life personality, and his more sensitive side helped the character really resonate with audiences. Quinn’s Human Torch could be in that same mold, but hopefully with enough differences so it’s distinct.

Quinn proved to be quite adept portraying this kind of character on Stranger Things, so he should be an entertaining addition to the MCU. It will be interesting to see how his story unfolds in First Steps; the tease of Johnny having “self-awareness” about his personal behavior hints at a compelling emotional throughline that could serve as the basis for a nice arc as he finds himself as part of a superhero team. Hopefully, audiences find Quinn to be endearing in Fantastic Four. The film is vitally important for the MCU’s future, so it’s pertinent this take on Marvel’s First Family works.

The post One Fantastic Four Character Getting a Major Personality Change in First Steps appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s classic Fantastic Four comic run ushered in the Marvel Age of Comics. The co-creators collaborated on over 100 issues between 1961 and 1970, and in that time, birthed everything from Marvel’s First Family — Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Sue Storm/Invisible Girl, Johnny Storm/Human Torch, and Ben Grimm/The Thing — to the Black Panther and Doctor Doom. But it was the Galactus Trilogy, spanning Fantastic Four #48-#50, that can be described as the first Lee-Kirby epic.

In “The Coming of Galactus,” Lee and Kirby not only introduced the eponymous planet devourer on the final page of Fantastic Four #48, but the Silver Surfer, who heralded the arrival of his master. The Fantastic Four would save the doomed Earth from apocalypse in “If This Be Doomsday!” and “The Startling Saga of the Silver Surfer,” a cosmos-spanning adventure that cemented Fantastic Four as “the world’s greatest comic magazine.”

That’s why The Fantastic Four: First Steps, set in a retro-futuristic 1960s separate from the main Marvel Cinematic Universe timeline, is bringing Lee and Kirby’s larger-than-life character back to screens for the first time since Galactus was depicted as a faceless cosmic cloud in 2007’s Fox-made Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer.

RELATED: Fantastic Zero: Marvel’s Fantastic Four Goes Back to Year Zero

“I didn’t want to just use motion-capture for Galactus. I wanted to actually have someone there embodying the part,” director Matt Shakman told Entertainment Weekly about the character played by Game of Thrones and Nosferatu actor Ralph Ineson. “So we’ve built an entire costume for him, and we’ve done a lot of photography testing to figure out, How do you make sure that the scale is correct? How do you film Mount Rushmore?”

It also meant moving away from archvillain Victor von Doom. While Doom wasn’t the first foe the Four faced in the comics — that was the subterranean supervillain the Mole Man — Doctor Doom has been the inaugural villain of every first Fantastic Four movie so far. Joseph Culp played the masked monarch in the Roger Corman-produced Fantastic Four (1994), followed by Julian McMahon in Fantastic Four (2005) and Toby Kebbell in Fant4stic (2015).

With Doctor Doom set to make his MCU debut in Avengers: Doomsday (played by former Iron Man actor Robert Downey Jr.), the filmmaker was able to focus more on the family.

“Doom’s a great character, but he takes up a lot of air,” Shakman explained. “Other film adaptations have done both an origin story and Doom. We’re doing neither, and that allows us to look at them from a fresh perspective.”

Julia Garner (Wolf Man) will play the herald of Galactus, the silver-skinned rider of the spaceways who wields the Power Cosmic, while Natasha Lyonne (Poker Face), Paul Walter Hauser (Inside Out 2), and John Malkovich (Space Force) have been cast in as-yet-undisclosed roles. Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us), Vanessa Kirby (Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning), Joseph Quinn (Stranger Things), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Bear) star in Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which opens in theaters on July 25.

The post Fantastic Four: First Steps Director on Why Galactus Is the Villain Instead of Doctor Doom appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Thanos may have made a few minor appearances here and there throughout the first decade of the Marvel Cinematic Unvierse, but the Mad Titan didn’t get a proper debut until 2018’s Avengers: Infinity War, and he made the wait worth it. Infinity War made a point of showing just how easily Thanos could annihilate Earth’s Mightiest Heroes in one-on-one combat before destroying half the known universe with a snap of his fingers. In other words, Thanos is one bad dude who can solo most Marvel heroes who dare to stand up to him. Most of the Marvel heroes that is, but not all.

Between the Marvel characters not in the MCU when Infinity War took place and the ones who were either dead or nerfed by the time Thanos came around, there are, believe it or not, quite a few challengers that could have given ol’ wrinkle-chin a run for his money.

Thena

Whatever your thoughts are on Eternals, there’s no denying the Celestial-created cosmic beings are some of the most powerful in the MCU. As the group’s designated warrior, Thena would be the obvious choice to take on Thanos and, when doing so, give him a sound thrashing. Thena — like all Eternals — possesses superhuman strength, durability, speed, agility, stamina, reflexes, and healing, along with the ability to create weapons made of cosmic energy that are capable of piercing the skin of other Eternals/Deviants. That means they’re also powerful enough to shred Thanos’s nigh-invulnerable purple hide. Those weapons, along with Thena’s unparalleled skill in armed combat, make her a formidable, cosmic-level threat and more than a match for Thanos (had she not been in hiding at the time).

Odin

Odin Borson was known as the most powerful being in the Nine Realms. When his daughter Hela broke out of the prison he put her in and went on to slay all of the Valkeries — the most powerful warriors in Asgard — Odin defeated her single-handedly and re-imprisoned her. When his son Thor — considered by many to be the most powerful Avenger — started acting up, Odin stripped him of his powers and banished him to Earth with barely any effort at all. Had Odin not died shortly before the events of Infinity War, there is no doubt he would have made mincemeat out of Thanos.

Franklin Richards

It’s almost unfair to include Franklin Richards on this list because he outclasses Thanos by such an exponential amount any conflict between the two wouldn’t be a fight so much as it would be pest control. The son of Reed and Sue Richards of the Fantastic Four, Franklin has yet to make his way into the MCU but, given the nature of his powers, is undoubtedly already aware of its existence. That’s because Franklin Richards’ powers have been described as “above multiversal.”

Basically, while Thanos has to work his magenta butt off just to get enough power to snap away half of one universe’s population, Franklin can create whole new universes with barely a wave of his ungloved hand. When it comes down to it, Richards is simply on a completely different level than Thanos.

Adam Warlock

Adam Warlock and Thanos are like Batman and the Joker … at least in the comics. In the MCU Thanos died before his “arch-nemesis” was even born. There’s a good chance however, that had the two met in battle, Adam would have been the one walking away afterward. While not always depicted as physically stronger than Thanos, Adam Warlock has an unprecedented understanding of the way the Mad Titan thinks and his motives giving him the advantage psychologically.

But that’s in the comics. The version of Adam Warlock introduced in Gaurdians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 was insanely powerful and that’s after being awakened from his cocoon prematurely. By the time Adam reaches his full potential it’s possible that Thanos, even with all the Inifnity Stones, might not have been able to take him in a fight.

Jean Grey (Phoenix)

If we had a nickel for every time the Fox franchise failed to acurately portray the power of the Phoenix Force we’d have two nickels, which isn’t a lot but still, it’s weird it happened twice.

Comic book Jean Grey however is an Omega Level mutant meaning her powers have no definable upper limit. And that’s without the Phoenix Force. With the Phoenix Force Jean Grey is an Omega Level mutant with the addition of unlimited, God-like cosmic abilities. To say that she would tear MCU Thanos a new opening or two is an understatement.

Galactus

Look, we know Galactus isn’t exactly a hero but he’s not really a villain either. He’s kind of above all of that, no pun intended. In any case the Devourer of Worlds definitely has what it takes to put an end to Thanos’s reign of terror if he so desired. While we won’t see just how powerful the MCU version of Galactus will be until The Fantastic Four: First Steps hits theaters July, 25 if he’s anything like his comic book counterpart he’ll be more powerful than almost anyone else in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Galactus has been described as “the physical, metamorphosed embodiment of a cosmos.” In other words, while Thanos succeeds in wiping out half of all life in the universe, Galactus is a universe unto himself.

Cosmic Ghost Rider

If we said The Punisher could beat Thanos in a straight fight we’d be laughed out of every comic shop in America. If, however, we made the claim that Frank Castle with the combined powers of Ghost Rider and the Silver Surfer, wielding a chain forged from the bones of Cyttorak, could beat Thanos, we wouldn’t sound so crazy then, would we? Especially since it already happened.

Cosmic Ghost Rider is the very definition of OP but, welcome to comics, right? After all, Thanos’s power level isn’t exactly reasonable either. When it comes down to absurdly strong power fantasies Cosmic Ghost Rider manages to beat Thanos at his own game.

The Incredible Hulk

You may be thinking, ‘Didn’t Thanos beat him senseless in no time at all?’ Yes, but he almost had to for the plot of Infinity War. When you give a filmmaker the task of introducing a super-powerful villain into a universe full of crazy-strong characters the easiest way to help your new bad guy “get over,” as they say in Wrestling, is to show him taking down the biggest, toughest guy around. That’s why it makes sense from a narrative perspective for the Russo brothers to begin Infinity War by having Thanos crush the Hulk. But that’s also the MCU Hulk who has always paled in comparison to his four-color counterpart.

Marvel Comics Hulk is a different beast entirely. How powerful is he? Let’s put it this way, Thanos himself admitted during his initial quest to find all of the Infinity Stones that he was afraid to fight the Hulk until after he had them all in his possession. ‘Nuff said.

Squirrel Girl

If you’re wondering how a seemingly, low threat like Doreen Green AKA Squirrel Girl could possibly beat Thanos, don’t bother, because she already has. Yes, Squirrel Girl, a mutant with the power to talk to squirrels has canonically beaten Thanos in the main 616 universe. Not only did she beat him with nothing but her squirrel powers but it happened in the presence of Uatu the Watcher who said out loud for the reader’s benefit that Squirrel Girl had defeated, not a clone or other facsimile, but the real honest to goodness Thanos.

Now to be fair, the fight happened off panel and was clearly intended to poke fun at the sort of “can character X beat character Y” powerscaling debates fans love to spend countless hours on. However, a win is a win and if Doreen ever makes her way to the MCU it would be great if they honored her comic book roots by having her take down some ridiculously powerful villain off camera.

Magneto

Again, we might be stretching the definition of hero here but Magneto has enough good deeds under his belt to earn him a spot on this list. Besides, as a holocaust survivor if anyone has a reason for wanting to take down a power-hungry warlord hellbent on committing genocide, it’s him. Magneto’s ability to control even alien metals makes him the perfect opponent to go up against Thanos and his Asgardian crafted Uru mitten.

It’s highly suggested that the MCU’s Infinity Gauntlet is made of the same magical metal as Thor’s hammer givent that it was forged by the same person. Given Thanos’s hubris and tendency to monologue Magneto should have plenty of time to crush the Infinity Gauntlet into a tiny ball with Thanos’s hand still in it. Pretty hard to snap your fingers when they’ve been liquified.

Do you agree with our picks for which Marvel heroes could beat up Thanos or is there someone else you think has what it takes to defeat the Mad Titan? Let us know in the comments!

The post 10 Marvel Heroes That Could Have Beaten Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps director Matt Shakman indicates that fans shouldn’t expect to see an abundance of Marvel Easter eggs when the film premieres this summer. Speaking with Empire, the filmmaker opened up about his approach to crafting the movie’s story, remarking that the project’s alternate-reality setting gave him a lot of freedom. From the beginning, MCU movies and TV shows have featured Easter eggs that tease other elements from the overarching franchise, but First Steps is going to be self-contained. Shakman knows that eventually, his superhero team will clash with other Marvel characters, though for now they stand alone.

“We are our own universe. Which is wonderful and liberating,” Shakman said. “There’s really no [other] superheroes. There’s no Easter eggs. There’s no running into Iron Man or whatever. They’re it, in this universe. I love the interconnected Marvel Universe, but we get to do something so new and so different. Eventually this world will meet up with other worlds — but for now this is our own little corner.”

The Fantastic Four: First Steps takes place in a 1960s-inspired retro-futuristic reality separate from Marvel’s Sacred Timeline. This unique aesthetic was prominently featured in the film’s first official trailer that premiered back in February. The film’s setting pays homage to the Fantastic Four’s comic book roots; the characters made their debut in November 1961.

[RELATED – 3 Theories About How Fantastic Four Will Connect to Avengers: Doomsday]

Shakman isn’t the only person involved with First Steps to describe how it’s different from other recent MCU installments. Actor Paul Walter Hauser, who has a mystery role in the film, has said the movie has a strong emphasis on the family dynamic, which ideally will help audiences become attached to the characters. Hauser mentioned it’s important for viewers to care about Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm before they get thrown into life-threatening situations.

Spotting Easter eggs and references in the latest MCU entry has become something of a past time for fans, but it’s encouraging to know The Fantastic Four: First Steps isn’t going to get bogged down in nods to other Marvel properties. Too often, franchise installments like this can use Easter eggs as a crutch to generate an audience response at the expense of the story. Fan service can be entertaining when done properly (see: Avengers: Endgame), but more often than not, it runs the risk of being distracting. It’s a great sign that Shakman took advantage of First Steps‘ setting to make something that is a rarity these days: a Marvel project that stands alone.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is a very important project in the Multiverse Saga, introducing characters who will have key roles to play in Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars. Eschewing the kinds of Easter eggs and shared universe connections so prevalent in other Marvel movies and shows means First Steps will be able to fully focus on its core narrative and cast, which means it should be very effective in immersing viewers in its world and getting them on board with this iteration of the Fantastic Four. It wouldn’t be surprising if there were clever references to Marvel Comics and Fantastic Four history (not to mention, some set up for Doomsday), but it sounds like Shakman had the right idea here. In more ways than one, The Fantastic Four: First Steps will be a unique MCU installment, which should help it be a breath of fresh air that injects some new energy into the franchise.

The post Fantastic Four: First Steps Director Says “There’s No Easter Eggs” (And We’re Relieved) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The Disney CinemaCon presentation just wrapped up in Las Vegas with the company bringing all the best of its decade-long resume to the forefront. As Marvel Studios prepares for its theatrical release of Thunderbolts* to kick off the summer season, Kevin Fiege took to the stage to detail the ever-growing cast of Avengers: Doomsday as well as give a sneak preview of the Fantastic Four: First Steps footage exclusively for CinemaCon viewers. As always, details have emerged from those in attendance that reveal some major plot details regarding the Fantastic Four film that could change the trajectory of the MCU. Anyone ready for the Silver Surfer?

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is our first glance into the 60s era, filled to the brim with retro-stylized themes. Led by the wonderous cast of Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn as Marvel’s first family, the film will follow the superhero team as they learn to cope with their newfound powers and stop the evil forces of Galactus from destroying their planet. Along for this ride is a slew of well-known actors, including Paul Walter-Houser, Julia Garner, Natasha Lyonne, John Malkovich, and Ralph Ineson. The Fantastic Four is looking to set up the events of the much-anticipated Doomsday film next year, and we learned just recently that all four leading actors will return for the next Avengers film.

RELATED: Silver Surfer Actress Teases Expansive Universe for the MCU’s Fantastic Four

For the footage shown during CinemaCon, multiple sources have confirmed that we get our first glimpse at Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer, who in the comics is a Herald of Galactus, surfing across the screen on her silver surfboard. For those in attendance, including EW, they have noted that the character is indeed shiny and dangerous. Within the footage shown, we get a chance to see the direction that Matt Shakman is taking with this project, as the 60s era theme rings true throughout the narrative, with the Fantastic Four making their entrance in an old-timey talk show. It was also revealed that the name First Steps does have a different meaning this time around, as it was confirmed that Sue Storm is pregnant.

The reception following the footage has been positive, with many fans beaming with excitement over the Silver Surfer and Sue Storm news. The Silver Surfer has been a fan-favorite villain in the Fantastic Four series, with the movies bringing him to life with the help of Doug Jones and Laurence Fishburne in the 2007 film Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. This is the first time we’ll get to see Shalla-Bal make her appearance in the movies, with Ozark‘s Julia Garner surfing the waves as the female variant. While we aren’t sure if the Silver Surfer will be seen in future MCU projects, the positive response from fans does give us hope that her interpretation of the role will be highlighted quite well within the film.

We aren’t sure when the footage will be revealed to the public yet, so for now, we have to ride the currents until we spot a big wave hurling our way from Marvel Studios. It could be possible that a new trailer could come around when Thunderbolts* comes to theaters in May, but only time will tell.

Fantastic Four: First Steps arrives in theaters on July 25th.

The post Fantastic Four: First Steps CinemaCon Footage Revealed Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer (& The Response Is Positive)  appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps star Paul Walter Hauser explains how the film is different from other recent Marvel Cinematic Universe installments. During an appearance on Sam Roberts’ Show, the actor expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming movie, explaining why he thinks it will help Marvel rebound from the rough patches of the Multiverse Saga. According to Hauser, Fantastic Four‘s emphasis on family is what sets it apart, as that will allow audiences to establish a connection with the characters before they deal with dire, multiverse-threatening stakes. He emphasized that it’s important for viewers to “fall in love” with the heroes.

“This is a smart, chic Marvel movie that really focuses on family as part of the theme,” Hauser said. “And you really kind of fall in love with those characters, I think. And that’s what’s missing is sometimes if you don’t fall in love with these characters, and you keep putting them in peril, we don’t really care. You know, you gotta make us care first. And I think Marvel’s hopefully getting back to some of that, maybe.”

Debuting in theaters this July, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is the long-awaited MCU reboot of Marvel’s First Family. The film stars Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as the titular team. All four actors will reprise their roles in Avengers: Doomsday, as confirmed by Marvel’s viral casting announcement a week ago.

[RELATED – 3 Theories About How Fantastic Four Will Connect to Avengers: Doomsday]

The Fantastic Four: First Steps arrives just a handful of months after Captain America: Brave New World underwhelmed critically and commercially. Earning mixed reviews, Brave New World was a box office disappointment for Marvel. As of this writing, it’s earned $409.6 million worldwide, making it one of the lowest-grossing MCU movies.

One of the reasons why Marvel reached phenomenal heights during the Infinity Saga is that the filmmakers always found a way to get audiences invested in the characters at the heart of the stories. Fans were enthralled by seeing Iron Man and Captain America save the world because they truly cared about Tony Stark and Steve Rogers. An argument can be made that the Multiverse Saga hasn’t been as successful because Marvel is now coming up short in this regard. Characters post-Endgame haven’t resonated as strongly as the Original Six Avengers. Some of that stems from extended gaps between appearances (Shang-Chi returns five years after his solo film in Avengers: Doomsday) but certain projects have received mixed reactions due to weak plotting that struggles to connect on an emotional level. And if viewers aren’t enamored with the characters, they aren’t going to fully care about the action happening on screen.

It would be great if The Fantastic Four: First Steps (and Thunderbolts* before it) could represent a return to form for Marvel. The MCU clearly has a lot riding on these summer releases, and if they fail to meet expectations, it could severely dampen enthusiasm for what’s meant to be an epic conclusion in Doomsday and Secret Wars. Fortunately, audiences seem to be onboard with this new iteration of the Fantastic Four. The film’s first teaser trailer amassed over 200 million views in its first 24 hours, making it one of the MCU’s biggest trailer launches. If the final film delivers those kinds of results, the franchise will be in great shape. It should be very entertaining to see the family dynamic play out amidst sci-fi craziness.

The post The Fantastic Four: First Steps Star Confirms What Sets It Apart From Other MCU Movies (And He’s Right) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is getting in on the novelty popcorn bucket trend, and it rocks. The movie’s must-have accessory debuted at CinemaCon and quickly made its way to social media — a mold of The Thing’s head with a removable top, so that you can enjoy your snacks right out of the crown of his skull. Ben Grimm wears a pretty placid expression for this merchandising opportunity, and the bucket matches the movie’s new take on him pretty well. Still, some fans can’t help but wonder if this is the only popcorn bucket Marvel has planned for this movie. Some suspect there may be more coming — especially after some fan-made ideas went viral on social media back in February.

Marvel can definitely count on fans to shell out for a silly popcorn bucket when they see The Fantastic Four: First Steps on July 25th, 2025. For many, this food-safe mold of Ben Grimm’s head will be enough, but some expect the studio to capitalize on the collector mindset even more. After all, Fantastic Four is first and foremost an ensemble story about found family, so why not represent all four of its heroes in this project?

Fans have already taken the liberty of mocking up popcorn buckets for each main character. The Mr. Fantastic/Reed Richards bucket is comprised of a stretched and contorted arm in his signature blue and white suit, complete with a hand-shaped cup-holder to the side. For the Invisible Woman/Sue Storm, a partially transparent bucket may be enough, while fans got more abstract for The Human Torch/Johnny Storm. Their idea is a fake fire extinguisher case with burn marks and a Fantastic Four logo on the side.

[RELATED: 3 Theories About How Fantastic Four Will Connect to Avengers: Doomsday]

Fans’ idea for The Thing has already been disproven, but back in February their idea was a stone hand holding up a wide-brimmed hat full of popcorn. Meanwhile, commenters on several sites proposed other ideas — a Doom mask popcorn bucket, a Galactus helmet popcorn bucket, and so on.

The display at CinemaCon showed plenty of novelty buckets to go around, including Minions, How To Train Your Dragon, and Disney’s Stitch. This is a gimmick that studios have been more and more interested in since viral successes like the Dune: Part Two bucket, but surely the bubble has to burst sooner or later. Not all of them can be hits, and if Marvel doesn’t want to bet it all on this enterprise, that seems fair.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps hits theaters on July 25th, 2025. Before then, the MCU will be in theaters with Thunderbolts* on Friday, May 2nd.

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Marvel Studios recently dropped a bombshell by revealing the full cast lineup for the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, confirming that all four members of Marvel’s First Family will appear alongside Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. While The Fantastic Four: First Steps hasn’t even hit theaters yet, we already know it won’t be the last time we see Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn’s Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s Ben Grimm. This creates a fascinating puzzle for MCU fans to solve: how exactly will the Fantastic Four cross paths with the Avengers? The situation is particularly intriguing because Marvel has already confirmed that The Fantastic Four: First Steps movie takes place in a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic setting — clearly separate from the main MCU Sacred Timeline where the Avengers exist. 

With Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) established as the primary threats in First Steps, something significant must occur to bridge these separate realities and bring the Fantastic Four into the multiversal chaos building toward Avengers: Doomsday and its sequel, Secret Wars. This aligns with Marvel Studios’ approach to building the Multiverse Saga, where boundaries between different realities have become increasingly permeable. With the Russo brothers drawing inspiration from both the original 1984 “Secret Wars” storyline and Jonathan Hickman’s 2015 reimagining, which heavily featured incursion events where universes collide, we can expect a cosmic-scale explanation for the Fantastic Four’s eventual arrival in the main MCU timeline. Here are three compelling theories about how Marvel Studios might connect the retro world of the Fantastic Four with Avengers: Doomsday:

The Fantastic Four’s Earth Is Destroyed

In The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Marvel’s First Family faces the Devourer of Worlds as he attempts to “devour the entire planet and everyone on it,” according to the official synopsis. While superhero films typically end with the heroes triumphing, the multiverse framework provides Marvel with the perfect opportunity to subvert expectations. As such, the most dramatic scenario would see the Fantastic Four failing to stop Galactus from consuming their Earth, forcing them to escape their doomed timeline. Imagine a devastating third-act twist where the Fantastic Four cannot prevent their world’s destruction despite their best efforts and personal sacrifices. With Reed Richards’ genius-level intellect, he might develop interdimensional travel technology that allows his family to escape into the multiverse just as Galactus consumes their Earth.

[RELATED: Avengers: Doomsday – Every MCU Multiverse Saga Project You Have to Watch to Prepare]

Alternatively, even if they succeed in repelling Galactus, their victory could be short-lived. The cosmic chaos resulting from the battle might trigger an incursion event — the catastrophic collision of universes that Doctor Strange warned about in Multiverse of Madness. Reed might detect the impending disaster and realize their universe is doomed regardless of their victory over Galactus. This scenario would provide emotional weight to their introduction into the main MCU timeline, positioning them as refugees with firsthand knowledge of the multiverse-level threats facing all realities. Their expertise would make them valuable allies to the Avengers while giving them a personal stake in preventing similar catastrophes in their new home.

The Fantastic Four Is Hunting Doctor Doom

One of the most exciting announcements for Avengers: Doomsday was Robert Downey Jr.’s return to the MCU as Victor Von Doom, who’ll be the primary antagonist in the upcoming crossover movies. Given Doom’s established history as the Fantastic Four’s nemesis, it would make narrative sense for the team to arrive in the Sacred Timeline in pursuit of him. Perhaps in The Fantastic Four: First Steps epilogue or a post-credits scene, we’ll discover that Doom has been monitoring the battle with Galactus from the shadows, using the cosmic disturbance as cover to escape into the multiverse. Or maybe he had been previously imprisoned by the Fantastic Four, and Galactus’ arrival gives him the perfect opportunity to escape.

The pursuit of Doom provides a narrative thread that would seamlessly integrate the Fantastic Four into the events of Avengers: Doomsday. Reed Richards, having traced Doom’s interdimensional signature to the main MCU timeline, would lead his family on a desperate chase to prevent Doom from wreaking havoc across a new universe. When they arrive, they might initially clash with the Avengers due to misunderstandings or cultural differences before allying against their common enemy. This approach would honor the classic comic book rivalry between Reed and Doom while establishing high personal stakes for the Fantastic Four’s involvement in the larger multiversal conflict.

The Fantastic Four Is Summoned By The Beyonder

Following the original “Secret Wars” storyline in Marvel Comics, the Beyonder might summon different superpowered people to battle for his amusement. Or maybe the Beyonder is aware of the incursions happening in the MCU’s multiverse and is trying to decide whose reality is worth saving. That could pitch the Fantastic Four against the X-Men and the Sacred Timeline heroes before everyone joins forces to face the threat of Doom, who’s using the Beyonder’s challenge as an opportunity to take control of the Multiverse.

The Secret Wars comic storyline provides Marvel Studios with a ready-made framework to justify gathering heroes from across the multiverse. This approach would honor the source material while creating the high-stakes crossover event that fans expect from an Avengers film. The initial conflicts between heroes from different realities would showcase their unique perspectives before they unite against a greater threat, exactly the kind of storytelling that made the original “Secret Wars” such a compelling event in Marvel Comics.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps arrives in theaters on July 25th, while Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to be released on May 1, 2026.

How do you think The Fantastic Four: First Steps will connect to Avengers: Doomsday? Share your theories in the comments!

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Joseph Quinn has spoken publicly about his inclusion in Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Doomsday for the first time since the official cast announcement last week. The actor, who will debut as Johnny Storm/Human Torch in The Fantastic Four: First Steps this July, expressed his feelings about joining the ensemble during a recent interview with IGN. Marvel’s announcement revealed Quinn would appear alongside 26 other actors in Avengers: Doomsday, including his Fantastic Four co-stars Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach. The extensive cast list features numerous returning MCU veterans, characters from the former Fox X-Men franchise, and Robert Downey Jr. in the role of Doctor Doom rather than reprising his Tony Stark/Iron Man character.

“It was relief, I suppose. It was a nice thing,” Quinn said when asked about his reaction to seeing his name in Marvel’s cast announcement. The statement suggests the actor had been aware of his involvement prior to the public reveal but was unable to discuss it due to Marvel’s confidentiality requirements. “I think I’m in very good company. I would love to see Will [Poulter] there, too, just because we have a laugh but the road is long in this Marvel land so God willing because it would be fun,” he added.

[RELATED: Avengers: Doomsday – Every MCU Multiverse Saga Project You Have to Watch to Prepare]

Poulter, who was present during the same IGN interview, expressed support for Quinn’s Marvel journey and interest in potential future collaborations. “I’m so excited for Joe and I can’t wait for Fantastic Four. I’d love to come back with Adam Warlock and if I can cross over with Joe and the Fantastic Four crew that would be even better,” Poulter stated. His character, Adam Warlock, debuted in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 but does not currently appear in the announced cast for Avengers: Doomsday.

Avengers: Doomsday‘s Ensemble Cast Brings Together Multiple Franchises

Marvel Studios’ cast announcement for Avengers: Doomsday revealed an unprecedented assembly of characters from across the MCU and newly integrated properties. The 27-person roster includes Chris Hemsworth returning as Thor, Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson/Captain America, Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier, Letitia Wright as Shuri/Black Panther, and Paul Rudd as Scott Lang/Ant-Man among the established MCU heroes. The announcement also confirmed the participation of the entire Fantastic Four team following their upcoming debut. Perhaps most significantly, six actors from Fox’s X-Men franchise will officially join the MCU: Patrick Stewart as Charles Xavier/Professor X, Ian McKellen as Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto, Kelsey Grammer as Hank McCoy/Beast, Alan Cumming as Kurt Wagner/Nightcrawler, Rebecca Romijn as Raven Darkholme/Mystique, James Marsden as Scott Summers/Cyclops. Channing Tatum will also reprise his role as Remy LeBeau/Gambit, following the overwhelmingly positive fan reception of the character’s debut in Deadpool & Wolverine.

Before joining the ensemble cast of Avengers: Doomsday, Quinn will make his first appearance as Johnny Storm in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. The standalone film, directed by Matt Shakman, places Marvel’s First Family in what the official synopsis describes as “a vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world” where they face “a ravenous space god called Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner).” Theater chain Odeon’s website lists the film’s runtime as 140 minutes, which would make it the longest Fantastic Four movie to date if confirmed.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps arrives in theaters on July 25, 2025, followed by Avengers: Doomsday on May 1, 2026, and Avengers: Secret Wars on May 7, 2027.

How do you think the Fantastic Four will cross paths with the main MCU heroes? Join the discussion in the comments!

The post Fantastic Four Star Breaks Silence on Confirmed Avengers: Doomsday Return appeared first on ComicBook.com.

As Marvel Studios starts building towards the end of the Multiverse Saga, it has a lot riding on its upcoming films. This summer’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps is a very significant project, introducing a bevy of characters that will be integral to the MCU moving forward. It’s important for the movie to be commercially and critically successful, and one of its stars believes it will reach the heights of some of Marvel’s biggest hits. Paul Walter Hauser has high praise for First Steps, believing it will be the much-needed rebound for the franchise after it’s experienced some ups and downs in recent years.

“So I think our movie, Fantastic Four: First Steps, to me, only speaking from my opinion, everything I witnessed and took part in, everything I felt while in the presence of the creatives on the film, I believe we are the Marvel movie of the year,” Hauser said in an interview with The Direct. “And I believe that this will go down in history as one of the ones that started a new tide of successful storytelling for the company. Sort of in the same way the Guardians of the Galaxy and Black Panther hit. They both hit in a certain way. I believe we are about to hit.”

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is due in theaters this July. Anticipation for the film appears to be very high, as the first official trailer racked up over 200 million views in its first 24 hours online. Hauser’s role is unknown as of this writing, but the movie stars Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as the titular superhero team. All four of those actors have already been confirmed to reprise their roles in Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.

[RELATED – Pedro Pascal, Isabela Merced Hype Fantastic Four, Superman Box Office Rivalry]

First Steps is arriving at a critical juncture for the MCU. Earlier this year, Captain America: Brave New World struggled to leave a lasting impression, earning mixed reviews. It also had a disappointing box office run, becoming one of the MCU’s lowest-grossing movies. Even though Marvel enjoyed the record-breaking success of Deadpool & Wolverine last summer, other Multiverse Saga projects, including The Marvels and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, fared similarly to Brave New World.

Obviously, Hauser is going to have nothing but positive things to say about The Fantastic Four: First Steps in the months leading up to its release, evoking some of Marvel’s most popular pictures in his praise will make fans take notice. Guardians of the Galaxy and Black Panther were both critically acclaimed box office smashes, with the latter even earning a Best Picture nomination at the Oscars. While tonally very different, the two films are similar in the sense that they represented substantial steps forward for the franchise, impressing viewers with a strong sense of storytelling, impressive directorial vision, and captivating performances. Guardians of the Galaxy and Black Panther were two of the most successful installments of the Infinity Saga, and if The Fantastic Four: First Steps can even come close to that level, fans will be in for a treat. It doesn’t have to generate awards buzz, but if there’s any truth to Hauser’s comments, positive reviews and a lucrative box office run seem to be in order.

Hopefully, Hauser’s praise for First Steps isn’t hyperbole. The film is under a lot of pressure to perform given its place in the Multiverse Saga. If this reboot falls short of expectations, it could significantly dampen enthusiasm for the other films Marvel has coming through the pipeline. The odds of Avengers: Doomsday bombing at the box office are low, but by bringing back the Russo brothers as directors and Robert Downey Jr. to play Doctor Doom, Marvel is looking to end this chapter of its history with a bang. If Fantastic Four is a hit akin to Guardians of the Galaxy or Black Panther, then the chances of the Multiverse Saga concluding on a high note vastly improve.

The post Fantastic Four Star Hypes MCU Reboot With GOTG Comparison (And We Hope He’s Right) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Fandango has released its list of the most anticipated movies this summer, and the film claiming the top spot may surprise you. The Top 10 list is filled with familiar franchises and superhero fare, from Marvel to DC to Mission: Impossible to John Wick to Jurassic World, just to name a few. One would assume that big-budget remakes of Fantastic Four and Superman would fight it out for box office dominance, but a surprising contender has risen to the top to be the #1 film on the minds of moviegoers for the summer. But that doesn’t mean these superhero films are far behind, still making it into the Top 5.

The Top 10 Most Anticipated Summer Movies in Fandango’s list is led by Jurassic World Rebirth, followed by The Fantastic Four: First Steps in second place, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning in third place, Superman in fourth place, and Thunderbolts* in fifth place. The list is rounded out by From The World of John Wick: Ballerina in sixth place, 28 Years Later in seventh place, How to Train Your Dragon in eighth place, Lilo & Stitch in ninth place, and Freakier Friday in tenth place. You can check out the full list below.

The top 10 most anticipated summer movies are:

1. Jurassic World Rebirth
2. The Fantastic Four: First Steps
3. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
4. Superman
5. Thunderbolts*
6. From The World of John Wick: Ballerina
7. 28 Years Later
8. How to Train Your Dragon
9. Lilo & Stitch
10. Freakier Friday

These results come from Fandango’s annual Moviegoing Trends & Insights Study as the industry gears up for CinemaCon, running March 31-April 3 in Las Vegas. The online movie ticketing service surveyed over 5,000 moviegoers and split them between Loyal Moviegoers — those who saw five or more movies in theaters in 2024 — and Casual Moviegoers — those who saw fewer than four movies in theaters in 2024.

“As consumers’ appetite and interests continue to evolve, understanding moviegoing behaviors is essential to find new areas of opportunity and help drive industry growth,” said Jerramy Hainline, EVP of Fandango. “With a diverse slate of upcoming films, from superhero epics to action thrillers to cult classic sequels, this summer is proving to have something for all movie fans.”

[RELATED: Superman Star Teases What James Gunn Movie Is Really About (and It Sounds Perfect)]

Loyal Moviegoers made up 41% of the survey sample, seeing an average of 10 movies in 2024. The statistics say they are most likely to be millennials or Gen X, and most likely male. Casual Moviegoers represented 59% of the survey sample, saw an average of two movies in 2024, and are likely to be Gen Z and female. 

It may come as a surprise that neither The Fantastic Four: First Steps or Superman is the most anticipated movie for Summer 2025. Comic book fans like to think that the world revolves around their favorite heroes, but apparently, that isn’t the case. The Jurassic Park/Jurassic World franchise continues to churn out films that audiences look forward to.

Jurassic World Rebirth is something of a soft reboot for the franchise. Its narrative takes place five years after the events of 2022’s disappointing and critically panned Jurassic World Dominion. Directed by Gareth Edwards, the film stars Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, Mahershala Ali, Rupert Friend, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Luna Blaise, David Iacono, and Audrina Miranda.

Jurassic World Rebirth hits theaters on July 2nd. Let us know what your most anticipated movie of Summer 2025 is in the comments below!

The post The Most Anticipated Summer Movie of 2025 Will Surprise You appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Pedro Pascal and Isabela Merced are having a friendly rivalry for their upcoming superhero movies, The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Superman, respectively. This summer will see Marvel and DC compete outside of comics with the release of new Fantastic Four and Superman films. Both movies reboot their respective properties and feature stars of HBO’s The Last of Us in central roles. Pedro Pascal leads The Last of Us as Joel, with Isabela Merced joining Season 2 as Dina. Pascal is also playing Fantastic Four leader Reed Richards, and Merced suits up as Hawkgirl in Superman. But which superhero film will dominate at the box office? Let’s find out from the stars themselves.

The stars of The Last of Us are out doing press in anticipation of Season 2. After Isabela Merced discussed her new character Dina, she transitioned into promoting Superman and The Fantastic Four: First Steps both coming out this summer. “See you this summer!” Pedro Pascal teased his The Last of Us co-star, with Merced jokingly responding, “I hate you!”

[RELATED: Superman Star Teases What James Gunn Movie Is Really About (and It Sounds Perfect)]

The Last of Us announced Isabela Merced’s addition to Season 2 as Dina in January 2024. For those who haven’t played The Last of Us Part II, Dina is a new love interest for Ellie and travels with her throughout her latest adventure. She’s also the ex of Jesse, which makes for an interesting and complicated situation that plays out between Dina, Ellie, and Jesse. 

“Dina is warm, brilliant, wild, funny, moral, dangerous and instantly lovable,” said showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann in a joint statement. “You can search forever for an actor who effortlessly embodies all of those things, or you can find Isabela Merced right away. We couldn’t be prouder to have her join our family.”

Merced previously spoke of her role in The Last of Us and called out how Dina is the only character who gets a decent ending. “[TLOU’s Dina is] sort of a light in Ellie’s life, in Ellie’s world. I think that’s the general consensus, because you look at the video game, too, and she is really the only one who actually gets sort of a decent ending,” Merced told Total Film. “Everyone else gets kind of screwed or dies!”

[RELATED: Will Marvel and DC Movies Ever Cross Over? (And Should They?)]

As for Merced’s starring role as Hawkgirl in Superman, she teased what fans can expect from Hawkgirl’s superhero costume. “Well, there have been some leaked pictures online,” Merced told Deadline. “However, I think James [Gunn] knows what he wants, and this specific suit is for this specific timeline in the story. I don’t know what else I can say, but I gotta say, the helmet was my absolute favorite. It’s so sick. It’s so badass. It’s perfect.” 

Fans finally got to see Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards in the first trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps in February. Concept art for Fantastic Four and Avengers: Doomsday made its way online, featuring a more comics-accurate look at Reed Richards. Pedro Pascal has a trademark mustache, but was missing Mister Fantastic’s signature white sideburns in the FF trailer. However, the leaked concept art featured Pascal ditching his mustache for the white sideburns fans have come to love.

Which superhero movie are you looking forward to the most between The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Superman? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

The post Pedro Pascal, Isabela Merced Hype Fantastic Four, Superman Box Office Rivalry appeared first on ComicBook.com.