Marvel just dropped a bombshell – the first teaser for The Fantastic Four: First Steps is here, and it’s sending shockwaves through the MCU fandom.
This long-awaited introduction of Marvel’s First Family into the cinematic universe is packed with Easter eggs, stunning visuals, and a retro-futuristic twist that sets it apart.
Let’s dive into the biggest takeaways from the trailer and what they mean for the Fantastic Four’s MCU future.
What Sets This Fantastic Four Apart from Previous Versions?
For years, Fantastic Four adaptations have struggled to find their place on the big screen, but First Steps feels different. The trailer hints at a fresh take—melding classic comic-book storytelling with a unique, almost 1960s sci-fi aesthetic.
Director Matt Shakman, known for WandaVision, brings his signature stylized approach, making this world feel distinct from the multiversal chaos of the broader MCU.
Pedro Pascal leads the charge as Reed Richards, aka Mister Fantastic, with Vanessa Kirby as the formidable Sue Storm. Joseph Quinn’s fiery Johnny Storm and Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s rock-solid Ben Grimm complete the team.
Unlike previous versions, these four start as astronauts, exploring the unknown before cosmic radiation changes their lives forever. Their space mission, glimpsed briefly in the trailer, is likely the key moment where they gain their extraordinary abilities.
Who’s the Biggest Threat in This Movie?
Marvel doesn’t do subtle when it comes to villains, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps is no exception. The teaser closes on a jaw-dropping moment – Ralph Ineson’s Galactus looming over Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty dwarfed by his sheer size.
Galactus, the big bad guy (or as we like to call him, a world-devouring entity), is one of Marvel’s most feared cosmic threats, and his presence signals that Earth – and our newly powered heroes – are in serious danger.
Adding to the intrigue is Julia Garner as Silver Surfer, Galactus’ celestial herald. The trailer gives us a fleeting glimpse of her, but her role will likely be pivotal. Silver Surfer’s relationship with Galactus is complex – sometimes a servant, sometimes a rebel. Will she help the Fantastic Four take down her master, or will she be their first major battle?
And then there’s John Malkovich’s mysterious character. Fans are already theorizing he could be Ivan Kragoff, aka the Red Ghost, a Soviet scientist who, in the comics, replicates the Fantastic Four’s accident and gains eerie, intangible powers.
His comic counterpart even has a team of Super Apes with abilities mirroring the Fantastic Four’s, and honestly, nothing would be more bizarrely fun than seeing Malkovich command a team of enhanced primates.
How Does the Trailer Tease Each Hero’s Powers?
While we don’t get a full showcase of their abilities, the teaser gives just enough to get fans buzzing. Reed Richards, one of the smartest minds in the Marvel Universe, is seen furiously scribbling equations, a likely nod to his scientific brilliance.
Sue Storm and Reed share a passionate moment, emphasizing their close bond, but we also get a brief glimpse of her invisibility and force field powers.
Johnny Storm steals a visually stunning moment as he soars above Manhattan, flames trailing behind him. It’s classic Human Torch energy, and his iconic “Flame on!” is bound to make an appearance.
Meanwhile, Ben Grimm, the ever lovable but tragic Thing, seems to struggle with his rocky transformation. He’s spotted in a trench coat and hat – attempting to blend in despite his hulking form.
Fans are already hoping that his legendary catchphrase, “It’s clobberin’ time!”, gets its moment in the spotlight. No doubt about that – fans are going to find this one funny with a reminiscent finger up their chins (and we think that’s really cute).
Is That the Fantasticar We See?!
Marvel loves dropping subtle nods to comic lore, and one standout moment in the teaser features a blue retro-styled car with a 4 logo on the front. Could this be the Fantasticar?
In the comics, this high-tech, hovering vehicle is the team’s preferred mode of transportation, and its brief cameo here fuels speculation that it’s making its MCU debut. It’s the kind of fun, quirky gadget that fits right into The Fantastic Four’s world, and its potential inclusion just adds to the excitement.
What’s the Deal with H.E.R.B.I.E.?
Among all the action-packed moments, one delightful surprise is the introduction of H.E.R.B.I.E., Reed Richards’ adorable robot assistant.
The trailer suggests he’s more than just a helper – he’s a full-fledged team member, even whipping up a meal in the Baxter Building’s kitchen. H.E.R.B.I.E. might just be the comedic heart of the film, balancing out the cosmic stakes with some lighthearted moments.
What Does the Future Hold for the Fantastic Four in the MCU?
This trailer doesn’t just introduce a new superhero team – it marks the beginning of a massive shift in the MCU. The Fantastic Four aren’t just another group of heroes; they’re pioneers in Marvel’s cosmic and multiversal storytelling.
If there’s one thing Marvel is known for, it’s their gripping stories of space, science, and the unknown opens the door for potential interactions with characters like Kang, the X-Men, and even the Avengers.
Marvel has been laying the groundwork for a cosmic expansion, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps seems like the perfect catalyst. With Galactus now in play, we could be looking at a storyline that stretches beyond just this film—perhaps setting the stage for an epic MCU event down the line.
First Steps, Final Thoughts
If the teaser is anything to go by, The Fantastic Four: First Steps has the potential to be a game-changer. It embraces a unique aesthetic, boasts a stellar cast, and introduces one of Marvel’s most iconic villains in jaw-dropping fashion.
With Matt Shakman at the helm, there’s a real sense that this version of the Fantastic Four will finally do justice to the beloved characters.
Marvel’s First Family is here, and if the trailer is representative of something then we’re in for one hell of a ride. The countdown to The Fantastic Four: First Steps is on—and the MCU will never be the same again.
About The Fantastic Four: First Steps
The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025), directed by Matt Shakman and produced by Kevin Feige, is Marvel Studios’ reboot of the superhero team, launching Phase Six of the MCU.
Set in a 1960s retro-futuristic world, the film follows Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) as they battle Galactus (Ralph Ineson), a planet-consuming entity, and his herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner via motion capture).
The cast includes Paul Walter Hauser, John Malkovich, and Natasha Lyonne. Shakman replaced Jon Watts, with a script by multiple writers. Filming occurred in 2024, using CGI for Ben Grimm’s Thing. The Fantastic Four: First Steps Releases July 25, 2025.
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