Flame on! Marvel Studios has officially dropped the highly anticipated trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps, offering fans their first glimpse at the MCU’s take on Marvel’s First Family. The film is slated for release on July 25, 2025 and is directed by Matt Shakman, with Kevin Feige at the helm as producer.
Unlike previous adaptations, The Fantastic Four: First Steps embraces a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic aesthetic, setting itself apart from the standard MCU timeline. This alternate world introduces us to the team’s core members: 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). The film follows them as they confront Galactus (Ralph Ineson), a cosmic entity intent on devouring Earth, and his enigmatic herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner).
In addition to the core four, the film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Paul Walter Hauser, John Malkovich, Natasha Lyonne, and Sarah Niles. Produced by Marvel Studios’ Kevin Feige, alongside executive producers Louis D’Esposito, Grant Curtis, and Tim Lewis, The Fantastic Four: First Steps aims to deliver a grand spectacle while exploring the strength of family bonds amid cosmic-scale threats.
After taking a look at the teaser, we can now confirm some of the rumors we heard over the last year are indeed facts. The look and tone of the film confirm it takes place in an alternate reality, not Earth-616. The retro NYC skyline, featuring an iconic Baxter Building, hints at a unique, self-contained world.
Beloved robotic assistant, H.E.R.B.I.E., makes an appearance, though it seems to be a voiceless version. The teaser also suggests that the team may have gained their powers through exposure to cosmic rays, possibly in a space mission.
Ben Grimm is portrayed in a classic trench coat and hat, reminiscent of his comic book disguise when venturing out in public. Very comic accurate and we like! The teaser also features a dramatic shot of Johnny flying into the upper atmosphere, struggling against oxygen depletion.
Then there is Galactus. This time he is not a cloud as portrayed in Tim Story’s 2007 film, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. Here, we see a haunting silhouette of the world-devourer overshadowing New York, teasing the stakes of the battle ahead. Take a look below:
To launch the teaser trailer, Pascal, Kirby, Quinn, and Moss-Bachrach appeared at a fan event at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, known as “Rocket City.” This venue was chosen to align with the film’s space exploration themes and its 1960s aesthetic. The event featured interactive exhibits, a panel discussion with the cast, and a screening of the teaser, immersing fans in the world of Marvel’s First Family. Watch below:
With a thrilling mix of nostalgia, fresh storytelling, and The Fantastic Car, The Fantastic Four: First Steps appears to be Marvel’s most ambitious take on the iconic team yet. The film not only introduces a bold visual style but also brings Galactus and Silver Surfer into the MCU in a meaningful way.
The launch happens on July 25, 2025. Fantastic.
The Geek is a working screenwriter, director and screenwriting instructor.
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