Marvel’s First Family took center stage at San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday evening, stimulating its fans with the launch of a concept reel for the highly anticipated “Fantastic Four” film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The presentation, held in the iconic Hall H, was introduced by director Matt Shakman, who shared insights into the film’s Space Age aesthetic. The official title, “The Fantastic 4: First Steps,” was also announced.
“We’re doing a retro-future ’60s. Syd Mead was an inspiration. The ’60s, to me, is all about optimism,” said Shakman, referencing the influential designer and elaborating on the film’s period setting. “I love the Fantastic Four. I love their power set. We want to be true to the comics but we want to be true to life.”
The video shown to attendees had the tone of a news reel and included intriguing scenes such as Mr. Fantastic addressing a bored classroom under a “Fantastic Science” banner, the team’s flying Fantasticar, space suits, a rocket launch, and the Thing appearing as a mystery contestant on a dating show. The sequence concluded with a dramatic shot of Galactus, the film’s villain.
In addition to the concept reel, it was announced that Michael Giacchino, known for his work on “Up” and “Lost,” will compose the score for “First Steps.” The panel revealed that production will commence soon, as the team heads back to the UK on Monday.
During the panel, film’s star cast was revealed, which includes Pedro Pascal in the character of Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic), Vanessa Kirby as Susan Storm (the Invisible Woman), Joseph Quinn in Johnny Storm’s (the Human Torch) role, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm (the Thing). As the announcement was made, the actors made a grand entrance on stage.
Reflecting on his new role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Pascal said, “New family. Nobody knows that Matt and I have known each other for 25 years. We had the same manager, and he almost became my roommate in 1999 until he saw the place and he said, ‘nevermind.’”
The cast also includes Julia Garner as the Silver Surfer and Ralph Ineson as Galactus, with Paul Walter Hauser, Natasha Lyonne, and John Malkovich in undisclosed roles.
The “Fantastic Four” franchise has had a tumultuous history on the big screen. The first attempt in 1994 was infamously scrapped, later revealed to have been produced solely to retain character rights. Fox’s two films in the 2000s, starring Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, and Michael Chiklis, saw commercial success but were critically panned. A 2015 reboot featuring Miles Teller, Kate Mara, Michael B. Jordan, and Jamie Bell was also widely criticized.
“Fantastic Four” is slated for release on 25th July, 2025, marking a new chapter for Marvel’s First Family in the cinematic universe.
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