Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Vanessa Kirby, Pedro Pascal and Joseph Quinn in "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" (Marvel Studios)
Disney has officially released the much-anticipated trailer for Fantastic Four: First Steps, marking the arrival of Marvel’s First Family in the MCU. This film is one of the most significant additions to the universe in years, comparable to the impact of the original Avengers movie.
The trailer, spanning approximately 90 seconds, presents a unique setting. Unlike previous films, this Fantastic Four MCU movie story begins in a completely different universe, one that exudes a retro-futuristic feel reminiscent of The Jetsons, with strong 1950s aesthetics. Notably, there are no other superheroes present in this world, making it a fresh take on the franchise. How the Fantastic Four will eventually cross paths with major MCU characters like Thor and Hulk remains a mystery, likely to unfold in Avengers: Doomsday.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps (Marvel Studios)
One of the trailer’s highlights is the introduction of the star-studded cast. Pedro Pascal steps into the role of Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic), while Vanessa Kirby portrays Sue Storm (The Invisible Woman). Joseph Quinn takes on the role of Johnny Storm (The Human Torch), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach plays Ben Grimm (The Thing). Fans get a glimpse of most characters showcasing their iconic powers, though Reed Richards' stretching ability is noticeably absent, raising curiosity about its portrayal in the film.
A standout moment is the extended look at The Thing, brought to life through motion capture. The visual effects seem impressive, especially with the realistic texture of his rocky form. One small but impactful detail is the deep, rumbling sound of rocks colliding when he claps—adding an extra layer of authenticity to the character.
The trailer also offers a glimpse of a looming threat—Galactus, standing over the city. However, the Silver Surfer is notably missing. Additionally, there are no full-fledged fight sequences in this initial preview, which aligns with the purpose of a first trailer—building anticipation rather than revealing too much.
Despite discussions about “MCU fatigue,” early reactions suggest strong enthusiasm for Fantastic Four. The film’s significance in the Marvel timeline, coupled with the engaging first trailer, indicates that it could perform better than upcoming projects like Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts. The sheer excitement surrounding the team’s MCU debut is likely to drive interest.
With its release set for July 25, 2025, the wait is not long. More trailers and promotional material for the Fantastic Four MCU movie are expected in the coming months. Further fueling anticipation for what could be a major success for Marvel Studios.
