The upcoming movie, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, marks a significant addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as it reimagines the iconic superhero team. Woody Allen’s 99th feature film, this film comes to theatres on July 25, 2025. It fully transports audiences to a new dimension of 1960s New York, providing a compelling new story that diverges from the familiar Earth-616.
One key difference from the films that preceded her is a surprising new angle on each character in the Fantastic Four. It features Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, as a much more complex, relatable character. Director Matt Shakman explains that with this version of Johnny, it’s more about sensitivity to other people’s feelings. He’s looking to play someone who knows that he’s deliberately trying to draw attention to himself. This deliberate framework further deepens the audience’s empathy for the character. It makes room for an ironic conceit that preserves the vibrancy of his comic roots.
Especially in this version, with Sue Storm played by Vanessa Kirby, it makes amazing changes. Unlike other depictions, she is introduced in the form of a pregnant superhero, emphasizing her multidimensional character. Kirby has truly thrown herself into the comics to prepare for the role. Her goal is for her COMBAT WOUNDED performance to convey both strength and vulnerability.
“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” – Vanessa Kirby
Kirby’s commitment to her character even includes an exploration of Sue Storm’s darker alter-ego, Malice. The film references Malice as a negative aspect of Sue’s personality that is awakened by Psycho-Man, adding layers to her character that were not previously explored in adaptations. Shakman notes his fascination with this darker chapter of Sue’s life, stating, “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 fixated on that chapter of her life.”
The premise goes far beyond just a story about a family’s fight with the government. It’s a genius portrayal of the complexity of living human relationships. Kirby really drives this point home when he explains, “I adore the fact that these characters are actual people embedded in a troubled family. They bicker, they attempt to sort things out, they misinterpret everything so many times. This new emphasis on authenticity is a unique way to connect with audiences that crave relatable storytelling.
Another important feature of the film is Sue Storm’s incredible advocacy for global demilitarization and peace. This interpretation casts her as more than a superhero – as an agent of change in a chaotic world. The narrative suggests that her powers can be harnessed for larger societal good, aligning with contemporary themes of responsibility and activism.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps promises to redefine how audiences perceive these beloved characters by integrating modern themes with classic superhero tropes. Inspired by the latest movie which explores the multiverse, it honors the fantastic legacy of the Fantastic Four in Marvel Comics.
As anticipation builds for its release, fans and newcomers alike look forward to seeing how these changes will unfold on screen. The movie is not only a fun story, but a fascinating one. It challenges audiences to explore the depths of its characters in an often-unexplored context.