Marvel fans are buzzing as new details emerge about The Fantastic Four: First Steps, set to hit theaters on July 25, 2025. Matt Shakman directed this newest episode in the long-running Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). It delivers an epic story filled with action, humor and heart as our legendary superhero squad joins together to save the planet from powerful threats.
Shakman, who famously directed multiple episodes of the breakout series WandaVision, collaborates with screenwriters Josh Friedman and Cam Squires. Their years of experience and film knowledge come together to deliver a stunning screenplay. Following their initial work, Eric Pearson joined the team to provide a final polish, ensuring that the script meets the high standards of MCU productions.
One significant aspect of this movie is how Galactus, who’s been the various worst villain, is depicted. Played by Ralph Ineson, this enigmatic beast is a welcome addition to the MCU’s pantheon of great villains. Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic in Multiverse of Madness Julia Garner as Silver Surfer Julia Garner is another interesting choice. Together, they will face the cosmic threats posed by Galactus and Silver Surfer in an alternate reality New York City.
“It is definitely a scale of threat which Reed has never experienced. Even the smartest man in the world is awestruck by a being that outdates his understanding of time.” – Pedro Pascal
Beyond the main cast, the film has remained hotly discussed thanks to its mysterious, unnamed roles. Paul Walter Hauser, John Malkovich, and Natasha Lyonne have all been cast in unknown roles. This has created quite the amazing fan speculation about who they will be playing. In addition, it’s been rumored that Robert Downey Jr’s Doctor Doom will appear in the film as part of a multiverse crossover in the film.
The narrative of The Fantastic Four: First Steps revolves around the team’s battle against Galactus and Silver Surfer, both of whom pose an existential threat to humanity. Ultimately, the film will present the Baxter Building— the home of Marvel’s first family, the Fantastic Four— with that famous “4” logo front and center.
Shakman has said that he wants to portray Galactus in a different fashion. To accomplish this, he’s looking to push past standard motion-capture methods as he seeks to create an immersive interpretation of this larger-than-life entity.
“I didn’t want to just use motion-capture for Galactus. I wanted to actually have someone there embodying the part,” – Matt Shakman
So, as you can imagine, anticipation is high for this new chapter in the MCU. Fans are still awaiting more news on the film’s plot and more specific casting details. With an impressive cast and a promising premise, The Fantastic Four: First Steps aims to capture the essence of Marvel’s beloved characters while exploring new dimensions within its cinematic universe.