Marvel Studios has unveiled the teaser trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps, offering fans a first look at Vanessa Kirby’s portrayal of Sue Storm, also known as the Invisible Woman. The film, directed by Matt Shakman, is set to release on July 25, 2025.
The star-studded cast features Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing. The narrative centers on the team’s efforts to defend Earth from the cosmic entity Galactus, portrayed by Ralph Ineson, with Julia Garner taking on the role of the Silver Surfer.
Set against a retro-futuristic 1960s backdrop, the film diverges from traditional origin stories, instead immersing audiences directly into the team’s adventures. The trailer showcases the quartet’s camaraderie during a family dinner, highlighting their unity and the familial bonds that define them.
Vanessa Kirby, known for her standout performances in The Crown and Mission: Impossible, has long admired the Fantastic Four legacy. Before officially joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe, she shared that playing Sue Storm “would be an honor,” as reported by Digital Spy.
Reflecting on the character’s history during Marvel’s showcase at last summer’s San Diego Comic-Con, Kirby spoke about the team’s lasting impact: “It’s amazing reading the comics from the ’60s all the way up and seeing this family that has traveled with so many people in life, and I feel so honored to be a part of it,” as reported by USA Today. Kirby also praised Sue Storm’s strength, calling her “so fiercely feminine” and adding, “She’s maternal, but she’s so badass,” as reported by Entertainment Weekly.
Kirby has stepped into the role previously played by Jessica Alba in the Fantastic Four films (2005 and 2007) and Kate Mara in the 2015 reboot, which starred Miles Teller and Michael B. Jordan but received largely negative reviews.
Director Matt Shakman, known for his work on WandaVision, brings his expertise to this reboot, aiming to present a fresh take on the iconic superhero team. The film’s aesthetic draws inspiration from the 1960s space race, offering a unique visual experience for audiences.
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly at San Diego Comic-Con, Shakman explained the film’s fresh approach, stating, “One of the things we decided early on was not to do an origin story.” He elaborated, “One of the ways we’re making it our own thing is we’re not telling the story of them going up and being changed, and starting our story [there]… We thought, ‘Well, let’s just start this thing off on a completely new foot. So we are beginning after that.’”
Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has indicated that the film is set in New York City and may exist in an alternate universe, adding a new dimension to the MCU’s expanding multiverse.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is poised to be a significant addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, blending a stellar cast with a novel narrative approach. Fans eagerly await the film’s release to see how this new iteration of the beloved superhero team unfolds on the big screen.
