New Teaser for ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Released

Marvel Studios will bring The Fantastic Four: First Steps to theaters on July 25, 2025. This marks the 37th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and introduces a fresh take on the iconic superhero team. Directed by Matt Shakman, the movie stars Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic), Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm (Invisible Woman), Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm (Human Torch), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm (The Thing).

The story dives into a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world where the Fantastic Four face a massive threat: Galactus, a cosmic giant who consumes planets, played by Ralph Ineson. Unlike past versions, this film skips the team’s origin story, focusing instead on their battle to protect their world. A teaser trailer, titled “Welcome,” dropped today, giving fans a glimpse of the vibrant setting and high-stakes action.

Previously, 20th Century Fox owned the Fantastic Four rights and tried a reboot in 2015, which flopped. After Disney acquired Fox in 2019, Marvel Studios took over and announced plans for a new film. Jon Watts was initially attached to direct but stepped down in 2022. Shakman took the helm, working from a script by Josh Friedman and Eric Pearson. Filming ran from July to November 2024 in England and Spain.

The cast brings depth to their roles. Pascal’s Reed Richards is a brilliant scientist, described by Shakman as a blend of genius and innovation. Kirby’s Sue Storm, who is pregnant in the film, leads the Future Foundation, a group that promotes global peace. She balances strength and emotional depth, drawing from various comic versions of the character. Moss-Bachrach’s Ben Grimm, The Thing, uses motion capture to portray his rocky, super-strong form, emphasizing loyalty and family. Quinn’s Johnny Storm, the fiery Human Torch, mixes humor with a more thoughtful personality than past portrayals.

Supporting roles include Julia Garner as the Silver Surfer, Galactus’s herald, using motion capture to create a graceful, dance-like performance. John Malkovich, Mark Gatiss, Sarah Niles, and Natasha Lyonne also star, with Matthew Wood voicing H.E.R.B.I.E., a robot aiding Reed. A baby actor plays Franklin Richards, Reed and Sue’s newborn. Rumors swirl about Robert Downey Jr. appearing as Doctor Doom in a post-credits scene, but Shakman denied Doom’s involvement in the main story. Ineson’s Galactus is portrayed as a natural force, not a villain, but a cosmic entity acting on instinct.

This film aims to stand out in the MCU with its unique setting, focus on family dynamics, and a cosmic-scale threat. Fans are eager to see how this reboot reinvents the Fantastic Four.

I think The Fantastic Four: First Steps could breathe new life into the MCU with its bold choice to skip the origin story and dive into a fresh, 1960s-inspired adventure. The cast’s passion and Shakman’s vision suggest a movie that balances heart, humor, and cosmic stakes, which could make it a standout.

Avoiding the tired retelling of how the team got their powers feels like a smart move to keep things exciting. What do you think about this new take on the Fantastic Four? Share your thoughts in the comments below!