5 Essential Elements for a Successful Fantastic Four: First Steps

2025’s highly-anticipated Marvel Cinematic Universe project, Fantastic Four: First Steps, has finally unveiled its teaser trailer, showcasing a retro ambiance and remarkable character designs. Despite being a challenging proposition for contemporary audiences in comics and films, the Fantastic Four, the characters have long been a favorite among fans. However, given their past struggles to find success, many seasoned Fantastic Four enthusiasts remain apprehensive about whether First Steps will live up to expectations. If the film manages to nail these five key elements, it could very well deliver the F4 movie that dedicated fans have been eagerly waiting for.

Here are the things that Fantastic Four: First Steps needs to do to be a success.

That F4 Family Feel

Unlike typical superhero teams audiences are accustomed to, The Fantastic Four stands out as a team that feels more like a close-knit family. In contrast, The Avengers can be likened to a professional sports team, showcasing top talents; the Guardians of the Galaxy are an eclectic group bonded by circumstance and forming their own unique fellowship; the X-Men started as schoolmates united by shared hardships. However, what sets the Fantastic Four apart is that they are a family from the get-go, even before adopting a family dynamic like other superteams do later on.

The sneak peek for the film “First Steps” undeniably hints at Marvel Studios incorporating family dynamics into their storyline, particularly focusing on the weekly dinner gatherings of the team. It’s crucial that this element is sustained throughout the movie. In the team, Reed and Sue Richards play the role of parents, Ben Grimm assumes a more grumpy, older brother or uncle-like character, while Johnny Storm embodies the cool, talkative younger sibling. The dynamic between these characters is vital to the film’s success; if it can effectively engage audiences, “Fantastic Four: First Steps” has the potential to be a favorite among fans.

That Wild Sci-Fi Feel

In contrast to Marvel’s other superhero teams like the Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, and X-Men, the Fantastic Four have a unique approach towards incorporating science fiction elements. While all superheroes involve some degree of sci-fi, these other teams tend to focus more on the fantastical aspects such as aliens, cosmic battles, and extraordinary powers. On the other hand, the Fantastic Four emphasize the scientific aspects of sci-fi just as much as their superhero adventures.

The F4 is composed of a group of adventurers. Mr. Fantastic boasts an extraordinary intellect, the Thing transitioned from being a pilot to piloting rockets, and Invisible Woman and Human Torch were raised with a scientist father; Invisible Woman demonstrates her own intellectual prowess in science. The core of this team lies in scientific exploration, and it’s crucial for Fantastic Four: First Steps to emphasize that. The glimpse of H.E.R.B.I.E. in the trailer was exciting, but more is needed. Mr. Fantastic should be seen consistently inventing, their headquarters should reflect cutting-edge technology for its time, and viewers should be given hints of futuristic concepts like the Negative Zone. The Fantastic Four stands apart from ordinary superteams, and Fantastic Four: First Steps must highlight this by emphasizing the science-fiction aspects of the team.

Mister Fantastic’s Powers Have to Look Fantastic

One noticeable absence in the Fantastic Four: First Steps trailer was the demonstration of Mister Fantastic’s powers. Instead, we witnessed the Thing showcasing his rocky form, Invisible Woman employing her abilities to become invisible and create force fields, and Human Torch igniting himself. Since it’s challenging to effectively portray Stretching on the big screen, Marvel Studios opted to alter Ms. Marvel’s powers rather than adhere strictly to the comic book version. This lack of stretching in the preview has left some fans a bit anxious.

In the time following Avengers: Endgame, the CGI in the Marvel Cinematic Universe hasn’t been top-notch, which could pose a challenge for scenes requiring intricate effects like stretching. The absence of Mister Fantastic stretching in the trailer might be due to Marvel Studios making an effort to perfect the stretching effects. Ideally, this is the case, as the comic book character is known for his ability to stretch and the movie needs these scenes to look spectacular. If the stretching effects fall short or are underutilized, then the upcoming Fantastic Four film, titled Fantastic Four: First Steps, may seem inauthentic.

The Relationship Between Silver Surfer & Galactus

In the unexpected twist for many comic book enthusiasts, it was revealed that the upcoming film “Fantastic Four: First Steps” would introduce Galactus as the primary antagonist from the get-go. Previously, characters like Thanos were gradually built up in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The sneak peek provided a tantalizing glimpse of Galactus, instilling confidence among fans that the villain will remain true to his comic book origins. Additionally, the movie will feature a female portrayal of Silver Surfer, played by Julia Garner. Given their unique dynamic and relationship, it’s crucial for “Fantastic Four: First Steps” to execute their interactions effectively.

In the comic books, the characters Norrin Radd (Silver Surfer) and Shalla-Bal crossed paths when Galactus threatened Zenn-La, their home planet. To spare Zenn-La’s destruction, Norrin offered himself as a servant to Galactus, helping him find planets for consumption. Marvel Studios plans to have Shalla-Bal assume this role while maintaining the same origin storyline. Silver Surfer is portrayed as a deeply contemplative figure who recognizes the horrific nature of serving as Galactus’s herald but does so to protect his homeworld. Despite his hatred and loyalty towards Galactus, he is influenced by the deeds of the Fantastic Four, prompting him to aid them in their own defense. The film must accurately establish this complex dynamic between Silver Surfer, Galactus, and the Fantastic Four as it forms a crucial part of both Galactus’s and the Fantastic Four’s narratives.

The Tragedy of the Thing

Many enthusiasts of the Fantastic Four consider the Thing to be their favorite character from the team. Ben Grimm, who initially bonded with Reed Richards during college, and later served in the military alongside him, developed an unbreakable friendship – practically like brothers. Grimm was the one who piloted the rocket that carried Richards, Sue, and Johnny Storm through cosmic radiation, transforming them into the Fantastic Four due to the exposure to these rays. While the other three characters gained extraordinary abilities, which could be seen as a blessing, Grimm himself was transformed into a rock-like creature, losing his human essence entirely. This unfortunate metamorphosis is what makes the Thing so tragic. Despite being one of the most admired individuals on Earth, with a circle of friends and family, and regularly saving the world, he can never enjoy a normal life.

The most compelling tales about The Thing center around his tragic past. Over time, he’s found solace, even falling in love with the blind sculptress Alicia Masters in comic books, but in the movie Fantastic Four: First Steps, we’ll see him grappling with the transformations in his life. To make this story effective, it’s crucial that the movie accurately portray The Thing’s tragedy. The Marvel Cinematic Universe sometimes struggles with evoking strong emotions, and they must avoid this pitfall when dealing with The Thing. Viewers should truly experience and empathize with the character’s pain as it plays a vital role in the Fantastic Four narrative.

Fantastic Four: First Steps has a release date of July 25th.

Read More

2025-02-11 20:12