Fantastic Four: First Steps Goes Old School for VFX

by

The upcoming movie titled “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is roughly a month from its theater release, and it’s stirring up quite a buzz among fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). It’s been a decade since Josh Trank’s “Fantastic Four” was in theaters. The characters were put on hold by the studio previously known as 20th Century Fox until their sale to Disney, which allowed the rights of these characters to return to Marvel Studios. This new version, directed by Matt Shakman (who worked on “WandaVision“), seeks not only to avoid mistakes from the previous version but also address criticisms that the MCU has been facing lately.

In a chat with Collider, Shakman explained that during the production of the movie, they aimed to perform tasks as physically as feasible. Given that Marvel Studios films are becoming increasingly grandiose, it’s logical for them to lean more on visual effects to create epic comic book tales for the silver screen. However, Shakman emphasized his desire to anchor the film in real sets and props when working on Fantastic Four, as the director expressed.

We aim to shoot on-site as often as possible. We’re constructing actual sets instead of relying heavily on blue and green screens. Now, we have a genuine Herbie and an exquisite lab setup here. Notably, we also have a real Fantastic Car! Additionally, we’ve been creating models and miniatures for certain scenes.

Instead of relying on hastily done visual effects, Marvel Studios’ upcoming Fantastic Four promises an authentic feel by focusing on practical sets and movie-specific props that aim to create a sense of reality.

‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Is Evocative of Films From the 1960s

Matt Shakman’s method for the film, Fantastic Four: First Steps, was heavily influenced by the visual style of the era it is based on. Unlike other Marvel Cinematic Universe films, this one is set in an alternate New York City that mirrors the 1960s, with its technology, architecture, and clothing reflecting this time period. Consequently, Shakman mentioned that the filmmaking techniques used during that era were mimicked during the production of Fantastic Four, as he stated.

The film is based in the 60s, drawing a lot of our creative influence from Stanley Kubrick’s work during that era. If we were making this movie in 1965, we would construct miniatures – and we’ve created an impressive one, standing at around 13 to 14 feet tall, which is their spaceship. We’ve captured some stunning shots of it. To make things appear more authentic, I believe it’s crucial to create and observe things with our own hands and eyes. This way, when people watch these creations on screen, they are more likely to find them believable.

The upcoming movie titled “Fantastic Four: First Steps” carries a significant weight, being the only Marvel Studios film set for release before “Avengers: Doomsday,” aside from “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” by Sony. The postponement of “Avengers: Doomsday,” which is both a massive ensemble film and the second to last “Avengers” movie in the Multiverse Saga, now scheduled for release in December 2026, adds to the anticipation surrounding “First Steps.” The film promises an extraordinary narrative that will keep fans engaged until they can witness “Doomsday.” Director Shakman has confidence in a skilled cast and visually stunning, practical effects-focused production, hoping it will meet expectations when it premieres this summer.

Read More

2025-06-06 18:02