Fantastic Four Director Reveals the Comics-Based Reason It Isn’t Set in Main MCU

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The movie titled “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” belongs to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, yet it doesn’t share the same universe as the majority of films and series. In Phase Four, the MCU introduced the idea of multiple universes and parallel realities, and this film is set in an entirely new world that seems unrelated to the main narrative we’ve been following. Director Matt Shakman discussed this decision on “The Official Marvel Podcast” this week, stating it was a means of respecting the Fantastic Four’s historical significance as Marvel’s first superhero team and introducing them in a context that best suited their story.

As I sat down to pen my thoughts about this cinematic marvel, I found myself reminiscing about the 1960s – a time of unbridled optimism, starry-eyed dreams, and an undeniable belief that technology and compassion could conquer any obstacle. It was during this era of space exploration, when gazing at the stars held such promise, that the Fantastic Four were born, their story deeply rooted in this time.

When conceptualizing this film, we wanted to transport audiences back to 60s New York City – a city that, like an onion, reveals its many layers of history. The vibrant energy of the dawn of the century, the swinging sixties, and the present day all coexist harmoniously in the heart of the city, providing a unique and captivating backdrop for our story.

To elevate this setting, we layered on a veil of retrofuturism – a blend of the past’s optimistic vision of the future with the technological advancements of today. This combination creates an atmosphere that is both nostalgic and forward-thinking, perfectly encapsulating the essence of the Fantastic Four comic book series. And as I wandered the streets of this cinematic New York City, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe at how seamlessly its many eras intertwine, creating a rich tapestry that serves as the perfect canvas for our tale.

Beyond paying tribute to Marvel Comics’ rich heritage, this setup gives “First Steps” an opportunity to portray the Fantastic Four based on their influence on their surroundings, specifically focusing on Reed Richards, also known as Mr. Fantastic, played by Pedro Pascal. Shakman stated, “We aimed to incorporate a layer of ‘What if Reed Richards truly existed?’ He would have been making significant contributions to society for decades prior to forming the Fantastic Four. Think of him as a blend between Steve Jobs and Einstein. The notion that he would revolutionize the technology within this city was thrilling to us.

The blended style of First Steps, often referred to as retro-futurism, is revealing more than fans initially perceived. As Shakman explained, “What you’re seeing is the old, familiar New York with these sprouts, these technological shoots of Reed Richards, growing from the ground. We aimed to capture what people in the 60s envisioned as the future, and then bring that vision back to a 60s-style period film. So it was about imagining if the house of tomorrow didn’t belong in the future, but was actually present in a New York City we could recognize.

It makes strategic sense for Marvel to split up the Fantastic Four when introducing them into the MCU, considering the rapid expansion of the universe. Introducing established characters like Reed Richards, who have been absent from the action for some time, could be challenging to explain without seeming out of place or underutilized. By introducing them separately and building their heroic status on a global scale first, Marvel can effectively establish the Four’s unique powers and impact before sharing the spotlight with the Avengers.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps his theaters on July 25th.

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2025-07-16 19:46