Fantastic Four: First Steps Director Says “There’s No Easter Eggs” (And We’re Relieved)

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In a chat with Empire magazine, director Matt Shakman of the upcoming “Fantastic Four: First Steps” reveals that viewers won’t find numerous Marvel references when the movie hits screens this summer. Shakman shared his creative process behind the film’s narrative, explaining that the story’s alternate reality backdrop provided him with a great deal of flexibility. Unlike previous Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) productions, which often include Easter eggs hinting at other franchise elements, “First Steps” will be a standalone project. Shakman acknowledges that in the future, his superhero team may encounter other Marvel characters, but for now they exist independently.

As a cinephile, I wholeheartedly echo these sentiments: We’re creating our very own cosmos here, and it’s nothing short of wondrous and empowering. There’s no need for superheroes beyond the ones we’ve crafted, no Easter eggs to hunt for, no surprise appearances from Iron Man or the like. They are the superheroes in this universe, and I can’t wait to explore the unique and different world we’re building. While I admire the interwoven Marvel Universe, this project offers a fresh and exciting departure. For now, this universe stands alone, our little corner of creation.

In a world blending 1960s style and futuristic elements, distinct from Marvel’s established timeline, unfolds the story of The Fantastic Four: First Steps. This distinctive look was showcased in the film’s initial trailer released back in February. The movie’s environment is a tribute to the original comic book series where the characters first appeared in November 1961.

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Apart from Shakman, another individual associated with First Steps has highlighted the unique aspects of this Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) installment compared to recent ones. Actor Paul Walter Hauser, who plays a pivotal, enigmatic character in the movie, has emphasized that it places significant focus on familial relationships. This emphasis is intended to encourage viewers to develop emotional bonds with Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm before they are plunged into perilous situations.

Engaging in Easter egg hunts among the latest MCU releases has become quite popular among fans, yet it’s refreshing to learn that The Fantastic Four: First Steps won’t be overwhelmed with references to other Marvel stories. Too frequently, movies like this one lean on Easter eggs as a means to elicit audience reactions, at the cost of the storyline. Fan service can be enjoyable when executed skillfully (as seen in Avengers: Endgame), but it often risks becoming a distraction. It’s heartening to see that Shakman utilized the unique setting of First Steps to create something quite rare these days: a Marvel production that can stand on its own merits.

The Fantastic Four: Initial Journey stands out as a pivotal series in the Multiverse Chronicles, introducing characters who are instrumental in the events of Avengers: Armageddon and Secret Conflicts. Unlike other Marvel productions that often incorporate Easter eggs or interwoven universe connections, this series will have the liberty to concentrate solely on its primary plotline and characters. This focus should effectively draw viewers into its universe and win their support for this adaptation of the Fantastic Four. While it’s possible that subtle nods to Marvel Comics and the Fantastic Four lore (alongside some setup for Armageddon) might be present, it appears that Shakman made a wise choice in doing so. In many aspects, The Fantastic Four: Initial Journey will offer a distinctive take on the MCU, which could rejuvenate the franchise with a fresh breeze of innovation.

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2025-04-04 23:40