I’m really looking forward to the upcoming “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” movie, as it marks the long-awaited debut of one of Marvel Comics’ original superhero teams in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. What intrigues me most is finding out how and when this iconic team embarks on their journey.
In contrast to previous Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films, the upcoming movie will not follow the same storyline but will be set in a 1960s-inspired future timeline. During a visit to the set of Fantastic Four: First Steps, producer Grant Curtis revealed that this change was partly made to pay homage to the original creation of the characters by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.
Initially, it’s common knowledge that the Fantastic Four played a crucial role in Marvel Comics during the Sixties. Interestingly, Marvel was nearly bankrupt during the late Fifties and early Sixties. In a desperate attempt to save their company, Stan Lee and Jack Kirby dreamt up a revolutionary idea – a family of superheroes who would eventually be known as The Fantastic Four. Essentially, this creation serves as a tribute to these two pioneers, acknowledging their significant contribution to the birth and continuation of Marvel’s success.
The “Fantastic Four” comic book quickly became a huge success, essentially keeping Marvel afloat during its early days and providing them with the necessary time to introduce other legendary characters such as Spider-Man and the Hulk. It seems appropriate to trace these characters back to their origins for their debut in the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe).
The retro-future idea sets the new version apart from the initial and subsequent big-screen adaptations of Marvel’s First Family. Although the first Fantastic Four movie was followed by a sequel, that sequel and the later 2015 reboot failed, so it is advantageous to minimize similarities with those films in the upcoming one for the sake of fans’ enjoyment.
Revisiting the 60’s retro-futuristic vibe offers a distinctive setting for storytelling in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, avoiding any resemblance to other parts. This setting also presents additional possibilities, such as integrating the Fantastic Four into Disneyland’s Tomorrowland, which shares design similarities with the concepts behind our production, First Steps.
Indeed, reviving the “Fantastic Four” film isn’t just about offering a new platform for their narrative, but also creating a distinct setting for Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) adventures. Curtis disclosed that Kevin Feige, head of Marvel Studios, is constantly seeking innovative methods to narrate stories, and the retro-future concept set in the 1960s was something they hadn’t explored before, which added an element of excitement for everyone involved. He went on…
In the course of our work with Kevin and Marvel, we’ve noticed that each new project presents an increasing challenge, as we are constantly asked to create something original and fresh. While we’ve dabbled in various decades like the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s, we felt setting an entire movie within a ’60s aesthetic would offer a unique, exciting canvas. As director Matt Shakman often reminds us, “Optimism, optimism, optimism of the Sixties.” This distinct vibe is something that, regrettably, we’ve seen diminish in recent times. However, the optimism of the ’60s provides a solid foundation for everything else to build upon.
From the post-credit scene of Thunderbolts, it’s clear that the Fantastic Four will eventually join the main Marvel Cinematic Universe at some point, with the entire team being included in the Avengers: Doomsday lineup. Regardless, when The Fantastic Four: First Steps premieres in July, it promises to be an exhilarating and one-of-a-kind movie experience.
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2025-06-09 23:38