Marvel Studios has released the first teaser for Fantastic Four: First Steps, offering fans a glimpse of the highly anticipated superhero reboot. The film stars Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic), Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm (Invisible Woman), Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm (Human Torch), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm (The Thing).
The trailer opens with a scene of the team gathered for a Sunday dinner, reminiscing about their journey before gaining their extraordinary abilities. A voiceover from Reed reflects on their past, setting a nostalgic tone. Sue Storm later underscores their unity, expressing confidence that they will face any challenge together as a family.
Unlike previous adaptations, Marvel has opted not to retell the team’s origin story. Studio head Kevin Feige previously stated that the movie aims to present a fresh perspective, moving away from the well-known narrative of how the characters acquired their powers. Instead, the story will be set in a 1960s-inspired world, blending elements of retro-futurism with classic superhero action.
Director Matt Shakman has described the setting as a “retro-future ’60s,” a creative departure from recent Fantastic Four films that were set in contemporary times. The film is also rumored to take place in an alternate universe, as hinted at by promotional artwork featuring Johnny Storm forming the team’s iconic “4” symbol against an unfamiliar cityscape.
Feige teased this possibility in The Official Marvel Podcast, pointing out that sharp-eyed fans had already noticed the unusual skyline in the background of released promotional images. While he stopped short of confirming specific details, he acknowledged that these observations were “smart.”
The Fantastic Four have long been a cornerstone of Marvel Comics, but previous film adaptations have struggled to find widespread acclaim. With a new setting, an all-star cast, and a fresh approach to storytelling, Fantastic Four: First Steps aims to reinvigorate the franchise.
The film is set to hit theaters on July 25.
