The Fantastic Four: First Steps is an upcoming American superhero film based on Marvel Comics’ iconic team, the Fantastic Four. Produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, it marks the 37th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and serves as the franchise’s second reboot. Directed by Matt Shakman, the screenplay was crafted by Josh Friedman, Eric Pearson, Jeff Kaplan, and Ian Springer.
Set in a retro-futuristic 1960s-inspired world, the story follows the Fantastic Four—played by Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn—as they face the cosmic threat of Galactus, portrayed by Ralph Ineson. The cast also includes Julia Garner, Natasha Lyonne, and Paul Walter Hauser.
Development began under 20th Century Fox after the 2015 reboot failed, but shifted to Marvel Studios following Disney’s acquisition of Fox in 2019. Initially helmed by Jon Watts, the project saw Matt Shakman take over in 2022. Filming took place from July to November 2024 in England and Spain.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is set to premiere on July 21, 2025, with a U.S. release on July 25, launching Phase Six of the MCU. A sequel is already in development.
Release Dates :
- World Premiere: July 21, 2025
- U.S. Theatrical Release: July 25, 2025
- Serves as the first film of Marvel Studios’ Phase Six in the MCU
Credits
- Director: Matt Shakman
- Screenplay: Josh Friedman, Eric Pearson, Jeff Kaplan, Ian Springer
- Story By: Eric Pearson, Jeff Kaplan, Ian Springer, Kat Wood
- Producer: Kevin Feige (and others)
- Cinematography: Jess Hall
- Editing: Nona Khodai, Tim Roche
- Music: Michael Giacchino
Cast & Characters
- Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic
- Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm / Invisible Woman
- Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm / Human Torch
- Ebon Moss‑Bachrach as Ben Grimm / The Thing
- Julia Garner as Shalla‑Bal / Silver Surfer
- Ralph Ineson as Galactus
- Paul Walter Hauser as Mole Man (Harvey Elder)
- Natasha Lyonne, John Malkovich, Sarah Niles, Mark Gatiss in supporting roles
Plot Premise
Set on a 1960s-inspired retro‑futuristic Earth, the Fantastic Four—Reed, Sue, Johnny, and Ben—battle cosmic entities Galactus and his herald, Silver Surfer. As Reed and Sue prepare for the arrival of their superpowered child Franklin Richards, the team faces emotional and physical trials defending their world. Rather than an origin story, the film jumps in post‑powers, exploring family tension and heroic responsibility .
Production History
- Disney acquired the rights to Fantastic Four from 20th Century Fox in March 2019.
- Initial director Jon Watts was attached in December 2020 but stepped down in April 2022.
- Matt Shakman took over as director in September 2022, and script revisions were led by Kaplan, Springer, Pearson, and Friedman in early 2023–2024.
- Filming took place from July to November 2024 in England and Spain .
Music & Soundtrack
Michael Giacchino composed the score, which was previewed at San Diego Comic‑Con (SDCC) 2024 and presented live at the D23 expo, gaining praise for its optimistic yet dreamy tones reminiscent of space‑launch themes. The main theme was released digitally on June 5, 2025, and the full score will be available on July 18, 2025. Additional track: “Let Us Be Devoured” by Andrea Datzman, available on vinyl July 25 .
Context & Reception
- This film reboots the Fantastic Four franchise and is Marvel Studios’ first live‑action Fantastic Four film.
- It’s the 37th installment in the MCU and starts Phase Six.
- Named among the Most Anticipated Films at the mid‑season Astra Awards.
Future
A sequel is reportedly in development as of June 2025, continuing the story established in this installment .
