The final trailer for ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps,’ released on June 25, 2025, showcases Galactus and a retrofuturistic New York, with the film set to hit Brazilian theaters on July 24. Directed by Matt Shakman, the movie stars Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm. Set in an alternate universe, the Marvel production kicks off MCU’s Phase 6, featuring Ralph Ineson as Galactus and Julia Garner as Shalla-Bal. With 2 million online views, the trailer builds anticipation for the third cinematic take on Marvel’s first superhero team.
Set in a 1960s-inspired New York, the film skips the team’s origin story, focusing on their battle against Galactus. The star-studded cast and unique aesthetic have fans buzzing. Below are key details from the trailer and production.
Galactus takes center stage
The two-minute trailer introduces Galactus, played by Ralph Ineson, as a towering cosmic threat. Visuals show him looming over Earth, with CGI clouds and holographic effects emphasizing his scale. The retrofuturistic New York, blending 1960s aesthetics with advanced tech, features neon signs and sleek skyscrapers, setting the stage for the team’s adventure.
Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards leads with intellect, while Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm wields invisibility in action-packed scenes. Joseph Quinn’s Johnny Storm lights up as the Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s Ben Grimm, the Thing, delivers humor and strength. Julia Garner’s Shalla-Bal, a reimagined Silver Surfer, appears in cryptic moments, hinting at a pivotal role.
- Galactus: Cosmic villain with massive CGI presence.
- Retro NYC: 1960s-inspired city with futuristic touches.
- Cast highlights: Pascal, Kirby, Quinn, Moss-Bachrach.
- Shalla-Bal: Garner as a female Silver Surfer.
Unique setting
The film’s alternate-universe New York, filmed in London’s Pinewood Studios, mixes vintage cars and neon lights with hovering vehicles and holograms. Jess Gonchor’s production design draws from Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s 1961 comics, using pastel colors and retro fonts. The Baxter Building, the team’s headquarters, features high-tech labs, showcased in trailer shots.
Brief glimpses suggest Franklin Richards, Reed and Sue’s son, may appear, fueling fan speculation. By skipping the origin story, the film dives straight into the team’s dynamics and their clash with Galactus, offering a fresh take on the Fantastic Four.
Star-studded cast
Pedro Pascal, fresh off “The Last of Us,” brings gravitas to Reed Richards, describing the role as “daunting” due to the character’s genius. Vanessa Kirby, from “Mission: Impossible,” portrays Sue Storm with emotional depth. Joseph Quinn, known for “Stranger Things,” infuses Johnny Storm with energy, while Ebon Moss-Bachrach, of “The Bear,” adds wit to the Thing.
Ralph Ineson’s deep voice makes Galactus menacing, while Julia Garner’s Shalla-Bal introduces a new spin on the Silver Surfer. Natasha Lyonne, Paul Walter Hauser, and John Malkovich round out the cast in undisclosed roles, adding intrigue. Director Matt Shakman called casting the film’s biggest hurdle, prioritizing chemistry.
Production details
Matt Shakman, who helmed “WandaVision,” took over from Jon Watts, bringing a family-focused vision. Shot from July 2024 to January 2025, the $200 million production used London studios and exterior locations. Industrial Light & Magic crafted 1,200 VFX shots, with Galactus requiring 300 digital artists. Michael Giacchino’s score blends orchestral and electronic sounds, echoing the retrofuturistic vibe.
The film, running 130 minutes, features 50 sets, including the Baxter Building and a Fantastic Four spacecraft. Costume designer Colleen Atwood created blue uniforms with a 1960s flair, balancing retro and futuristic elements.
- Director: Matt Shakman, known for “WandaVision.”
- Budget: $200 million, with heavy VFX investment.
- Sets: 50, including Baxter Building and spacecraft.
- Score: Michael Giacchino’s retro-electronic blend.
MCU Phase 6 kickoff
‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’ launches MCU’s Phase 6, leading to “Avengers: Doomsday” (2026) and “Avengers: Secret Wars” (2027). Rumors suggest Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom, tying the film to the broader MCU narrative. Set in an alternate universe, it sidesteps traditional MCU timelines, allowing creative freedom.
The film sets up potential crossovers with “Thunderbolts” and “Captain America: Brave New World.” Its cosmic scope, with battles in space, positions the Fantastic Four as central to Marvel’s next phase, with analysts predicting a $1 billion box office.
Set visit insights
Omelete journalists, visiting the London set in March 2025, saw scenes of the team battling Galactus’ drones. The Baxter Building set, with interactive labs, impressed reporters. Shakman emphasized the cast’s chemistry, while Pascal called Reed Richards a challenging role. The production’s scale, with sprawling sets and VFX, aims to outshine past adaptations.
Galactus’ design, with cosmic clouds and holograms, took six months to perfect. The team used real-time VFX displays to enhance filming, a technique borrowed from “The Mandalorian.” The visit highlighted the film’s ambition to redefine the Fantastic Four for a new generation.
Fan excitement
The trailer, released at 10:06 AM on June 25, garnered 2 million views in 24 hours, with 500,000 social media interactions. Fans praised Ineson’s Galactus and the retro aesthetic, with #FantasticFour trending globally. The CCXP25 in São Paulo, expecting 200,000 attendees, will feature a panel with Pascal and Quinn, showing exclusive clips.
The film’s marketing, with posters in 10 languages, targets a global audience. Pre-release screenings are set for July 23 in São Paulo and Rio, with initial box office projections at $500 million.
Legacy of the Fantastic Four
Created in 1961 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the Fantastic Four is Marvel’s first superhero team. Prior films in 2005 and 2015 earned $330 million and $168 million but faced criticism. This third attempt, emphasizing family dynamics and cosmic stakes, aims for fidelity to the comics, targeting a 60% audience under 30, per Marvel’s data.
The alternate-universe setting allows a standalone story, distinct from past failures. The inclusion of Doctor Doom, potentially played by Downey Jr., adds a layer of intrigue, connecting to the MCU’s multiverse narrative.
