This summer, the cinematic universe is experiencing a revival with DC’s Superman returning to the big screen and Marvel introducing the Fantastic Four into its universe. Originally created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, this iconic group marked the beginning of Marvel’s golden age during the silver age of comics. However, in recent times, some consider it obsolete, similar to Superman.
Past attempts by Zack Snyder and 20th Century Fox have left both Superman and the Fantastic Four in challenging positions. With their new films releasing just two weeks apart, it evokes memories of nine years ago when Batman v Superman and Captain America: Civil War were released close together. Back then, Marvel clearly had the upper hand, but now, the winner isn’t as obvious.
Marvel has been strategic, allowing the Fantastic Four to fallow in recent years, partly due to the dated perception and partly due to the lack of support for Fox’s films. However, with Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox, the Fantastic Four’s inclusion in the MCU was inevitable. Kevin Feige and his team decided to set the first MCU Fantastic Four movie in the 1960s of another universe. This film, titled Fantastic Four: First Steps, will not be in the MCU but in a standalone universe.
Fantastic Four: First Steps will feature no traditional origin story. Instead, it takes place four years after the team gains their powers, as they face off against Galactus and Silver Surfer. Notably, in this universe, Silver Surfer is Shalla-Bal, instead of Norrin Radd, which aligns with the Earth-X comic book nuances.
The movie will also show Sue Storm pregnant, likely with Franklin Richards, one of Marvel’s most powerful characters. The trailer hints at potential destruction, suggesting the team might end up on Earth 616 if their universe is annihilated.
Marvel trailers often mislead, and First Steps seems no different. The movie doesn’t appear to be a mere cameo fest. With Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars on the horizon, the handling of Dr. Doom and the Incursion concept is crucial. If Reed Richards inadvertently causes multiverse chaos, it could set the stage for upcoming stories. Rumors suggest a possible appearance by Dr. Doom, possibly played by Downey, after the credits.
While fan theories abound, Marvel Studios has sometimes opted for simpler narratives. The director change from John Watts to Matt Shakman, known for WandaVision, has sparked mixed feelings. Despite the nostalgia and retrofuturism potential, some found WandaVision‘s storytelling lacking. Thus, anticipating the worst while hoping for the best seems prudent.
Nevertheless, Fantastic Four: First Steps holds more excitement than upcoming titles like Thunderbolts or Brave New World.
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