Alright Marvel fans listen up! There's a movie on the horizon that's got some serious buzz and it could be just what the MCU needs. We're talking about Fantastic Four: First Steps and let me tell you people are excited. Especially because Ebon Moss-Bachrach is stepping into the rocky shoes of Ben Grimm aka The Thing and it might just be epic.
"Marvel Movie of the Year?" Fantastic Four Star Paul Walter Hauser is Seriously Hyping This Movie!
You know how actors usually say their movie is going to be great? Well Paul Walter Hauser who is in Fantastic Four: First Steps is taking hype to a whole new level . He actually said he believes it's going to be "the Marvel movie of the year"! Bold words right?
Hauser even compared it to game-changers like Guardians of the Galaxy and Black Panther saying it could be "one of the ones that started a new tide of successful storytelling for the company". That is some major confidence! He feels like Fantastic Four is going to have a similar impact and get the MCU back on track. Of course he also joked that if it ends up not being amazing well "everyone has bad days... I mean movies." But still that level of enthusiasm is definitely getting fans even more hyped for this movie.
1960s Retro-Futuristic Vibe Galactus is Coming and a Stellar Cast: What We Know About Fantastic Four: First Steps
So what is the deal with Fantastic Four: First Steps? First off it is hitting theaters on July 25 2025 . Mark your calendars! Matt Shakman who directed WandaVision is in charge so expectations are high. And get this the movie is set in a 1960s-inspired retro-futuristic world. Think Jet Age vibes cool tech and a unique look that's different from anything we have seen in the MCU before.
The story is not just another origin story. Instead it throws us right into the action with the Fantastic Four already formed and facing their "most daunting challenge yet." That challenge involves Galactus the Devourer of Worlds who is going to be the main villain played by Ralph Ineson. His herald the Silver Surfer will also show up played by Julia Garner. And there might be another surprise villain too played by John Malkovich but details are still secret.
And the Fantastic Four themselves? The cast is awesome:
- 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
That's a seriously talented group bringing Marvel's First Family to life.
Ebon Moss-Bachrach as The Thing: Honoring "Clobberin' Time" and Bringing Emotion to the Rock Man
Let's talk more about Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm aka The Thing. If you know The Thing you know he is the heart and soul of the Fantastic Four. He might look like a giant rock monster but underneath he is a loyal and good-hearted guy. And Ebon Moss-Bachrach seems perfect to capture that mix of toughness and vulnerability.
Word is that the movie will honor The Thing's iconic line "It's clobberin' time!" but in a surprisingly emotional way. They are using a mix of motion capture and practical effects to bring The Thing to life and make him feel real. Moss-Bachrach's background in shows like "The Bear" suggests he can bring depth and intensity to the role making Ben Grimm more than just a muscle-bound hero.
Is This the Start of a New Marvel Era? Fantastic Four Hype and Box Office Predictions
Fantastic Four: First Steps is a big deal for Marvel. It is kicking off Phase Six of the MCU and there is a lot riding on it. Some experts are predicting a strong box office opening with domestic totals potentially reaching around $380 million and worldwide earnings close to $800 million. That would be a major win for Marvel.
The movie is also setting itself apart by creating a unique retro-futuristic world and focusing on character dynamics and family themes. Director Matt Shakman known for "WandaVision" is aiming to blend nostalgia with modern storytelling. It feels like Marvel is trying to recapture some of the magic that made early MCU movies so special while also doing something fresh and different.
Key Things to Know About Fantastic Four: First Steps
- Release Date: July 25 2025 in theaters
- Setting: 1960s-inspired retro-futuristic world
- Director: Matt Shakman (WandaVision)
- Cast: Pedro Pascal Vanessa Kirby Joseph Quinn Ebon Moss-Bachrach Ralph Ineson Julia Garner John Malkovich
- Villain: Galactus and Silver Surfer
- Tone: Cosmic wonder period aesthetics classic character dynamics
- Themes: Family dynamics heroism scientific exploration
Get Ready for Launch: Fantastic Four First Steps Could Be a Game Changer for Marvel
So is Fantastic Four: First Steps going to be the movie that brings the MCU roaring back? It is definitely got a lot going for it: a fresh take on iconic characters a unique visual style a stellar cast and a villain as big as Galactus himself. The hype is building and fans are ready to see Marvel's First Family take their first steps into a new era. July 2025 cannot come soon enough!