The initial trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps achieved 202 million views within its first day across various platforms. This launch stands out as one of the most successful for a Marvel Studios title in recent years. Only Deadpool & Wolverine has surpassed this viewership within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Cast Members Present Trailer First Look at U.S. Space and Rocket Center
Actors Pedro Pascal Ebon Moss-Bachrach Joseph Quinn and Vanessa Kirby journeyed to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville Alabama. They were present for the revealing of the first trailer for the movie. This film intends to restart the well-known comic book series. Marvel Studios under Kevin Feige obtained control of the Fantastic Four series after the merger between Disney and Fox. This agreement also granted them the rights to Deadpool and the X-Men.
Trailer Debut Achieves Record Views on Marvel YouTube Live-Stream and Social Media
According to Disney the trailer launch event in Alabama generated the highest viewership ever for a Marvel YouTube live-stream. It also became the top trending video on YouTube. The Fantastic Four : First Steps trailer launch also became a top trending topic on X formerly known as Twitter. The total social media activity reached almost 500000 mentions. This is higher than any Marvel trailer except for Deadpool 3 which was shown during the previous Super Bowl game.
First Steps Trailer Offers Glimpse into Retro-Future Setting and Galactus Threat
The trailer for First Steps hints at a retro-future styled world. It also suggests an approaching danger from Galactus. Galactus is recognized as a major antagonist within Marvel storylines. The movie is planned to be released in theaters in July 2025. It is considered one of the most eagerly awaited Marvel films in recent times. Fans have been anticipating a movie by Feige's studio focusing on Marvel's First Family for several years. The Fantastic Four hold a significant place in Marvel comic books. Their comic journey started with writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby's Fantastic Four No. 1 in 1961.
Morse Code in Trailer Music Suggests "RADIATION" Message
Listeners of the Fantastic Four: First Steps trailer pre-launch live-stream may have noticed a repeating beeping sound within Michael Giacchino's score. Internet users have decoded this beeping as a Morse code signal . It is believed to spell out "RADIATION". Reddit user whatnowayimpossible deciphered the code. While the Redditor notes that only the latter part of the word is clearly identifiable the message "radiation" seems relevant to the narrative. Given the trailer's focus on the Fantastic Four's space mission and origins the message could be interpreted as a warning from space. The Fantastic Four are known to have gained their abilities after exposure to cosmic rays. This Morse code could be a subtle reference to their comic book origin story.
Vanessa Kirby Joins MCU as Sue Storm and Previous Roles Highlighted
Oscar-nominated actress Vanessa Kirby is now part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She is cast as Sue Storm in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Kirby is known for roles in Netflix's The Crown the Mission: Impossible and Fast & Furious franchises. In the trailer fans saw the latest adaptation of Marvel's "first family". Kirby is acting alongside Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm and Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm.
Kirby takes over the role of Sue Storm previously played by Jessica Alba in Fantastic Four movies (2005 and 2007) and Kate Mara in the 2015 film.
Fantastic Four: First Steps Plot and Villain Details Revealed
First Steps centers on the Fantastic Four. They are a group of astronauts who gain special powers from cosmic rays. The trailer features Sue Storm stating "Whatever life throws at us we'll face it together. As a family." The movie includes robot H.E.R.B.I.E. the Fantasticar and the villain Galactus played by Ralph Ineson. Galactus is depicted targeting New York City. The film's synopsis indicates the Fantastic Four will confront their most difficult challenge. They must balance being heroes with their family relationships while defending Earth from Galactus and his herald Silver Surfer played by Julia Garner. The movie is set in a retro-futuristic world inspired by the 1960s.
Vanessa Kirby's Notable Roles Before Marvel Described
Vanessa Kirby gained recognition for portraying Princess Margaret in the initial two seasons of The Crown. This role led to parts in major film series and an Academy Award nomination for her performance in Pieces of a Woman in 2020. In Pieces of a Woman Kirby played Martha a woman dealing with the tragedy of a home birth gone wrong. Kirby also played Alanna Mitsopolis (White Widow) in Mission: Impossible - Fallout and reprised the role in subsequent sequels.
Fantastic Four Trailer Viewership Surpasses Non-Sequel Marvel Films
On Tuesday February 4 2025 Marvel released the first trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Within the first 24 hours it accumulated about 202 million views across all platforms. According to Deadline this is the highest number of views for a non-sequel Marvel Studios film. Overall it ranks third among all Marvel Studios movies in trailer views. It is behind Deadpool & Wolverine (365 million) and Spider-Man: No Way Home (335 million).
Upcoming Box Office Competition for Fantastic Four Movie Noted
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is expected to be financially successful. However it will face competition at the box office. Jurassic World Rebirth will be released about three weeks before. James Gunn’s DCU Superman film will arrive the week after.
Official Synopsis Details Fantastic Four's Challenge Against Galactus
The official synopsis of The Fantastic Four: First Steps describes the movie's setting. It is set in a 1960s-inspired retro-futuristic world. The film introduces the Fantastic Four: Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal) Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby) Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) and Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach). They face their most significant challenge. They must balance their roles as heroes with their family bonds. They are tasked with defending Earth from Galactus and Silver Surfer. Galactus's plan to consume Earth becomes personal for the team.
Marvel Denies AI Use in Fantastic Four Posters Amidst Fan Accusations
Marvel has stated that AI was not used to create posters for The Fantastic Four: First Steps. This denial follows fan observations of a poster that appeared to show a man with only four fingers. Fans pointed out other aspects of the poster. These included duplicated faces misdirected gazes and strangely proportioned limbs. These observations led to speculation about generative AI use. A Disney/Marvel representative clarified to IGN that AI was not used. This suggests an alternative explanation for the perceived issues. Regarding the four-fingered man some suggest the missing finger is hidden. Others propose it is a result of poor image editing. Disney/Marvel has not directly addressed the four-fingered detail. The debate around AI and the Fantastic Four poster is likely to increase scrutiny of future promotional materials for the film.
Jonathan Majors' MCU Status and Doctor Doom Replacement Discussed
Jonathan Majors who played Kang the Conqueror was removed from his MCU role due to legal issues. Marvel Studios renamed Avengers: The Kang Dynasty to Avengers: Doomsday. Robert Downey Jr. is rumored to replace Kang as Doctor Doom in the MCU. Rumors suggest Kevin Feige is considering bringing Jonathan Majors back to the MCU. This would be to resolve Kang's storyline. However recent reports from TMZ indicate Jonathan Majors is not in talks to return to the MCU. Multiple sources with direct knowledge state Marvel is not considering his return. Marvel dropped Majors after his conviction for assault and harassment. This decision changed Marvel's villain plans significantly. Kang was intended to be a major threat in the MCU. Marvel is now adjusting its plans following Majors' departure.
Jonathan Majors Expresses Heartbreak Over MCU Departure and Replacement
Jonathan Majors stated he was "heartbroken" after Marvel announced Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom. This announcement at San Diego Comic-Con confirmed Downey Jr. as the new villain for upcoming Avengers movies. Majors felt it was unfair that he did not receive the same opportunities as Downey Jr. and Ezra Miller. Both Downey Jr. and Miller have had past legal issues but continued to work in major film projects. Downey Jr. had past arrests related to drug use but made a successful comeback with Iron Man. Miller has faced legal issues including burglary charges but starred in The Flash. Majors was convicted of misdemeanor assault and harassment and was subsequently dropped by Marvel.