Marvel Studios has finally unveiled the first official trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps, giving fans a glimpse of the highly anticipated superhero film set to launch Phase Six of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
The film, which is set in an alternate 1960s-inspired retro-futuristic world, follows Marvel’s First Family as they embark on a space mission that changes their lives forever. The trailer hints at the arrival of Galactus, the infamous planet-devouring villain, with a massive shadow looming over New York City and a glimpse of his terrifying face near the Statue of Liberty.
Pedro Pascal, who takes on the role of Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic), joined co-stars Vanessa Kirby (Invisible Woman), Joseph Quinn (Human Torch), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Thing) at a livestream event before the trailer’s reveal. Pascal expressed his excitement about the project, stating that the cast and crew “put their hearts and souls” into the film.
A High-Stakes Battle Against Galactus and the Silver Surfer
The official synopsis describes the film as an epic space adventure where the Fantastic Four must defend Earth from the looming threat of Galactus and his enigmatic Herald, the Silver Surfer.
“Set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps introduces Marvel’s First Family as they face their most daunting challenge yet. Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, they must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer. And if Galactus’ plan to devour the entire planet and everyone on it weren’t bad enough, it suddenly gets very personal.”
The film’s unique setting was inspired by legendary concept artist Syd Mead, with director Matt Shakmanemphasizing that the film embraces a retro-futuristic take on the 1960s.
“We’re not just doing the ’60s, we’re doing retro-future ’60s,” Shakman explained. “It’s part what you know from the ’60s, but part what you’ve never seen before.”
The star-studded cast includes Julia Garner as the Silver Surfer, Ralph Ineson as Galactus, and Paul Walter Hauser, John Malkovich, Natasha Lyonne, and Sarah Niles in undisclosed roles.
The Space Race Reimagined With Marvel’s First Family
Director Matt Shakman drew inspiration from the real-life space race, stating that the Fantastic Four’s journey to space mirrors the exploratory spirit of the Apollo 11 mission.
“The comic was created in the early ’60s, really at the same time that the space race was starting, so it is infused with that idea of looking to the stars and dreaming of a future where we would be space travelers.”
Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps is directed by Shakman (WandaVision) and features a screenplay by Eric Pearson, Josh Friedman, Jeff Kaplan, and Ian Springer.
The film is set to premiere in theaters on July 25, 2025.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.