Who’s in Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps Movie?

Move over, Avengers. There’s a new squad coming to the MCU and this one’s all about family. In fact, the Fantastic Four is often called Marvel’s First Family. They kickstarted Marvel Comics’ innovative super hero storytelling in 1961. Unlike other heroes at the time, they didn’t conceal their identities — or their flaws. The Fantastic Four brought realism to super heroes in a way that readers had never seen before. And it was an immediate hit!

With production now underway on The Fantastic Four: First Steps, it’s time to step into the Baxter Building and see what we know about this highly anticipated MCU debut.

The Fantastic Four Cast

The Fantastic Four: First Steps will be directed by Matt Shakman, who has previously contributed to the MCU as the director of the Disney+ TV series WandaVision. This choice makes a lot of sense since we know the Fantastic Four’s film will take place in the 1960s and that Shakman is no stranger to retro aesthetics. As for the super heroes themselves, we also know who will be playing each character.

Pedro Pascal, known for roles in Star Wars™: The Mandalorian, The Last of Us, and Game of Thrones, will play Reed Richards, AKA Mr. Fantastic, the genius leader of the Fantastic Four. Vanessa Kirby, known for The Crown as well as action films like Mission Impossible, will play Sue Storm AKA the Invisible Woman. Joseph Quinn, famous for his fan-favorite role on Stranger Things, will play Sue’s younger brother Johnny AKA the Human Torch. Finally, Eben Moss-Bachrach, from The Bear, Star Wars: Andor™, and Girls, will play Ben Grimm AKA The Thing. After their flight into space leads to cosmic ray exposure, this group of scientists must contend with unforeseen consequences.

Who Are the Fantastic Four’s Villains?

Forty-eight issues into The Fantastic Four, Galactus made his first appearance. As his name might suggest, this is a being of intergalactic proportions — literally. In most versions of the character, he is the relic of another universe, fated to consume planets and life forces to sustain his immense existence. Galactus gives a whole new meaning to a villain who is larger than life.

Bringing Galactus to the screen will be no small feat, but Ralph Ineson is sure to give the World Devourer an awe-inspiring gravitas. Ineson’s career has spanned horror, comedy, fantasy, and even video games like Diablo IV, Final Fantasy XVI, and Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag. In addition to these hit games, Ineson has been in The VVitch, The Legend of Vox Machina, Willow, Harry Potter films and games, and even roles in Guardians of the Galaxy and Star Wars: The Last Jedi™. Galactus will be accompanied by his herald, Shalla-Bal the Silver Surfer, played by Julia Garner.

What Does the Future Hold for the Fantastic Four?

After San Diego Comic-Con 2024, we also know that Robert Downey Jr. will be returning to the MCU, but not as Iron Man. Instead, he will be playing the nefarious Dr. Victor Von Doom, the longtime rival of Reed Richards and arch-enemy of the Fantastic Four. Doom will presumably make his big appearance in Avengers: Doomsday (2026), with the Fantastic Four also somehow making their way into present-day MCU.

What are your predictions for The Fantastic Four: First Steps?

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