The Marvel Cinematic Universe is officially ready to welcome the Fantastic Four with a bang. However, before ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ hits the big screen, fans now have the opportunity to dive into their MCU backstory thanks to Marvel Comics’ new one-shot, ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps #1’.
This special prequel comic gives readers an official look into the team’s origin within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and it’s both excitingly familiar and refreshingly respectful of comic book history.
Fantastic Four’s MCU Debut Stays True To Their Classic Origin
The comic doesn’t attempt to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it embraces the brilliance of the original 1961 origin. Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm travel aboard an experimental spacecraft, where they’re exposed to mysterious cosmic rays that alter their DNA, granting them extraordinary powers. Sound familiar? It should. That’s because, for the first time in a long while, the MCU is giving us a faithful adaptation of the Fantastic Four’s beginnings.
Related: ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Final Trailer Makes Galactus’ Presence Known
This comes as a breath of fresh air to long-time fans. The franchise has had its share of ups and downs across three previous cinematic iterations. From the lukewarm 2000s films to the widely panned 2015 reboot, the Fantastic Four’s legacy in live-action has been rocky. Fans have been waiting decades to see Marvel’s most iconic superhero family done justice on screen, and it finally looks like they’re getting what they asked for.
One of the biggest takeaways from ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps #1’ is its clarity. They are treating the debut of the characters with care and accuracy. It’s a true origin story, and more importantly, it doesn’t try to modernize or overhaul for the sake of being different. Marvel has decided to honor what worked.
Paul Walter Hauser Is Officially Mole Man In ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’
Alongside the origin story, ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’ delivers another major reveal for MCU fans: Paul Walter Hauser’s villain role has finally been confirmed. And yes, he’s playing none other than Mole Man. The reveal came via a leaked panel from the canon prequel comic, in which Mole Man is fully rendered using Hauser’s likeness, making it official. While Mole Man might not be as flashy or imposing as Galactus or Doctor Doom, his inclusion is a deliberate and thoughtful move.
In case you missed it: How MCU Is Finally Doing Galactus Justice With ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’
He was the very first villain the Fantastic Four fought in their 1961 debut, ‘Fantastic Four #1’. Bringing him into the MCU, not as the primary threat, but as an opening act, honors the team’s roots while setting the stage for even bigger cosmic threats to come. Hauser himself seems excited about the project and has hinted at the tone and heart of the film.
Speaking about his experience on set, the actor said, “They’re making a cool movie, man. This is a smart, chic Marvel movie that really focuses on family as part of the theme. And you really kind of fall in love with those characters.” He goes on to highlight something fans have felt is missing in recent MCU films: emotional connection.
“You’ve got to make us care first. And I think Marvel’s hopefully getting back to some of that.” Moreover, Hauser’s comments suggest that First Steps is going to make us feel something for these characters. And that’s what the Fantastic Four have always been about. Yes, they go on mind-bending space adventures and fight giant monsters, but at their core, they’re a family, a team of people who love each other.
