After over a decade of anticipation, the Fantastic Four are finally joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, not in the way many fans expected. With the ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’ set to debut in Phase 6, Marvel Studios is introducing Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm.
However, the family will be in a reality that has no Avengers, no Spider-Man, and no other superheroes. At least not yet. The film wouldn’t be just another origin story. It’s a reinvention.
The Fantastic Four Will Likely Join The MCU In ‘Avengers: Doomsday’
Director Matt Shakman recently confirmed in an interview with Empire that this version of the Fantastic Four lives in an entirely separate universe. He claims that his universe remains untouched by the events of the main MCU timeline. “We are our own universe, which is wonderful and liberating,” Shakman said.
Related: Marvel’s First Family Unite To Fight Galactus In ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ First Teaser
“There’s really no other superheroes. There are no Easter eggs. There’s no running into Iron Man or whatever. They’re it, in this universe.” It’s a bold move. Marvel has spent years building an interconnected universe, with every film and series adding to a sprawling narrative web. Now, the Fantastic Four are being introduced in isolation. And that’s exactly what makes it exciting.
According to Shakman, this storytelling freedom allows the Fantastic Four to be explored from the ground up. The film has no pressure to tie into existing characters or events. In this universe, the concept of “superheroes” doesn’t even exist yet. That title will likely be coined after the team returns from their space mission, which grants them their powers.
Additionally, the film is likely to be a very retro-futuristic take. Marvel is leaning into the ‘60s aesthetic, paying homage to the decade when Fantastic Four comics first debuted. The visual and thematic tone will reflect that, creating a world full of Cold War-era tech. Moreover, their universal separation won’t last forever.
‘Avengers: Doomsday’, set to cap off Phase 6, will unite characters from across the multiverse. With Galactus expected to be the main threat in ‘First Steps’, his presence may be what forces the team to unlock multiversal travel and eventually meet the Avengers. The team may now be the key to understanding the future of Marvel’s storytelling.
Sue Storm’s Pregnancy In ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Further Raises The Stakes
One of the most surprising revelations during CinemaCon 2025 was the confirmation that Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm is pregnant in ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’. That may not sound like a major event until you remember who her son is. Fans of the comics know exactly what this means: Franklin Richards, a character who is often considered one of the most powerful mutants.
In case you missed it: Why Mr. Fantastic’s Powers Are Hidden In ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Trailer
Franklin has the ability to warp reality itself. He is capable of creating and destroying entire universes. In some stories, he’s even stronger than cosmic entities like Galactus or the Celestials. Introducing Sue’s pregnancy this early hints at long-term plans. It opens the door to incredible storytelling possibilities. This included the eventual appearance of Franklin Richards as a game-changing player in the multiverse war to come.
Even in his infancy, Franklin could become a focal point. There’s also speculation that Franklin might not be the only Richards child. Some fans believe this film could also introduce Valeria Richards, Franklin’s younger sister. In the comics, she is often portrayed as having an intellect that surpasses even her father, Reed. So, the inclusion of Sue’s pregnancy raises the stakes by a lot.
