The Marvel Cinematic Universe is no stranger to experimentation. Despite this, ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ marks one of its boldest creative choices yet. Directed by Matt Shakman, the highly anticipated reboot of Marvel’s First Family doesn’t take place on the familiar Earth-616, the main timeline of the MCU.
Instead, it unfolds in a completely different universe within the multiverse. Surprisingly, this decision may be exactly what both new audiences and longtime fans need.
Matt Shakman Reveals Why Keeping The Fantastic Four In The Main MCU Timeline Wouldn’t Work
Director of the film, Matt Shakman, recently opened up in an interview with ScreenRant, revealing why this cinematic decision was made. His reasoning is not only logical but refreshingly honest: “They’re such public figures. The idea that they were just hanging out in the ’60s during our regular MCU timeline wouldn’t work. Where were they when Thanos came? Where were they when Loki was attacking?” And he’s absolutely right.
Related: How ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Could Be MCU’s Big Redemption Arc
For a team of heroes known for their intellect, courage, and willingness to jump into battle, the Fantastic Four being mysteriously absent during catastrophic events like the ‘Infinity War’ or ‘Avengers: Endgame’ would’ve been a glaring plot hole. By placing them in a different universe, Shakman sidesteps that issue completely, while opening up exciting new possibilities.
Fans familiar with previous incarnations of the Fantastic Four know how difficult it’s been for Hollywood to get this iconic team right. Between studio rights issues and failed reboots, the characters have struggled to find their cinematic groove. However, with ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’, Marvel is not only wiping the slate clean; they’re rewriting the entire narrative. This new version won’t be an origin story.
The team is already fully formed when we meet them, a narrative shift that’s rare for a reboot. But thanks to the multiverse, the filmmakers don’t have to explain why no one has heard of them before or retread tired backstories. Instead, they can drop viewers into an already vibrant world and let the storytelling unfold naturally. “If you know nothing about Marvel, come on in. The water is warm. You’ll get everything you need to know about them and you can enjoy them,” Shakman explained.
‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Will Exclusively Host ‘Avatar: Fire And Ash’s Trailer Screening
While the Fantastic Four are starting their journey outside the main MCU timeline, they won’t be staying there forever. Matt Shakman confirmed that these characters will eventually “merge up with other MCU heroes and get connected to the main storyline.” This directly sets them up for roles in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ and ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’, where multiversal chaos is expected to reign supreme.
In case you missed it: Comic-Accurate Rebirth Of Galactus In ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Explained
It’s smart storytelling that respects continuity while making space for new creative directions. Adding even more excitement to the theatrical experience, ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ will be the exclusive host of another cinematic titan: the first full trailer for ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’. That’s right, James Cameron’s return to Pandora will be teased before every Fantastic Four screening.
Set for a December 19 release, ‘Fire and Ash’ explores new Na’vi tribes. The trailer, first shown at CinemaCon, hints at breathtaking visuals and emotional depth. Pairing Avatar and Fantastic Four may seem like an unlikely combo at first glance, but both films are universe-builders. One is rooted in sci-fi fantasy, the other in superhero legacy.
