As the Marvel Cinematic Universe marches forward into the climactic final phases of The Multiverse Saga, one of its most anticipated entries, ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’, is finally taking the spotlight. With a legacy spanning over six decades, Marvel’s First Family is finally receiving a reintroduction that honors their rich comic book roots.
Now, director Matt Shakman and Sue Storm actress Vanessa Kirby have both opened up about their connection to the film, and their words reveal a movie built on a whole lot of heart.
Matt Shakman Opens Up About The Impact The Fantastic Four Had On Him
When director Matt Shakman took the reins of ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’, he didn’t just want to reboot a franchise, he wanted to honor its spirit. He shared how deeply Hickman’s comic run influenced the vision for the film. Growing up in Ventura, California, Shakman discovered the Fantastic Four as a child, and it left a mark.
“Encountering a family of superheroes that felt so familiar blew my mind,” he wrote in the foreword. “The humor, the heart, the sniping and griping, the messiness.” That messiness is at the core of what makes the Fantastic Four so enduring. They’re not just teammates. They’re spouses, siblings, friends, and parents. Their powers may be extraordinary, but their problems are achingly human.
What drew Shakman to Hickman’s run, in particular, was its complex emotional tapestry. Shakman didn’t just admire the comic. He wove its DNA into the fabric of the movie. He points to small and large ways that Hickman’s influence shaped the script. This includes Johnny Storm’s desire to be taken seriously, to Ben Grimm’s quiet heartbreak masked behind his stony form. All in all, It’s clear that ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ is not just a basic superhero movie.
“It Feels Like One Big Family”: Vanessa Kirby On Joining The MCU As Sue Storm
For Vanessa Kirby, who plays Sue Storm in ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’, stepping into the MCU isn’t just another career milestone. Speaking to AvengersUpdated on X, Kirby expressed her awe and excitement. “These people have known each other for 20 years and have worked together, grown these characters, and we’re the newbies… It feels like one big family.”
In case you missed it: Why Mr. Fantastic’s Powers Are Hidden In ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Trailer
Kirby, known for her performances in ‘The Crown’ and ‘Pieces of a Woman’, is bringing that same emotional depth to the MCU. Her Sue Storm will face off against Galactus, the cosmic entity threatening their world, and will eventually join the wider Marvel universe in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’. She’s not alone: joining her are Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm.
That cast alone speaks volumes about Marvel’s ambitions for this reboot. They’re not just building a team, they’re building a legacy. Pascal jokingly added, “Their 20 years has nothing on our six months,” hinting at the close bond the Fantastic Four actors have already formed. And it shows. Interestingly, Kirby’s comments also nod to the larger MCU tapestry.
Robert Downey Jr. is returning as Doctor Doom, the legendary villain of the Fantastic Four. Though not the central villain in this film, his presence hints at major crossovers in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’. Kirby’s remark about joining long-standing MCU veterans may just be a subtle confirmation of how tightly integrated the Fantastic Four’s story will be with the broader MCU.
