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Another decade, another Fantastic Four adaptation. The Fantastic Four: First Steps marks the introduction of Marvel's First Family into the MCU. Considering how foundational the first one hundred issues of the Fantastic Four were to Marvel Comics' Silver Age, it's about time that we see Reed, Sue, Ben, and Johnny join the MCU proper. 

The Fantastic Four: First Steps marks the fourth iteration of the group in a live-action adaptation, if we're also counting the film produced by Roger Corman from the '90s. Auspicious! Without further ado, let's take a look at everything we know about The Fantastic Four: First Steps. 

Who is in The Fantastic Four: First Steps cast?

Marvel Studios has announced the core members of the Fantastic Four for First Steps, alongside other key players like Silver Surfer and Galactus.

• Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic)
• Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm (The Invisible Woman)
• Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm (The Human Torch)
• Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm (The Thing)
• Ralph Ineson as Galactus
• Julia Garner as Shalla-Bal (Silver Surfer)
• Natasha Lyonne in an undisclosed role
• Paul Walter Hauser in an undisclosed role
• John Malkovich in an undisclosed role

Who is The Fantastic Four: First Steps director?

The film is directed by Matt Shakman, best known for directing the Game of Thrones episodes, "The Spoils of War" and "Eastwatch," as well as episodes of WandaVision. Shakman has also directed episodes of The Great, The Boys, Succession, Fargo, and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Originally, Spider-Man: Homecoming director Jon Watts was signed on to direct First Steps, but bowed out of the project in 2022. 

When will The Fantastic Four: First Steps release date? 

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is set to release in theaters on July 25th, 2025. That's the same weekend as San Diego Comic-Con! 

When is The Fantastic Four: First Steps set?

Kevin Feige has confirmed that The Fantastic Four: First Steps will be a period piece. This, of course, is not the first time an MCU film has been set in a different time period. 2019's Captain Marvel was set in the 1990s, for instance. However, while the art for First Steps has had a distinctly 1960s feel, Feige's comments lead us to believe that not everything may be as it appears to be. 

Who is the The Fantastic Four: First Steps villain?

At this moment, we don't know, but given that Ralph Ineson is playing the planet-eating Galactus, that gives us a sense that the film will be cosmic in some way. 

Will Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom appear in The Fantastic Four: First Steps?

Again, we don't know at this time, but given the rivalry between Reed Richards and Victor von Doom in Fantastic Four comics, it would be hard to imagine a reboot of the FF without Doom around. Doctor Doom is beloved by generations of Marvel fans because of his commitment to being a hater, and no Fantastic Four film has yet brought this element to life.  

The Fantastic Four: First Steps will release in theaters on July 25th, 2025. 

Consider this a meta post-credits scene for Marvel fans - the four key articles you need to read next to continue the thrills:

• How to watch the Marvel Cinematic Universe in release or chronological order
• The best Marvel Comics stories of all time
• All the MCU movies ranked from best to worst
• Our weekly Marvel insider's column, Marvel Matters