The title of Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps, comes with several layers of meaning. On its face, the title obviously reflects the introduction of the Fantastic Four, the “First Family” of the Marvel universe. Beyond that, the film also looks to be somewhat of a refresh for the Marvel Cinematic Universe as a whole, as the blockbuster franchise looks to course-correct from various setbacks in recent years and establish a clear path towards Avengers: Doomsday. With the new trailer released today, it’s clear that the title also reflects the in-universe experience of the Fantastic Four as they look to welcome a new baby into the family. In fact, this film looks like it will contain many first steps for the heroes as well as the MCU.
The slick new trailer sets the stage for the story and makes it known that in this retro looking universe, the Fantastic Four are beloved heroes, embraced by the public at large. Steeped in nostalgia that feels warmly familiar and yet not quite right, the trailer teases that the neat little world that Reed (Pedro Pascal), Sue (Vanessa Kirby), Ben (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) and Johnny (Joseph Quinn) live in, isn’t quite as safe as it seems.
Notably, the trailer finally reveals Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer, who confronts our (their?) heroes with a warning of the existential threat to come. Of course, fans know that the threat is the planet eating cosmic being, Galactus (Ralph Ineson), who is only teased in this trailer.
Comic fans also know that beyond Galactus, and maybe even beyond this film, there is an even larger threat that the Fantastic Four must deal with leading to Avengers: Doomsday. And with that knowledge, this trailer feels quite foreboding. The idyllic, Pleasantville-like feel of the retro world where the heroes are safe, stable and loved, seems like a set-up for an upcoming tragedy.
It’s interesting that based on the trailer, the Fantastic Four seem to be the primary heroes of their world. It’s not clear whether other heroes and villains exist. What is clear is that, as the host at the start of the trailer explains their story as one that everyone knows, these four heroes are largely unchallenged at the top. That’s all about to change in so many different ways, and I’m not certain this team will come out on top. I don’t think The Fantastic Four: First Steps will be a happy film. Instead, it feels like the first step towards impending…Doom.
Check out the trailer, new poster and images. The Fantastic Four: First Steps releases July 25, 2025.
Ron is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of POC Culture. Â He is a big believer in the power and impact of pop culture and the importance of representation in media.
