Convention - SDCC 2024 : The Fantastic Four: First Steps Hall H Presentation Marks a New Era for Marvel's First Family

By Mulder, San Diego, Convention Center, Hall H, 27 july 2024

San Diego Comic-Con 2024 became a historic event in the Marvel Cinematic Universe's (MCU) timeline, with Marvel Studios’ Hall H presentation of The Fantastic Four: First Steps setting the stage for what promises to be an epic reimagining of one of Marvel's most beloved superhero teams. This highly anticipated panel not only shed light on the new direction for the Fantastic Four but also highlighted Marvel’s bold vision for the future of the MCU.

Kevin Feige, the mastermind behind Marvel Studios, took the stage to an electrified crowd, ready to unveil the latest developments in the MCU’s expansive narrative. Joined by director Matt Shakman and the film’s leading stars—Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic), Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm (Invisible Woman), Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm (Human Torch), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm (The Thing)—Feige wasted no time in revealing the film’s official title: The Fantastic Four: First Steps. The announcement was met with overwhelming applause, as fans were eager to see Marvel’s First Family return to the big screen, this time under the careful stewardship of the studio that revolutionized superhero cinema.

The title itself, First Steps, hints at both a new beginning for the team within the MCU and their upcoming cosmic adventures. Set to be the first film of Phase Six, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is scheduled to begin production on July 30, 2024, with a planned release date of July 25, 2025. This film is not just another reboot but a fresh take that promises to explore uncharted territory, all while staying true to the spirit of the original comics created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.

A key highlight of the presentation was the film’s retro-futuristic aesthetic, deeply inspired by the 1960s—a decade synonymous with optimism, space exploration, and groundbreaking technological advancements. Matt Shakman explained that the film would embrace this era’s hopeful vision of the future, combined with modern cinematic storytelling techniques. The footage shown to the Hall H audience featured a nostalgic yet innovative blend of old-school visuals and cutting-edge effects, setting the tone for what Shakman described as a retro-future '60s.

The teaser reel presented during the panel was a perfect encapsulation of this vision. It included a scene where Reed Richards, portrayed by Pedro Pascal, teaches a class about alternate dimensions, only to have his students show more interest in a rocket launch. This humorous moment was complemented by other sequences, such as the Fantastic Four donning astronaut suits and preparing for a space mission, and a playful scene where The Thing, played by Ebon Moss-Bachrach, participates in a dating show as a mystery contestant. The visual style of the footage, presented in a 4:3 aspect ratio reminiscent of vintage television broadcasts, further emphasized the film’s unique retro aesthetic.

Perhaps the most thrilling moment came with the reveal of Galactus, the cosmic entity who serves as the film’s main antagonist. Unlike his previous on-screen portrayals, which were met with mixed reactions, Galactus in The Fantastic Four: First Steps is depicted in a manner true to his comic book origins—towering, imposing, and unmistakably human-like. This design choice, coupled with the overall tone of the footage, reassured fans that Marvel Studios is committed to delivering a faithful adaptation of these iconic characters.

The film’s score, composed by the Oscar-winning Michael Giacchino, also made a strong impression. Known for his work on previous Marvel projects, Giacchino’s music promises to be a key component in bringing the film’s epic and emotional moments to life. During the panel, his powerful composition played in tandem with the footage, amplifying the sense of wonder and excitement that permeated the room.

The Fantastic Four's return to the MCU has been a long time coming, and the Hall H presentation made it clear that Marvel Studios is leaving no stone unturned in its effort to get it right. The team’s past cinematic outings, produced under the 20th Century Fox banner, were met with mixed reviews at best. However, with Marvel Studios now fully in control, expectations are high that The Fantastic Four: First Steps will finally do justice to the characters that have been a cornerstone of Marvel Comics since their debut in 1961.

As the presentation drew to a close, Kevin Feige hinted at the broader implications of the Fantastic Four’s introduction into the MCU. He confirmed that the team would play a crucial role in upcoming films such as Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, the latter of which will see Robert Downey Jr. return as Victor Von Doom. This revelation set the stage for a narrative arc that could redefine the MCU’s direction for years to come.

In a final, dramatic flourish, the Fantasticar—an iconic vehicle from the comics—was revealed, soaring above the Hall H stage to the amazement of the audience. This moment encapsulated the spirit of the event: a perfect blend of nostalgia and forward-thinking innovation, promising a bright future for Marvel’s First Family.

With production set to begin imminently and the release date just over a year away, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is poised to be a pivotal film in the MCU, combining the charm of its 1960s inspiration with the excitement of modern superhero storytelling. Fans can now look forward to seeing how Marvel’s First Family will navigate their new cinematic universe, both in their standalone adventures and as integral players in the broader MCU saga

Synopsis : 
A new Fantastic Four film.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Directed by Matt Shakman
Written by Jeff Kaplan, Ian Springer, Josh Friedman, Cameron Squires, Eric Pearson, Peter Cameron
Based on Fantastic Four by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby
Produced by Kevin Feige
Starring  Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Julia Garner, Ralph Ineson
Cinematography : Jess Hall
Music by Michael Giacchino
Production company : Marvel Studios
Distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Release date : July 23, 2024 (France), July 25, 2025 (United States)

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Photos and video  : Boris Colletier / Mulderville