Movies - Fantastic Four: First Steps – A Parisian Prelude to Marvel's Most Ambitious Reboot

By Mulder, Paris, Espace Niemeyer,, 07 july 2025

Marvel Studios has never been one to do things halfway, and the official world tour launch for Fantastic Four: First Steps in Paris on July 7, 2025, was a perfect testament to that ethos. Following an already energetic fan event in Mexico, the studio chose the architecturally stunning Espace Niemeyer in Paris’ 19th arrondissement—a futuristic marvel in itself and one of the city’s best-kept secrets—as the ideal venue to launch what is arguably one of Marvel's most ambitious cinematic resets. Here, amidst the flowing white concrete curves and striking modernist dome of this unique building, a location that directly inspired the film’s retro-futuristic world, the new cast was welcomed like rock stars. Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach made their grand entrance to a symphony of cheers and camera flashes, embodying the timeless appeal of Marvel's First Family with all the charm and charisma one could hope for. The day unfolded in a haze of exclusive photo ops, high-energy interviews, and a press conference that was as much about cinematic ambition as it was about deep emotional resonance and legacy.

There’s no denying that Fantastic Four: First Steps is more than just another entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe—it’s a bold reclamation of a franchise that has seen more than its fair share of missteps. Under the sharp and inspired direction of Matt Shakman, known for his work on WandaVision, this new iteration avoids the often-retreaded origin story and instead launches audiences directly into the middle of a fully formed team’s journey. Set in an alternate multiversal Earth and richly saturated in 1960s Space Age optimism, the film introduces us to Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/The Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/The Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing, as they face the existential threat of Galactus, portrayed by Ralph Ineson, with his enigmatic herald, the Silver Surfer, now reimagined as Julia Garner’s Shalla-Bal.

One of the most fascinating anecdotes surrounding the making of Fantastic Four: First Steps is how carefully and painstakingly its tone and aesthetic were crafted. Matt Shakman looked directly to the imaginative optimism of the Space Race and vintage science fiction cinema, including 2001: A Space Odyssey, using that era's speculative excitement as a jumping-off point. Every element, from the sleek, modular designs of the Baxter Building to the lovingly crafted 14-foot miniature of the Excelsior spaceship, reflects this devotion to a retrofuturist vision. The production also leaned heavily into practical effects, building out entire blocks of Yancy Street to reflect Jack Kirby’s Jewish upbringing in New York, a detail that adds authentic texture to Ebon Moss-Bachrach's Ben Grimm. Shakman even employed a 16mm film camera inherited from second unit DP Tim Wooster’s father to shoot some sequences, giving parts of the film an intentional analog grit that will undoubtedly stand out in the MCU’s typically polished digital aesthetic.

The Paris event didn’t just celebrate a new chapter—it subtly positioned First Steps as a rebirth, one that acknowledges its troubled cinematic lineage while boldly stepping into a new age. The cast, hand-picked not only for their star power but for their chemistry and depth, took time to reflect on their characters during interviews at Espace Niemeyer. Joseph Quinn, already garnering attention for his role in Gladiator II, mentioned asking Pedro Pascal for guidance on set, only to later find out Pascal was being considered for Reed Richards—a story that delighted fans and cemented their off-screen camaraderie. Vanessa Kirby, poised and enigmatic, emphasized the strength of Sue Storm’s emotional arc, especially with the character expecting a child, adding a deeply human angle to the film’s cosmic scale. And Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer? A surprise stroke of genius casting that redefines a role traditionally embodied by male actors, drawing from comic arcs like Earth X for inspiration and depth.

Behind the scenes, the film’s development is just as compelling. Following Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox and the failure of the 2015 Fantastic Four reboot, Kevin Feige took it upon himself to resurrect the franchise within the MCU’s multiverse framework. After several shifts in creative direction—including Jon Watts stepping down as director—Shakman was brought in and collaborated with writers Josh Friedman, Eric Pearson, Jeff Kaplan, and Ian Springer to focus the story around legacy, exploration, and family dynamics. The decision to start the story years after the team gained their powers was strategic, allowing audiences to jump straight into high-stakes adventure without rehashing old ground. The inclusion of Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom, teased for future Avengers films but not directly involved in First Steps, only added to the buzz, especially after it was confirmed at SDCC that his first appearance will be in a post-credits scene here.

Music, too, plays a vital role in shaping the experience. Composer Michael Giacchino, a Marvel veteran, created a score that was described as “dreamy,” “jaunty,” and imbued with space-age wonder. First previewed during a drone light show at SDCC and later performed at the Hollywood Bowl, the film’s main theme has already been praised for evoking the soaring optimism of early spaceflight, blending elements reminiscent of Ant-Man and classic sci-fi. This music helps anchor the film’s emotional core, including poignant scenes featuring the team’s robot companion H.E.R.B.I.E. (voiced by Matthew Wood) and heartfelt moments between Reed and Sue’s newborn son, Franklin Richards (played by Ada Scott).

Fantastic Four: First Steps is not just launching globally in theaters—it’s launching a whole new era. From its thoughtful casting, its 1960s aesthetic executed with Kubrickian precision, to its rich behind-the-scenes history of second chances and ambitious storytelling, it embodies what a Marvel relaunch can and should be. Paris was more than just a press stop—it was the beginning of a worldwide celebration of imagination, reinvention, and the enduring legacy of Marvel’s First Family. With its July 25, 2025, release looming and a sequel already in development, this film isn’t just the first step for this version of the Fantastic Four—it’s the first leap toward redefining their place in cinematic history.

You can dicover our photos in our Flickr page and also the official photos here

Synopsis : 
Set in a retro-futuristic world inspired by the 1960s, Marvel Studios' Fantastic Four: First Fight introduces the first Marvel Family: Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic, Sue Storm/The Invisible Woman, Johnny Storm/The Human Torch, and Ben Grimm/The Thing as they face their greatest challenge yet.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Directed by Matt Shakman
Written by Josh Friedman, Eric Pearson, Jeff Kaplan, Ian Springer
Story by Eric Pearson, Jeff Kaplan, Ian Springer, Kat Wood
Based on Fantastic Four by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby
Produced by Kevin Feige
Starring  Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby,; Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Joseph Quinn, Julia Garner, Natasha Lyonne, Paul Walter Hauser, Ralph Ineson
Cinematography : Jess Hall
Edited by Nona Khodai, Tim Roche
Music by Michael Giacchino
Production company : Marvel Studios
Distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Release date : July 23, 2025 (France), July 25, 2025 (United States)
Running times : NC

Photos and video : Boris Colletier / Mulderville