The upcoming Marvel movie The Fantastic Four: First Steps is set to introduce the iconic superhero team in a new universe, separate from the main Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This version of the Fantastic Four exists in a retro-futuristic world inspired by the 1960s, offering a distinct vibe compared to the MCU’s traditional Sacred Timeline.
Directed by Matt Shakman, known for his work on WandaVision, the film brings a vintage aesthetic that feels like a throwback to the past, but still fits into Marvel’s multiverse concept. The teaser trailer clearly shows that First Steps takes place in an alternate universe, where the visual style is heavily influenced by midcentury modern design, reminiscent of the 1960s, even though the story is set in 2025.
This approach follows the pattern seen in Deadpool & Wolverine, where the MCU expands through alternate realities rather than directly blending into the main continuity. In the trailer, Reed Richards (played by Pedro Pascal) mentions, “Before we went up the first time,” indicating that the team has already been active for a while in this universe before the events of the movie.
The film embraces classic elements from the Fantastic Four comics, such as Reed Richards’ inventive genius, the team’s celebrity status, and their iconic blue uniforms, which are inspired by John Byrne’s 1980s redesign. Fans of the 1970s animated series will also recognize the inclusion of H.E.R.B.I.E., the robot assistant. The trailer hints at Ben Grimm’s (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) struggle with his transformation into The Thing, staying true to his emotional journey in the comics.
While the Fantastic Four begins their journey in this separate universe, there are plans for them to eventually crossover into the larger MCU, especially with Secret Wars on the horizon. The movie will introduce Galactus (voiced by Ralph Ineson), a major cosmic threat, and Julia Garner will play a new version of the Silver Surfer, tying in with the epic scale of the MCU’s multiverse.
Although Doctor Doom (played by Robert Downey Jr.) isn’t expected to play a major role in First Steps, his future involvement in upcoming Avengers films suggests that this alternate Fantastic Four universe will eventually collide with the main MCU timeline, setting the stage for some exciting crossovers ahead.