The most anticipated reboot in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Director Matt Shakman recently spoke to Variety about casting, auditions and what he wants for the film.
The MCU’s Fantastic Four has been a long time coming. After the ups and downs of Fox’s earlier movies—sorry, 2015 Fantastic Four—fans are excited for Marvel Studios to finally give Marvel’s First Family the treatment they deserve. Fantastic Four: First Steps hits theaters July 25, 2025. It’s directed by Matt Shakman who also worked on the Emmy-nominated show WandaVision. In his Variety interview Shakman talked about how the team found the perfect cast and why this reboot will be different in the MCU’s Phase Six, alongside big movies like Avengers: Doomsday.
Let’s talk about that amazing cast! Pedro Pascal is Reed Richards aka Mr. Fantastic. Yay! Vanessa Kirby is Sue Storm aka the Invisible Woman. Joseph Quinn is Johnny Storm aka the Human Torch. And Ebon Moss-Bachrach is Ben Grimm aka the Thing. Shakman told Variety that casting was tough with hundreds of auditions to find actors who could show the family vibe at the center of the Fantastic Four. He said, “We wanted people who seemed like they could be a real family.”
Pedro Pascal’s charm and smarts made him an obvious choice for Reed, while Vanessa Kirby’s strength and warmth was perfect for Sue. Joseph Quinn fresh from Stranger Things gives Johnny a cool and energetic vibe. Moss-Bachrach nails Ben’s tough yet heartful personality. Shakman teased a surprise actor for Doctor Doom who will be played by Ralph Ineson. He hinted that this character will be a complicated villain connected to the MCU’s multiverse story.
Shakman learned from WandaVision how to blend real emotions with crazy visuals. That’s important for the Fantastic Four. He told Variety the movie takes place in the 1960s, a new time period for the MCU, inspired by the old-school comic book style. The story will follow how Reed, Sue, Johnny and Ben got their powers from a cosmic experiment.
And how they try to be heroes while navigating family life. Shakman focused on using practical effects to make the Thing look real. He mixed CGI with real textures so Ben felt more real. He also said Galactus and the Silver Surfer (played by Julia Garner) are big threats that will really challenge the team. The task? Bringing a 60-year-old comic book to life while respecting its history in a crowded superhero world.
Fans are really hyped for this reboot and it makes sense! With Shakman’s track record and this amazing cast, the Fantastic Four is going to be full of heart, humor and big adventure. The 1960s setting and big cosmic events could lead to big MCU crossovers especially with new Avengers movies coming up. Variety says the movie wrapped filming in early 2025 so we’re getting close to seeing the trailers. If Shakman gets the family feel and the action right this could be the next big hit for the MCU after Spider-Man: No Way Home.
