Marvel Studios has unveiled the much-anticipated trailer for Fantastic Four: First Steps, offering fans their first full look at director Matt Shakman’s imaginative reimagining of the iconic superhero team. With a July 25, 2025 theatrical release locked in, the trailer teases dramatic new directions—including a surprising pregnancy reveal and a stunning appearance by Julia Garner as the Silver Surfer.
Set in the 1960s, the film places the Fantastic Four in their original era from the comics, but with a fresh cinematic flair. Pedro Pascal leads the team as Reed Richards, also known as Mr. Fantastic, joined by 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. Shakman’s vision seems to balance nostalgic charm with contemporary relevance, capturing the emotional core of Marvel’s First Family.
A Heroic Family Dynamic
A pivotal moment in the trailer reveals that Sue Storm is expecting a child, setting a tone of personal stakes amidst cosmic chaos. This development underscores the emotional gravity of the film, suggesting that First Steps is as much about family as it is about intergalactic showdowns. Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm declares with resolve, “We can do this,” as the couple braces for parenthood in the shadow of mounting danger.
The idea of parenthood and family unity is a recurring theme throughout the trailer. While the team grapples with immense threats—including the menacing approach of Galactus—the message is clear: the strength of the Fantastic Four lies not only in their powers but in their bond. “We will face this together,” Kirby’s character asserts. “We will fight it together—as a family.”
Julia Garner Shines as the Silver Surfer
In one of the trailer’s most visually captivating moments, audiences get a glimpse of Julia Garner gliding onto the screen as the Silver Surfer. Her arrival is brief but electrifying, with a cryptic warning that hints at the arrival of Galactus. Garner’s casting marks a bold and unconventional choice for the character, who has traditionally been portrayed as male. Her portrayal appears ethereal and commanding, suggesting a new dimension to the cosmic herald.
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The appearance of the Silver Surfer sets the stage for Galactus, the devourer of worlds, played by Ralph Ineson. Ineson’s deep and imposing voice looms in the background, reinforcing the galactic scale of the danger heading toward Earth. This could mark the MCU’s most powerful villain to date, pushing the Fantastic Four into the heart of a universe-spanning conflict.
A Cast Packed With Star Power
Beyond the core team, Fantastic Four: First Steps boasts an impressive supporting cast. In addition to Ineson’s Galactus, the film features Paul Walter Hauser, John Malkovich, and Natasha Lyonne in undisclosed roles. With a script penned by Eric Pearson—best known for his work on Black Widow and the upcoming Thunderbolts—the film promises a dynamic mix of character development, action, and emotional resonance.
A Storied Legacy Reimagined
The Fantastic Four have had a bumpy cinematic history. After a never-released 1990s film by Roger Corman, they found box office success in the 2005 version directed by Tim Story, starring Jessica Alba and Chris Evans. Despite financial success, critics were lukewarm, and a 2007 sequel failed to elevate the franchise. The 2015 reboot by Josh Trank attempted a darker tone but was panned by audiences and critics alike, becoming a cautionary tale in superhero filmmaking with a dismal 9% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
This latest effort from Marvel Studios aims to break the cycle. By integrating the Fantastic Four directly into the broader Marvel Cinematic Universe and embracing the family-centered, optimistic spirit of the original comics, Shakman’s version hopes to finally do justice to the beloved team.
What’s Next for the Fantastic Four?
With their debut in the MCU now on the horizon, speculation is already swirling about how First Steps might shape the franchise’s future. Will the new addition to the family be Franklin Richards, whose comic book counterpart possesses near-omnipotent powers? Will the Silver Surfer return in a larger role? And will Galactus become a recurring antagonist like Thanos before him?
As the July release date approaches, fans can expect more clues and teases. But one thing is clear from the trailer: Fantastic Four: First Steps is gearing up to be a heart-driven, high-stakes cosmic adventure—one that promises to leave a lasting impact on the Marvel Universe.
