As excitement builds for Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps, actor Paul Walter Hauser has made bold claims about the upcoming film’s impact on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). In a recent interview with TheDirect, Hauser suggested that this latest iteration of Marvel’s First Family could mark the beginning of a new golden age for Marvel storytelling.
A Marvel Game-Changer?
“So I think our movie, Fantastic Four: First Steps, to me—only speaking from my opinion, everything I witnessed and took part in, everything I felt while in the presence of the creatives on the film—I believe we are the Marvel movie of the year,” Hauser stated, hyping up the highly anticipated project. “I believe we are the one to watch.”
Hauser, whose role in the film remains undisclosed, went even further by comparing it to two of the MCU’s most beloved films: Guardians of the Galaxy and Black Panther. According to the actor, the movie could have the same kind of cultural and narrative impact that those films did.
“I believe this will go down in history as one of the ones that started a new tide of successful storytelling for the company,” Hauser added. “Sort of in the same way Guardians of the Galaxy and Black Panther hit. They both hit in a certain way. I believe we are about to hit.”
Realistic Expectations Amid High Hopes
Despite his enthusiasm, Hauser also acknowledged the realities of filmmaking, urging audiences to remember that no studio, no matter how successful, gets it right every time.
“Let’s remember that Marvel is servicing a lot of folks, and they want to make a lot of entertainment for people to enjoy. None of us are 100%. None of us hit the mark every time,” he said. “Not a single one of us. Your favorite director has made a less-than-satisfactory movie. Just facts.”
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A Fresh Start for the Fantastic Four
The Fantastic Four: First Steps has been a long time in the making. After 20th Century Fox’s 2015 reboot of Fantastic Four failed to meet expectations, the franchise was left in limbo. When Disney acquired Fox in 2019, Marvel Studios took control of the property, officially announcing the film in July of that year.
Director Matt Shakman (known for WandaVision) later replaced Jon Watts in 2022 and is leading a script written by a team of writers including Josh Friedman, Cameron Squires, Eric Pearson, Peter Cameron, Jeff Kaplan, and Ian Springer.
Star-Studded Cast and the Road Ahead
The film boasts an impressive ensemble, featuring Vanessa Kirby (Sue Storm), Pedro Pascal (Reed Richards), Joseph Quinn (Johnny Storm), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Ben Grimm) in the lead roles. Supporting them are Paul Walter Hauser, John Malkovich, Julia Garner, Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles, and Ralph Ineson, with Ineson taking on the role of the cosmic villain Galactus.
Beyond The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Marvel has already confirmed that the characters will appear in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, setting the stage for their integration into the wider MCU.
A New Chapter for the MCU
As Phase Six of the MCU approaches, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is expected to play a crucial role in redefining Marvel’s future. With a release date set for July 25, 2025, fans won’t have to wait long to see if Hauser’s high expectations for the film will be met.
Whether the film truly ushers in a new wave of storytelling or simply serves as another blockbuster entry in the franchise, one thing is clear—Marvel Studios is betting big on the Fantastic Four to reignite excitement in the MCU.
