One of the most anticipated MCU projects in years, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is currently filming in the U.K. after the film was teased during San Diego Comic-Con earlier this year. Unlike previous iterations of Marvel’s first family, First Steps follows the superhero team in an alternate, retro-futuristic timeline as a part of the larger MCU multiverse. This exciting development has already manifested itself throughout the movie’s art style, including the titular Fantastic Four putting on some very different costumes than most fans are accustomed to seeing. Especially Joseph Quinn’s Human Torch, who has been spotted on the set of Fantastic Four: First Steps.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Human Torch can be seen walking along the beautiful coast of Durdle Door (yes, that’s a real name for a very real place) in brand-new set photos via Reddit. It doesn’t seem like Quinn himself is in the suit (it’s kinda hard to tell), but the retro outfit certainly fits the bill with previous leaks. A departure from the standard blue one-piece costume, the Human Torch now looks like he could’ve been the star of an early 70s sci-fi show, or simply wearing the undergarments of a space suit. Honestly, that’s a good thing, as Marvel Studios seem intent on removing its version of Fantastic Four far away from previous live-action films. That said, how long until Disney cashes in on the movie and releases Fantastic Four pajamas? Only half-joking, obviously.
A troubling trend in recent Marvel Studios films is the incessant use of CGI to replace practical superhero costumes. It seems like that won’t always be the case in Fantastic Four: First Steps, thanks to the new look at the Human Torch. Of course, although a real-life stand-in was used for The Thing on the set of the film, the rocky superhero will be a CG effect created through motion capture. But expect most of the team to sport actual suits the actors can wear, at least when they’re not using their powers.
The Fantastic Four Take Their First Steps Into the MCU
Yes, The Fantastic Four are supposed to look like that. Ever since Matt Shakman (WandaVision, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) signed on to direct First Steps, it’s been teased that the film would take a very different approach than previous adaptations. Due to their importance in the Marvel Universe, some did speculate that the superheroes would be “stuck” in an alternate dimension. This is sort of the case, but The Fantastic Four instead features the team coming from a futuristic yet retro universe of their own. Through various promotional materials, Marvel is already prepping fans for a trip to the 1960s, where Earth’s mightiest heroes are also a close-knit family of four.
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In addition to Joseph Quinn as Johnny Stormh, Fantastic Four: First Steps features Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Susan Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm. Rounding out the supporting cast is Julia Garner the Silver Surfer and Ralph Ineson as Galactus, as well as John Malkovich and Paul Walter Hauser in undisclosed roles. It’s unclear how the upcoming film will connect to the greater MCU, but Kevin Feige already confirmed the superhero team would cross over in the next two Avengers films.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025)
- Release Date
- July 25, 2025