Summary
The new title for Marvel Studios' upcomingThe Fantastic Four: First Stepsmay be teasing the introduction of two powerful new heroes connected to Reed Richards and Sue Storm. Marvel’s First Family was quickly revealed to be coming to theMCUafter the finalization of Disney’s acquisition of Fox in 2019, though Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn and Ebon Moss-Bachrach weren’t confirmed asThe Fantastic Four’scastuntil this February. Anticipation is high, but new updates have boosted excitement even further.
As part of Marvel Studios' Hall H panel at this year’sSan Diego Comic-Con, Kevin Feige and director Matt Shakman confirmed the upcoming Phase 6 movie has been given a subtitle, nownamedThe Fantastic Four: First Steps.This was revealed alongside a short pre-viz reel providing first look footage of Pascal, Kirby, Quinn and Moss-Bachrach as the Fantastic Four, as well as a more in-depth discussion with Shakman and the cast on stage. One theory explainsThe Fantastic Four’stitle change, and brings two ofMarvel’s most powerful heroesinto the MCU.
The Fantastic Four Cast Photo Brings Together Marvel’s First Family For The First Time
As The Fantastic Four reboot is getting closer to starting principal photography, the new MCU cast unites in a photo for the first time as a group.
The Fantastic Four’s First Steps Title Could Hint At Franklin & Valeria Richards
While the newFirst Stepssubtitle could refer to the Fantastic Four’s first steps in the MCU, or, as Shakman explained toEntertainment Weekly, could refer to the first steps of the Space Race. However, another theory suggests thatThe Fantastic Four: First Steps’new title could hint at the physical first steps of Reed Richards and Sue Storm’s children being taken. This could mean thatFranklin and Valeria Richardswill be appearing in the upcoming Phase 6 movie, which has been speculated for some time.
Franklin Richards made his Marvel Comics debut in 1968’sFantastic Four Annual #6, while his younger sister, Valeria, first appeared in 1999’sFantastic Four (Vol. 3) #15.The pair have been key to decades of Fantastic Four storylines in Marvel Comics, particularly those featuring the Future Foundation and Galactus, both of which are expected to appear inThe Fantastic Four: First Steps. Franklin and Valeria were also pivotal in one of Marvel’s biggest crossover events, which will be coming to the MCU in 2027.
Franklin & Valeria Richards’ Debut Would Be Huge For Avengers: Secret Wars
Franklin and Valeria Richards' debuts inThe Fantastic Four: First Stepswould provide another piece of the puzzle ahead of the release of Marvel Studios’Avengers: Secret Wars. The Russo brothers were confirmed to be returning to directAvengers: DoomsdayandSecret Warsat SDCC, andsinceSecret Warsis one of their self-proclaimed favorite storylines, it’s bound to be adapted faithfully. This could give Franklin and Valeria a huge part to play.
During 2015’sSecret Warsevent, Valeria was revealed to be Doctor Doom’s biological child, sending shockwaves through the Richards family at the end of the universe. Franklin also had a huge role, as he was able to use his reality warping abilities to restore the multiverse and create entirely new realities after his father’sbattle against Doctor Doom. It would be great to see these stories play out in live-action after Franklin and Valeria’s possible debut inThe Fantastic Four: First Steps.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Cast
The Fantastic 4: First Steps features Marvel’s First Family navigating their dual roles as superheroes and family members in a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world. They defend Earth from a formidable space god, Galactus, and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer, testing their familial bonds and heroic resolve.
