The remarkable qualities that define The Fantastic: Four First Steps as a standout adaptation of Marvel’s iconic First Family have already been showcased in two successful MCU films. Following the conclusion of Thunderbolts*, Matt Shakman’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps will usher in Phase 6 and initiate the countdown to the releases of Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, marking the culmination of the Multiverse Saga. The stakes are high for The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and early indicators suggest that it is poised to be a major success within the MCU landscape.

Despite the comic book legacy of the Fantastic Four, none of the four films released thus far have achieved the same level of acclaim as the Avengers series. To elevate the profile of these heroes within the MCU, Marvel Studios is leveraging Matt Shakman’s proven ability to establish fictional characters within distinct historical contexts, effectively transporting the Fantastic Four into a groundbreaking narrative. In The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Marvel’s First Family exists in a universe uniquely their own.

Explore How The Fantastic Four: First Steps Mirrors The Narratives Of Captain America And Captain Marvel

Discover Why The Fantastic Four: First Steps Is The Third Historical Film In The MCU

Breaking away from the previous iterations of the Fantastic Four films, The Fantastic Four: First Steps introduces a 1960s-inspired backdrop that offers a fresh perspective on Marvel’s First Family. Within this alternate timeline of the MCU, the Fantastic Four are portrayed as Earth’s sole superheroes and the most celebrated public figures. The setting features a retrofuturistic version of 1960s New York, showcasing technology, fashion, and architectural styles reminiscent of the mid-twentieth century’s artistic and cultural movements. This distinctive aesthetic is exclusive to the Fantastic Four, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps stands out as the third MCU historical film, following in the footsteps of Captain America: The First Avenger and Captain Marvel.

Captain America: The First Avenger primarily unfolds in the 1940s, chronicling the transformation of Steve Rogers from an army recruit to an iconic figure of World War II. In contrast, Captain Marvel is set entirely in the 1990s, revealing the reasons behind Carol Danvers’ prolonged absence from Earth and the ascent of Nick Fury within SHIELD. Furthermore, on the television front, Matt Shakman’s inaugural MCU project, WandaVision, provided a glimpse into the life of Scarlet Witch across multiple decades encapsulated within her Westview hex.

Marvel’s Historical Films Have Achieved Remarkable Success

Examine How The MCU’s Two Historical Films Generated $1.5 Billion In Revenue

Captain America: The First Avenger and Captain Marvel together amassed an impressive $1.5 billion at the global box office. The first film generated approximately $370 million while Captain Marvel soared to an outstanding $1.131 billion. Currently, Captain Marvel ranks as the eleventh highest-grossing film in the MCU, while Captain America: The First Avenger is considered the third lowest-grossing entry. Despite its seemingly underwhelming box office performance, Captain America: The First Avenger successfully recouped more than double its production budget, a feat that has become increasingly rare in the context of the Multiverse Saga.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is among the most eagerly awaited entries, not only in Phase 6 but throughout the entire Multiverse Saga. The Fantastic Four holds a significant place in Marvel’s history, comparable to that of the Avengers and the X-Men, yet the titular heroes have yet to headline a successful film. The cast of The Fantastic Four: First Steps is packed with exceptional talent, its multiversal themes are pivotal to the overarching saga, and its retrofuturistic setting introduces an innovative dimension to the franchise. Moreover, the anticipated interactions between the Fantastic Four and other MCU characters heighten expectations, leading to the belief that The Fantastic Four: First Steps is likely to reach near the billion-dollar milestone.

Discover Other Historical Projects In Development At Marvel Beyond The Fantastic Four: First Steps

Uncover How Blade Was Set To Be The Fourth MCU Historical Film

Recent updates reveal that Blade was initially envisioned to be set in the 1920s; however, the project led by Mahershala Ali has undergone multiple revisions, resulting in a shift in its historical context. This film has faced numerous challenges, including changes in scripts, screenwriters, and directors. Currently, it remains uncertain whether Blade will progress, as only Mahershala Ali’s involvement has been confirmed, and no official release date is available. A Blade film set in the 1920s could have served as a thrilling companion piece to the 1960s backdrop of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, potentially paving the way for further stories set within the same historical framework.

WandaVision briefly traversed through every decade from the 1950s to the 2000s, while Captain America: The First Avenger was firmly rooted in the 1940s. Likewise, Captain Marvel took place entirely in the 1990s. Furthermore, Eternals visited significant moments in human history, including sixteenth-century Tenochtitlan, seventh-century Babylon, and fifth-century India. There are countless historical periods within the MCU that still await exploration. Although Blade will forego the 1920s setting, the distinctive backdrop of The Fantastic Four: First Steps in the 1960s could potentially herald a new wave of similar historical projects.

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  The Fantastic Four: First Steps
  

  Release Date

  
  July 25, 2025
  

  Director

  
  Matt Shakman
  

  Producers

  
  Jamie Christopher, Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Tim Lewis
  

  • 

    Reed Richards / Mr. Fantastic

  • 

    Vanessa Kirby

    Sue Storm / The Invisible Woman

  • 

    Johnny Storm / Human Torch

  • 

    Ebon Moss-Bachrach

    Ben Grimm / The Thing

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  Captain Marvel
  

  

  8/10

  Release Date

  
  March 8, 2019
  

  Runtime

  
  124 minutes
  

  Director

  
  Ryan Fleck, Anna Boden
  

  Writers

  
  Geneva Robertson-Dworet, Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck
  

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