'Fantastic Four: First Steps' could explore new universe, not MCU
What's the story
The long-awaited teaser trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps finally dropped on Tuesday.
Though it is the 37th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)—and the second reboot of the Fantastic Four film series—it seems to be taking a step away from the MCU setting.
Does this mean it will explore a new universe? Possibly!
The teaser clip hints at a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world—distinct from the prime MCU or "Sacred Timeline" that fans have followed for nearly two decades.
New universe
'First Steps' introduces an alternate reality
Just like last year's Deadpool & Wolverine, The Fantastic Four: First Steps opens a new universe in the MCU.
The film's setting feels like the mid-20th century, with characters such as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal) and Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby) found in a midcentury modern kitchen.
The throwback style is probably because director Matt Shakman is well-versed with retro styles from his time on WandaVision.
Comic tribute
'First Steps' pays homage to Fantastic Four's comic origins
The teaser for The Fantastic Four: First Steps pays homage to a lot of things from the original comics.
From Reed's mind-blowing inventions to the wholesome family dynamic of this team, and their local celebrity status, the film also teases character angst.
In a scene, Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) sadly watches footage of himself before his transformation, reflecting on his inability to revert to human form.
Era influences
'First Steps' incorporates elements from different eras
While the main aesthetic of The Fantastic Four: First Steps draws from the 1960s, it also incorporates elements from later years in the team's history.
Most notably, the helpful robot H.E.R.B.I.E., a character originally created for a late 1970s animated series, appears.
The Fantastic Four costumes in the film have also seen several redesigns over the years, with this version sporting larger white trim in place of black—a change introduced by John Byrne in the 1980s.
Crossover
A crossover is inevitable
In the upcoming film, the team is set to face Galactus (Ralph Ineson), a cosmic entity that devours worlds.
While First Steps may not feature Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom in a major role, it's likely he'll appear in a post-credits scene, setting up his pivotal role in the next two Avengers films.
With the Fantastic Four set to be a key part of the MCU's future, a crossover seems inevitable.
The film will hit theaters on July 25.