CinemaCon 2025 delivered the goods—and then some. Marvel Studios unveiled exclusive new footage from Fantastic Four: First Steps, and judging by the reactions in Las Vegas, this is the return fans have been waiting for. The MCU’s First Family isn’t just stretching back into theaters—they’re about to reshape the future.
Introduced in a video message by Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, the reel arrived with some added hype: Avengers: Doomsday begins filming in days, directed by the Russo Brothers and starring Robert Downey Jr. in a villainous turn as Doctor Doom. But all eyes were on First Steps—and rightly so.
Family First: Marvel’s Most Human Heroes Return
This newest reccreation of the Fantastic Four stars Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/The Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/The Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing. The footage previews an emotionally charged scene where Reed and Sue learn they’re expecting a baby.
“We can do this,” Kirby’s Sue says.
From there, the stakes only get higher. As world-eating villain Galactus played by Ralph Ineson remains roaming around and chaos erupts, Sue delivers the line that may become the franchise’s new heartbeat: “We will fight it together—as a family“.
In another scene, Reed reassures a panicked world: “We will protect you”.
And just when the audience thought it was over, the Silver Surfer—now reimagined and played by Julia Garner—makes a stunning high-speed entrance. In doing so, it confirms Marvel’s commitment to taking the Fantastic Four to cosmic heights.
A New Era Dawns But the Legacy Runs Deep
As anticipation builds for the public release of the trailer, it’s worth revisiting the franchise’s complex cinematic journey. In fact, it’s a history marked by both blockbuster success and painful misfires.
| Release Date | Film | Budget | Worldwide Gross |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 8, 2005 | Fantastic Four | USD 87.5 million | USD 333.1 million |
| June 15, 2007 | Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer | USD 120 million | USD 289.5 million |
| August 7, 2015 | Fantastic Four | USD 120 million | USD 167.8 million |
The 2005 and 2007 entries, directed by Tim Story, delivered strong box office results despite lukewarm critical reception. The 2015 reboot, however, directed by Josh Trank, was a commercial and creative misfire that unfortunately derailed the franchise until now.
First Steps Toward A Bold Future
Helmed by Matt Shakman, Fantastic Four: First Steps promises a bold reinvention, steering away from the origin story and planting the Four firmly in the heart of the MCU. Featuring additional cast members Paul Walter Hauser and John Malkovich, this version leans into high-stakes emotion, astronomical threats, and strong character dynamics.
Positioned between DC’s Superman which is releasing just two weeks earlier, and Marvel’s own Avengers: Doomsday, First Steps arrives as a cornerstone in the next generation of Marvel storytelling. And yes, all four heroes will appear in Doomsday, bridging the gap between personal stakes and cosmic consequences.
A Message From Marvel: The Future Begins With Four
Nonetheless, the trailer will soon be available to the public. And based on what was seen at CinemaCon, it’s bound to ignite fan theories, hype trains, and emotional reactions in equal measure. With powerful performances, fresh dynamics, and a universe-threatening villain, Fantastic Four: First Steps might just be the definitive version fans have been waiting for.
Because in this next chapter of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, family isn’t just the theme—it’s a force. Fantastic Four: First Steps hits theaters July 25th, 2025. Stay locked here until then!
