Listen, I love a good thematic marketing campaign. I respect a strong commitment to the bit. But dropping the Fantastic Four trailer at 4 AM? Really, Marvel? You couldn’t have made it 4 AM Eastern—because, you know, the Fantastic Four are from New York? Or better yet, 4 PM, so the rest of us didn’t have to set alarms and chug coffee just to witness history?
That said, if I had to be awake at an ungodly hour, at least it was for something truly fantastic. Even if it is a fantastic four a.m. troll.
Marvel Studios will be giving our first look at The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and it’s safe to say the film is shaping up to be something special. Set in a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, this film isn’t just another superhero entry—it’s a full-on cinematic event. The teaser delivers a stunning glimpse into Marvel’s First Family as they take on their biggest challenge yet: the world-eating Galactus, played by the menacing Ralph Ineson, with Julia Garner as the enigmatic Silver Surfer.
A Retro-Futuristic Masterpiece in the Making
If there was any doubt that director Matt Shakman (WandaVision) could nail the tone of Marvel’s most iconic superhero team, the teaser puts those fears to rest. The visual aesthetic is pure Jetsons meets Jack Kirby, blending sci-fi grandeur with a warm, nostalgic glow. Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards exudes a brilliant yet conflicted energy, Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm looks every bit the heart and soul of the team, Joseph Quinn’s Johnny Storm is radiating charisma (and, well, flames), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s Ben Grimm is bringing the gruff, reluctant hero vibes we all love.
RELATED: YOUR FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN Review – Amazing, Spectacular, Superior, and Diverse Friendly
Marvel Studios has clearly spared no expense in bringing the Fantastic Four’s world to life, and if this teaser is just a taste of what’s to come, we’re in for a spectacle that finally does the team justice.
The Power of Four—And What’s Next the MCU’s Fantastic Four?
With the marketing already leaning so heavily into the number four, it’s only a matter of time before we start seeing even more clever tie-ins. Four character posters? A “4 Weeks to Go” countdown? A trailer drop on April 4th (4/4, obviously)? Maybe even a cheeky surprise on July 4th? Marvel has set the bar high for itself, and if this level of dedication continues, we could be looking at one of the most creatively marketed superhero films four years to come.
So, even though I’ll never forgive them for making me wake up at actual 4 AM for this, I have to admit—it was worth really not effing worth my time to lose sleep for a stupid countdown. Now, to head to my toilet for my morning clobberin’ time.
*Editors note, I had a lot of this prewritten, but being duped by a 4am effing countdown ,eased me up and I’m to tired to edit this to match.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps releases in theaters July 25, 2025.
About The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Release Date: July 25, 2025
Director: Matt Shakman
Producers: Kevin Feige
Executive Producers: Louis D’Esposito, Grant Curtis, Tim Lewis
Co-Producer: Mitch Bell
Music by: Michael Giacchino
Genre: Action-Adventure
Announced Cast: Pedro Pascal (Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic), Vanessa Kirby (Sue Storm/Invisible Woman), Joseph Quinn (Johnny Storm/ Human Torch), Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Ben Grimm/The Thing), Ralph Ineson, Julia Garner, Paul Walter Hauser, John Malkovich, Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles
SYNOPSIS:
Set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, Marvel Studios’ “The Fantastic
Four: First Steps” introduces Marvel’s First Family—Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue
Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) and Ben Grimm/The
Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) as they face their most daunting challenge yet.
Forced to balance their roles
as heroes with the strength of their family bond, they must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). And if Galactus’ plan to devour the entire planet and everyone on it weren’t bad enough, it suddenly gets very personal.
What did you think of the first teaser? Did it live up to expectations? And what’s your bet for the next 4-themed marketing stunt? Let’s hear what you think on social media!
KEEP READING: COBRA KAI Season 6 Part 3 Trailer Begins the Legendary Karate Saga’s Epic Conclusion
