Marvel's most eagerly awaited project hits theaters with a film poised to transform the MCU's power dynamics, and likely parallel universes too. To mark this defining moment, we've chosen to share fascinating stories, intriguing facts, and particularly remarkable details about the "first family" of the beloved comics brand. What really drove the studios' decision to create this quartet, in which a character celebrated a bar mitzvah, and where did John Malkovich vanish to? All answers await inside.
1. "The Fantastic Four" comprises Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic – Earth's smartest man capable of stretching his body like rubber; his wife, the telepathically gifted Invisible Woman Sue Storm; her younger brother, the charismatic yet impulsive "Human Torch" Johnny Storm; and their loyal friend Ben Grimm, dubbed "The Thing" for his rocky exterior and intimidating appearance that doesn't endear him to everyone, though beneath lies a compassionate and gentle heart.
Surprisingly, this represents Marvel's inaugural superhero team, predating the Avengers and X-Men in comics chronology. The debut issue of "The Fantastic Four," featuring four daring American astronauts who acquired extraordinary abilities through a cosmic accident during their mission, appeared in November 1961, while Captain America's superhero team and Professor X's young mutant collective entered the illustrated pages approximately two years later, in 1963.
2. Sources indicate Marvel's motivation for creating the Fantastic Four stemmed from providing worthy competition to the Justice League – DC Comics' rival super team – then known as "Justice League of America," which dominated the comics landscape in 1960. One account describes a friendly golf match between DC and Marvel executives, where the former boasted about their patriotic superhero team's remarkable success, inspiring Marvel's creators to develop their own group emphasizing family bonds.
3. A surprising plot revelation shows the Human Torch, albeit in different form, actually debuted in comics as early as 1939 – not as Johnny Storm but as Jim Hammond, an android capable of engulfing himself in flames. Additionally, Marvel operated under the name "Timely Comics" then, concentrating on three primary heroes including Captain America, Namor (featured in "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever"), and our fiery character.
Nevertheless, during the 1950s the Human Torch's popularity declined, prompting legendary comics creators Stan Lee and Jack Kirby to revitalize him by incorporating the character into their newly created superhero family – this time as human Johnny Storm.
4. Throughout the years, "The Fantastic Four" spawned four reasonably successful animated series, with many viewers experiencing one during the 1980s through Middle Eastern television broadcasts. Regrettably, sporadic attempts at cinematic adaptation received less than favorable reception. This began in 1994 with Roger Corman's notably embarrassing production that never reached theaters, later revealed as filmed solely to maintain brand rights (unofficially, the movie remains accessible on YouTube).
Following this, Fox Studios released two films in 2005 and 2007, directed by Tim Story and featuring Jessica Alba as Sue Storm plus Chris Evans as the Human Torch. While achieving reasonable box office success and avoiding complete disaster, they suffered terrible critical reception. The absolute low point arrived in 2015 with Josh Trank's "Fantastic Four," despite the young director's previous success with the acclaimed low-budget hit "Chronicle." Unfortunately, Trank and the studio clashed during production, leading the director to disown the final product after Fox implemented extensive modifications. This film became a catastrophic failure, widely regarded as among the worst comic adaptations ever produced.
Now, precisely one decade later and following Disney's acquisition of Fox (Marvel's parent company), the Fantastic Four receive another opportunity in "The Fantastic Four: First Steps."
5. In this new film, refreshingly, the world already recognizes the Fantastic Four as Earth's premier protectors. Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), the Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), the Human Torch (Joseph Quinn), and the Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) represent the planet's most celebrated and admired individuals, managing every threat with remarkable success and distinctive style.
However, where were these four when the Avengers desperately needed assistance against Thanos? Excellent inquiry, with a clear answer – "First Steps" unfolds in a parallel universe (Earth 828) separate from Marvel's primary cinematic universe (Earth 616), meaning our heroes remain unacquainted. Will future meetings occur? Certainly, beginning with "Avengers: Doomsday," arriving next year. Evidence exists in the film's spectacular bonus scene and "Thunderbolts" as well.
6. Voracious and malevolent. "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" features Galactus (Ralph Ineson) as the primary antagonist, a fearsome cosmic being with planetary appetites. Specifically, this entity requires planetary consumption for survival, currently targeting Earth as its next meal. The Silver Surfer – portrayed by Jewish actress Julia Garner as Galactus's herald – plays a significant role. The new film also acknowledges other classic Fantastic Four adversaries, with one receiving an unexpectedly prominent part.
Nonetheless, John Malkovich, originally cast as villain Red Ghost, doesn't appear in "First Steps" despite featuring in early promotional materials. Marvel and director Matt Shakman ultimately decided Malkovich's subplot would burden the already character-heavy narrative.
7. Viewers likely won't recognize the four stars from Roger Corman's obscure "Fantastic Four" in their brief cameo appearances, representing Marvel's tribute to that peculiar cult creation.
Another homage involves the helpful robot H.E.R.B.I.E., who originally appeared in the 1978 "Fantastic Four" animated series rather than comics. The show's popularity convinced Marvel to incorporate H.E.R.B.I.E. into comic publications, where he evolved into a cherished and dependable companion. Excellent work, H.E.R.B.I.E.!
8. Some Jewish connection inevitably emerges, and regarding "The Fantastic Four" – this connection proves particularly significant. Ben Grimm represents a Jewish character whose background draws inspiration from Jack Kirby's life, Marvel's legendary artist who created the character. Grimm's Jewish identity appeared repeatedly throughout comics, sometimes subtly, but over time he recited the Shema Yisrael prayer and celebrated a delayed bar mitzvah attended by Spider-Man and Captain America.
