Marvel Studios has given fans a tantalizing glimpse into the world of the upcoming movie, *The Fantastic Four: First Steps*, with the release of a debut trailer teaser titled ‘PREPARE 4️⃣ LAUNCH’. The short clip features a group of children excitedly dashing towards a shop window where a crowd is already gathered, eyes fixed on retro television sets. These screens showcase a rocket launching into the sky, the Fantastic Four donning their space suits, and a bold message: ‘Prepare 4 Launch’. Other screens, obscured by the onlookers, hint at more to come, all set within a visually striking 1960s retro-futuristic aesthetic.
Marvel has dubbed the event ‘Launch coverage,’ which is scheduled to kick off at a brisk 7am ET on February 4, 2025, which translates to a challenging 4am PT. The teaser's description invites fans with a message from the Future Foundation: "The Future Foundation invites you to take your first steps into a fantastic new era."
Slated for release on July 25, 2025, *The Fantastic Four: First Steps* boasts an impressive cast, with Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing. The film also features Ralph Ineson as the cosmic entity Galactus and Julia Garner as the Silver Surfer. Additional cast members include Paul Walter Hauser, John Malkovich, Natasha Lyonne, and Sarah Niles. The movie is directed by Matt Shakman and produced by Marvel Studios' head, Kevin Feige.
The official synopsis of *The Fantastic Four: First Steps* sets the stage against a vibrant 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, introducing Marvel's First Family as they confront their most formidable challenge to date. Tasked with protecting Earth from the ravenous space god Galactus and his Herald, Silver Surfer, the Fantastic Four must juggle their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond. The threat becomes deeply personal as Galactus aims to devour the planet and all its inhabitants.
At New York Comic-Con (NYCC) in October, fans were treated to artwork that included significant MCU characters, providing a first live-action look at the Fantastic Four's Humanoid Experimental Robot B-Type Integrated Electronics, known as H.E.R.B.I.E.
Speculation is rife among fans that Robert Downey, Jr. might return to the MCU, this time as the iconic villain Doctor Doom, either in *The Fantastic Four: First Steps* or teased for future appearances. Kevin Feige has confirmed that the Fantastic Four will play a pivotal role in upcoming MCU films, including *Avengers: Doomsday* and *Avengers: Secret Wars*.
