The decision to set The Fantastic Four: First Steps in a retro, 1960s-inspired world couldn’t have come easy. For one, it meant the entire film would take place in a multiverse away from the traditional Marvel Cinematic Universe. Also, it meant the production would have to build all of these sets from the ground up.
We still don’t know much about the multiversal madness of Fantastic Four, but in a new video just released by Marvel, we do know about its sets. Director Matt Shakman, along with producer Kevin Feige, talks about the practical sets built for the film, which look just incredibly massive and awesome. And what’s a synonym for “awesome?” Oh, right, “fantastic.”
Those all look incredible and certainly add to the unique vibe we’re expecting from this movie. But am I the only one who is a little worried here? Doesn’t it feel like videos such as this one, which are certainly cool either way, make the film seem more like a technical achievement rather than an emotional one? That’s what Fantastic Four is going to live or die on: whether or not we care about these four characters, believe in their relationships, and feel their struggle as they attempt to save the world. Because, as great as the world looks, I’m still not sure I know that much about it.
Nevertheless, we’ll be finding out very, very soon. “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,” Marvel’s official press release reads.
“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. The action adventure also stars Paul Walter Hauser, John Malkovich, Natasha Lyonne and Sarah Niles. The Fantastic Four: First Steps is directed by Matt Shakman, produced by Kevin Feige and executive produced by Louis D’Esposito, Grant Curtis and Tim Lewis.”
The Fantastic Four: First Steps opens July 25.
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