Tag: ebon moss-bachrach

THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS – Review

(L-R): Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic and Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch in 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios’ FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios. © 2025 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2025 MARVEL.

After “Big blue”, the “man of steel” made a successful return flight into the multiplex almost two weeks ago, have you been waiting for the “other shoe” (in this case a boot made of “unstable molecules”) to drop? Yes, the “DCU” is back in a big box office triumph, but what about those “guys down the street”, a nod from DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE? Are they resting on the good reviews (and so-so ticket sales) of THUNDERBOLTS*? Oh no, my Marvel-maniacs, the MCU is also back and as “big” as ever with a spin on the “IP” that really began Marvel Comics way, way back in 1961 (they could retire, already). According to a legend (which may be something Stan Lee came up with on the TV talk show circuit), Martin Goodman, publisher of then-Atlas comics, spoke with his DC rival at a golf course. He boasted of the brisk sales of his superhero team book, “The Justice League of America”. Goodman got his writer/editor Lee on the “horn” and ordered him to create a “super group”. He brought in artist extraordinaire Jack Kirby, and Marvel was soon born. However, the road to the big screen for the team has been a treacherous one (though there have been several animated TV shows). In 1994, a low-budget feature was pulled days before the premiere (I recommend the documentary DOOMED, which is probably streaming). Then Fox snagged the screened rights and had two medium-sized successes in 2005 and 20027. A relaunch in 2015 was a true disaster, so comic fans rejoiced when Disney acquired FOX in 2019, allowing Marvel Studios a “crack” at their “legacy property”. So will the “fifth” time be the “charm” with THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS? “Nuff said”, for the history lesson…

So here’s some rare FF merch: from the 60’s, a Lancer paperback and a Whitman Big Little Book. From 1977, here’s a reprint from Kangaroo Pocket Books…

On to the “main event”, the flick itself. This sets itself apart from the nearly 30 MCU entries in that it is set on Earth 828, rather than “good ole’ 616”, established in SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME. For four years, this Earth (which looks to be a 1960s “retro future”) has been protected by the FF. It’s all explained by the host of a popular TV talk show, Ted Gilbert (Mark Gatiss), whose latest episode is a celebration/history of the quartet. Using archival footage, we’re introduced to the brave astronauts who went into space on the star-cruiser the Excelsior, and came back “changed”. After mysterious “cosmic rays” (which forced an abrupt landing) penetrated the ship’s hull and their suits, the leader, brilliant scientist Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), became the flexible, stretching, rubber-like Mr. Fantastic. His blushing bride, Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), became the Invisible Woman, who can vanish from sight while creating and manipulating “force fields”. Her brother Johnny (Joseph Quinn) could control flames, flying through the skies as the Human Torch. Their pilot, Reed’s old buddy Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) underwent the most radical transformation. His body doubled in size, his skin morphing into a rock-like shell as the unblievably strong being known as the Thing. They all share living quarters atop the Baxter Building, which is also home to the United Nations-inspired Freedom Foundation. Over the big Sunday Dinner, Ben figures out why the now-married Sue and Reed are acting so “off”; She’s pregnant. Reed’s happy, but concerned over how those cosmicly-altered genes may affect their “bundle of joy”. They go about their heroic duties until Reed detects a strange being entering Earth’s atmosphere. The four meet a floating lady, an alien seemingly made of metal, the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). She proclaims her role as the “herald” of her “master”, the giant, planet-devouring creature called Galactus (Ralph Ineson). The Surfer warns that he’s on his way to make a “meal” of them, so they’d best use the next few months to say their goodbyes. Will the FF go into action against them? C’mon, now! They take off in the Exceslior and track down the Surfer and her “big boss-man”. Reed wants to negotiate, but the price to be paid for erasing the Earth from his menu is monumentally steep. Even with his “ginormous” brain and the team’s combined might, can they possibly thwart the Surfer and her very hungry controller, Galactus?


So, do the four leads “play well together”? Well, the film really insists on that, as we’re pretty much a “fly on the wall” through the whole story. The answer is a resounding “Yes, indeed”, with a crackling chemistry that’s “off the charts”. Since she was usually the “damsel in distress” for many of the early comics issues, it’s surprising that the plot really hinges on Sue, who is played with a fierce, steely determination by the dazzling Ms. Kirby (no relation to the co-creator). She’s the gentle beacon of decency that nudges the team in the proper direction, in terms of combat and ethics. She’s also the protector of “her guys”, though she’s the ultimate cosmic “mama bear”. Plus, she sweetly coaxes humanity from the often socially awkward Reed, played with an endearing “absent-minded professor” demeanor by the compelling Pascal. Bringing lots of good humor into the mix is the energetic Quinn, whose Johnny is the “teen dream” who really wants to be taken seriously as he yearns to contribute more to the group than tossing some fireballs as he scorches the baddies. And then there’s the remarkable rendering of the most complex and visually interesting member, Ben, whose plight is given the proper tragedy and pathos by the gifted Moss-Bachrach. The Thing is a lovable “gentle giant”, rock-hard but still cuddly to the kids that adore him. He still yearns to become that dashing “space ace” once more, as he wistfully looks at TV news film of his past visage. Even through the layer of CGI granite, Moss-Bachrach never loses Ben’s humanity.

As for the supporting players, it’s probably best to start with the big, destructive duo. Garner is sleek, sinister, and sympathetic as the woman who was once Shalla-Bal, but is now required to issue mass death sentences to entire worlds. Even through her silver coating, Garner conveys Bal’s inner torment. But when your “master” dwarfs the city, intimidation’s a big concern, especially with Galactus, who is given a growling, terrifying deep, deep bass delivery by Ineson, his real horror is displayed as he smiles and “plays with his food”. Sarah Niles is very good as Sue’s very human aide Lynne, while Paul Walter Hauser is a real hoot as a former FF foe now turned reluctant friend. And I really hoped to see more of the always enchanting Natasha Lyonne, as a gal from the “old neighborhood (hopefully not Yancy Street)” who responds to Ben Grimm, he man beneath the walking rubble. And be on the lookout for some delightful cameos that pop in, plus one of this Summer’s robot scene stealers, along with SUPERMAN’s pal, Gary, H.E.R.B.I.E.!

Yes, it’s a compelling space opera, though one that also dazzles in its look with a team of truly talented “world builders” reminding us of a hoped-for. promised but not quite delivered sparkly future. I’m sure I’m one of many filmgoers who wished they could be beamed into this wonderful “playground” supervised by director Matt Shakman, a former child actor who has graduated to the MCU after stellar work on my favorite of the Marvel Disney+ streaming shows, “WandaVision”. He has great control of the big action stunt scenes, while always showing us their emotional impact on the characters. He conveys how Reed is literally stretched to his limits, along with the simmering attraction between the Surfer and the Torch (fire clashes with cool metal). As I said, the actors are incredible as their performances blend with the eye-popping visuals. This Earth’s “take” on 60s Times Square is dizzying visual “candy”, a contrast to the oppressive atmosphere of the Galactus vessel, as cold and cruel as this creature. The period costumes, namely the “off duty” wardrobe of the quartet, wonderfully harken to the “Mad Men” era’s “vibe”. Then there’s the TV graphics, along with the splendid crowds of stunned “onlookers,” set us right inside this dreamland right out of those classic 60s comics. About those, longtime fans will be giddy about the many “nods” to those “collector’s item classics”, but those casual filmgoers shouldn’t feel lost. The “homework” plot points have been a major complaint for many in MCU movies, so they’ll be happy to know that with this “other Earth” not tied to the MCU need not be recalled. That’s a credit to the five (almost four) screenwriters credited, who deftly peppered the story with lighthearted comedy and truly earth-shattering drama. And as with most Marvel movies, there’s a mid-end credits and post-credits scenes that are actually worthy of your time. And I must also toss some accolades at the producers for the many nods and acknowledgments of the talents of the “king of comics” (he never liked that nickname, but oh, how that crown fits), Jack Kirby. Mind you, Stan Lee was a big part of those characters (he even slapped a banner at the top of the book proclaiming it was “the world’s greatest comic magazine”), and he got to be a cameo star in the MCU, while sadly Kirby put away his pens and pencils forever in 1994. So I’ll consider this cinematic “love letter” his “screentime” as the movies have finally “cracked the code” for the “cornerstone” of Marvel with the fabulous THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS, which, true believers, naturally earns..

4 Out of 4

THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS is now playing in theatres across the cosmos

See Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Human Torch And The Thing In Final Trailer For THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS

In one month, Marvel’s first family flies into theaters around the globe. Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Human Torch and The Thing are joined by H.E.R.B.I.E., the Silver Surfer and planet-eating cosmic being Galactus in a retro-futuristic thrill-ride.

Opening in theaters on July 25, check out the final trailer for THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS.

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), Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) and Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) 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.

The action adventure also stars Paul Walter Hauser, 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.

Tickets are on sale now.

Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing in 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios’ THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios. © 2025 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2025 MARVEL.

Galactus Has Arrived! Pedro Pascal, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Joseph Quinn and Vanessa Kirby Launch The First Trailer For Marvel Studios’ THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS

(L-R): Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic and Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch in 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios’ THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios. © 2025 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2025 MARVEL.

Marvel Studios’ THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS – in theaters July 25, 2025 – invited a live audience and key cast members to U.S. Space & Rocket Center, HOME of Space Camp®, in Huntsville, Alabama, to officially launch the film’s inaugural trailer. Fans from around the world tuned in via a Marvel livestream to catch the big debut in real time with the Saturn 5 rocket serving as the backdrop.

HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA – FEBRUARY 04: (L-R) Pedro Pascal, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Joseph Quinn and Vanessa Kirby attend the Fantastic Four Trailer Launch at U.S. Space & Rocket Center on February 04, 2025 in Huntsville, Alabama. (Photo by David A. Smith/Getty Images for Disney)

Cast members starring as Marvel’s First Family – Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn & Ebon Moss-Bachrach – commandeered the countdown and launch surrounded by fans outside the National Geographic Theater. Angélique Roché hosted the event that included a Q&A with the stars.

Watch the countdown here.

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.

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.

A Look at the Big FANTASTIC FOUR Cast Announcement

This past Wednesday Marvel Studios made a very special casting announcement via their social media platforms. It was a gift much sweeter and tasty than any Valentine’s Day candy sampler. And it’s been in the works for nearly five years. That’s when Disney officially purchased Fox Studios, which finally brought one of the most celebrated Marvel Comics (hey, they started the “line”) into the “fold”. In the years before the 2008 launch of Marvel Studios, some of their characters were licensed out to several different studios. Sony still has Spidey, while Daredevil, the X-Men, and the Fantastic Four were then at Fox. DD was brought back in with the Netflix series (and a new Disney+ Maxi-series soon), and DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE will rule this July, all the while fans were clamoring for a “new take” on the “first family” of Marvel. Studio head Kevin Feige has teased it at a couple of Comicon appearances, while many filmmakers have been linked to directing the project. Oh, and the casting speculations have filled the internet. Ah, but now this “holiday greeting” makes the acting line-up official.

So let’s dive into the sketch and see what we can glean from the many visual “clues”. Aside from the actors themselves, we get some interesting “tidbits” in the background and the “props”. First, Ben Grimm AKA The Thing is holding a magazine which is a rendition of the LBJ cover of Life Magazine in 1964. And behind Benjy we see him in his “human form” all “suited up” in a big framed photo that resembles one of the official NASA portraits of their Mercury and Apollo crew. These two clues strongly suggest that some or part of the film (perhaps a big majority, much like the 1940s of CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER) is set in the early to middle 1960s. Appropriate as their book was begun in 1961 (more about that a bit later). Perhaps a supervillain (and the FF has a superb rogues gallery) whisked them forward in time (could it be the Quantum Realm at work again). Or is the film set in one of the many alternative worlds, other than the “standard” 616 of the current MCU? Could the FF “cross over” to us to begin another “phase”? We’ve got another year to ponder the possibilities.


And what about their attire? Could this be the new “spin” on the famous blue and white jumpsuits comprised of “unstable molecules”? It’s certainly possible for Reed and Sue on the right side of the art. But there’s a more casual feel to the outfits worn by Ben and Johnny, which fits into the whole “lazy afternoon” vibe lounging on the retro-style furniture. Oh, and I’ve got to mention their “help”, as the robot that appears to be serving Ben a warm mug of coffee or cocoa certainly resembles H.E.R.B.I.E. the plucky droid created for the 1970s animated adaption (also more about that soon).


Now, on to the cast themselves. We’ll begin (ladies first, of course) with Vanessa Kirby a celebrated British actress perhaps best known for her roles in the Netflix series “The Crown” as Princess Margaret and as the “White Widow” in the MISSION IMPOSSIBLE franchise (she’s also in the FAST & FURIOUS franchise via the Hobbs & Shaw spinoff). She was recently in Ridley Scott’s NAPOLEON as Josephine. Ms. Kirby (nice last name) plays Susan Storm/Richards AKA the Invisible Girl/Woman.

One of our busiest actors, Pedro Pascal, is the leader of the team, Reed Richards AKA Mister Fantastic (nicknamed “Stretch-o”). This is his latest role in a film and TV career that goes back to 1997 (he was on an episode of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”). His “breakout” work may be in the Netflix series “Narcos” which led to parts in several action “franchises”. He was the villain in WONDER WOMAN 1984, a “cowboy” in KINGSMAN: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE, and is the man and voice behind the helmet in several seasons of “The Mandalorian” for Disney+. Most recently Pascal has been earning raves and award noms for playing the lead in HBO’s series based on the video game “The Last of Us”.


Another twenty-plus TV and veteran plays comics fan favorite Ben Grimm AKA the Thing (affectionately known as “Benji blue eyes”). Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s first notable role may be on HBO’s “Girls” which lead to roles in two big franchises, STAR WARS with the “Andor” Disney+ series and in the MCU (well TV really) with the Netflix series “The Punisher”. Recently he won his first Primetime Emmy as Richie in the FX series “The Bear”.

Finally, London-born actor Joseph Quinn takes on the role of Johnny Storm AKA the Human Torch (Ben calls him “Match-head”). His most prominent TV work (in addition to some independent films) includes “Game of Thrones”, “Catherine the Great” and his lauded breakout role as Eddie Munson in “Stranger Things” on Netflix.


In the director’s chair is Matt Shakman in his triumphant return to the MCU after helming the acclaimed Disney+ series “WandaVision”. He’s also helmed episodes of “The Boys”, “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters”, “Game of Thrones” and most prolifically (43 shows) “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”.

Hmm, could the super quartet of comics meet up with the super quartet of music in 1964?

So what’s the history of this fantastical foursome? Well, part of their origin was instigated by the success of, as they were later called. “Brand Echhh’, or the Distinguished Competition. Legend, now somewhat debunked, is that Atlas, formerly Timely, publisher Martin Goodman asked some DC execs, while they were out golfing, just what was selling. They supposedly bragged about the sales of the Justice League of America. And so, Mr. Goodman, eager to jump on any “fad” instructed his editor Stan Lee to come up with a superhero team. Later Mr. Lee stated in interviews that he wanted out of the “funnybook” biz. His wife Joan advised him that if he was going to quit anyway he may as well write something that he’d find entertaining. He enlisted comic art icon Jack Kirby (who did a similar team book at DC, the Challengers of the Unknown) to do the pencil and character designs for the book. The first issue of The Fantastic Four in 1061 told the story of a quartet who decided to “get the jump” on our Cold War-era enemies by taking their untested rocket into space. But as they entered orbit mysterious cosmic rays penetrated the ship and sent it crashing back to Earth, The crew was unharmed, though each member acquired unique superpowers. Their investor/leader Reed Richards was able to stretch his body almost like rubber (or the Golden Age Quality Comic hero Plastic Man) and called himself Mister Fantastic (maybe that ego stretched, too). His old army buddy, co-pilot Ben Grimm. morphed into an astoundingly strong rock-like behemoth and took the less flattering moniker, the Thing. Shy Susan Storm seemingly vanished and then was able to re-materialize, so naturally she was the Invisible Girl, later maturing to Invisible Woman and being able to generate “force fields”. Her hot-headed kid brother Johnny burst into flames, was able to fly, and could toss fireballs while controlling heat. His alias has a history as one of the first superheroes from Timely was the android called the Human Torch. Since he was introduced in Marvel Comics issue #1 back in 1939, the Atlas line soon was renamed Marvel.

The book was an immediate smash hit (especially after getting their “hero uniforms” in issue #3 while bickering and clashing unlike any heroes in print), leading to a whole roster of superheroes. The FF was instrumental in promoting them as they appeared on the cover of the first issue of The Amazing Spider-Man (he thought they’d pay him to be part of the team). The Human Torch got his own solo series in Strange Tales, while the Thing would get a solo book in the 1980s. New characters would be introduced in the book, like the Black Panther, the Inhumans, and the Silver Surfer. Oh, that rogues gallery I mentioned earlier included the Mole Man, Galactus, the Red Ghost, Diablo, Klaw, and the greatest Marvel supervillain of them all, Doctor Victor Von Doom. With each issue, the creator team of Lee and Kirby just produced one science fiction-inspired epic after another and truly lived up to the “hype” line at the top of the cover title, “World’s Greatest Comic Magazine”. After one hundred issues, the duo finally left the book, which led to memorable runs by writers Roy Thomas, and Gerry Conway along with artists George Perez, John Buscema, and writer/artist John Byrne.

Oh, I was up extra early on that magical morning!

Of course, Hollywood would want the residents of NYC’s Baxter Building during the big mid-60s superhero craze on TV. The biggest animation studio for television, Hanna Barbera, scooped up the rights to produce a half-hour Saturday morning show for ABC in the Fall of 1967. It was a fairly faithful translation of the comics benefitting from the sleek, simplified design of Alex Toth and a stellar vocal cast headed by Gerald Mohr as Reed and Paul Frees as Ben (I can still hear them in my head when I read the stories). It helped that the show was followed by Spider-Man for that initial season.

Jack Kirby and Alex Toth, now that’s truly a dynamic duo!

There was a detour in syndicated radio in 1975, with Bill Murray voicing Johnny, before the FF returned to Saturday morning three years later. But this was a different lineup. As the Torch was part of a development package for Universal TV (which spawned the smash series of “The Incredible Hulk”) and supposed fears of immolating imitating kiddies, he was replaced by H.E.R.B.I.E. the robot (told ya’ I’d get back to him). It was produced by Depatie-Freling. HB would be back for a weird solo Thing show about a teenage Benjy Grimm (“Thing-ring, do your thing!”) before the full team was back in syndicated cartoons that ran from 1996 to 1996. In addition to guest spots on various Marvel animated shows, they’d get one more series in 2006, “Fantastic Four: World’s Greatest Heroes”.

Dig the jazzy opening title music from Ted Nichols!


Finally, a live-action film was produced…and shelved in 1994. In order to retain the rights, Constantin Film enlisted Roger Corman to produce a feature that played overseas but was pulled before it could screen in the States. The campy finished flick has become a bootleg video staple at comics conventions and inspired a terrific documentary, DOOMED: THE UNTOLD STORY OF ROGER CORMAN’S FANTASTIC FOUR, which can be streamed on several apps. BTW, I saw the movie Thing suit on display at the San Diego Comicon, which impressed me more than seeing it later in a grainy, blurry VHS dupe.

This paved the way for a big studio, 20th Century Fox via producer Chris Columbus, to step in. 2005 saw the release of FANTASTIC FOUR from director Tim Story, who also helmed its 2007 follow-up FANTASTIC FOUR: RISE OF THE SILVER SURFER. Both featured a pre-Captain America Chris Evans as Johnny Storm. And they’d be back in a much darker version in the critically lambasted FANT4STIC (the “funky” title didn’t help) directed by Josh Trank who engaged in a nasty public “smackdown” with the studio just days before its dismal release. Of course, I should mention the terrific cameo by (it’s been a couple of years, but I’ll slap a SPOILER ALERT on it anyway) John Krasinski as Reed in DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS.

And now, we’ve got more than a year to await the return of the original Marvel Comic superteam to return to the big screen. Yes, it’s due on July 25, 2025, but that could change. If so, this will give us more time to speculate about the plot. Perhaps the next big reveal will be the villain. My bet is on Doctor Doom as he was part of all the previous movies. Of course, there are rumblings of Galactus or even the Frightful Four. So, I’ll leave you with the first bit of FF merchandising, the T-shirt that was sold through the ’60s comics (oh, if only the superhero craze had lasted another year we would have gotten an Aurora model kit set…*sigh*). If my repro print still fits I’ll be wearing it adorned with my original M.M.M.S. pin to the multiplex for the premiere. See you there, True Believer! Excelsior! Or should I say, “Flame on! It’s Clobberin’ Time!”?