Marvel fans are on the edge of their seats as The Fantastic Four: First Steps prepares for its big MCU debut on July 25, 2025. Directed by Matt Shakman, this film finally brings Marvel’s First Family to the MCU, answering fans’ long-held hopes.
The film stars Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Susan Storm/Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing. This casting, announced earlier this year, only heightens anticipation for what Marvel promises will be a pivotal new chapter.
The excitement continues with Julia Garner as Shala-Bal/Silver Surfer and Ralph Ineson as the formidable Galactus. Although little is known about these characters’ MCU trajectories, Marvel’s casting has only spurred fans’ curiosity. Additionally, John Malkovich and Natasha Lyonne have been confirmed in yet-to-be-revealed roles.
The Fantastic Four Gets Update
Speaking to Entertainment Tonight (@etnow), Lyonne confirmed that she had already wrapped filming on Fantastic Four, adding that working within the Marvel Cinematic Universe was a “gift” (and “gravy”).
She’s ‘crushing’ it! Natasha Lyonne calls being a part of the MCU a ‘gift’ and reveals that she is already done filming ‘Fantastic Four.’
https://twitter.com/etnow/status/1849556265225331137
The introduction of the Fantastic Four signifies a substantial MCU evolution. Audiences were treated to a glimpse of Reed Richards through John Krasinski’s cameo in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022). Yet, Shakman’s film–the first in the upcoming Phase Six–promises a fresh origin story and a focus on team dynamics within an alternate universe, weaving this fan-favorite group into the MCU’s sprawling Multiverse.
In a twist, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige shared that Robert Downey Jr. will make his MCU return in Phase Six, too, but not as the hero fans know. Instead, he’ll play Victor Von Doom/Doctor Doom, the infamous arch-villain. This casting shift, which will undoubtedly captivate audiences–and divide them–also includes the Russo Brothers returning to direct the upcoming Avengers movies, Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027), ushering in what could be a defining new era for Marvel.
With so much excitement surrounding The Fantastic Four, the rest of the 2025 MCU slate has been turbulent. Captain America: Brave New World, directed by Julius Onah, is set to arrive in February 2025 but has experienced extensive reshoots and politically fueled discourse online. Despite these concerns and swirling controversies, it is positioned as a core part of Phase Five’s climax.
Following its release, Thunderbolts* will hit theaters in May 2025, bringing together what Disney calls the “least-anticipated group of misfits.”
The journey has not been without setbacks. Blade, initially a big-ticket item, was originally slated for November 2025 but has faced repeated delays. Once heralded as a return to Marvel’s darker, supernatural roots, the film is now off the schedule entirely. Predator: Badlands from 20th Century Studios will fill the November slot instead, leaving fans to wonder if Blade will ever find its way back.
Meanwhile, The Fantastic Four has just begun filming at Pinewood Studios in London this summer. With a story crafted by a large team of writers, including Jeff Kaplan, Ian Springer, Josh Friedman, Cameron Squires, Eric Pearson, and Peter Cameron, the film is seemingly designed to not only introduce these iconic heroes but also build the foundation for future storylines.
Fans will be excited about what lies beyond The Fantastic Four, with Kevin Feige confirming appearances in Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.
As the July 25, 2025, release date inches closer, speculation runs wild over potential alliances and antagonists, and crossover events. Marvel’s sprawling universe is stepping into a thrilling new phase, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps is primed to lead the charge as the Phase Six opener.
Who do you think Natasha Lyonne is playing in the Marvel movie?
