Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps introduces fans to a fresh narrative focusing on family and the challenges superheroes face when life, and parenthood, enter the picture. However, the journey to this point wasn’t as straightforward as one might think, particularly when it came to the movie’s score. Director Matt Shakman and composer Michael Giacchino spoke about the significant changes made before the film’s final cut, including Giacchino rewriting almost the entire score.
Michael Giacchino’s Experience with The Fantastic Four: First Steps Score
In an interview with Deadline, Michael Giacchino, who composed the score for The Fantastic Four: First Steps, revealed that after viewing the movie with his original composition, he realized that something didn’t quite feel right. “I actually wrote a whole other score for this film that you probably won’t ever hear,” Giacchino shared. “I just remember seeing it for the first time with the music and something didn’t feel right.”
This prompted the composer to rewrite the music, making significant adjustments to better align with the film’s themes and emotional undertones. “What was really fun was [director] Matt [Shakman] took that to the set. It was helpful to them to figure out, ‘Oh, that’s the movie we’re making.’ This is the tone. It’s so rare to do that,” Giacchino noted. “I think anyone who’s making movies should hire the composer first and then have them write their suite because then they can all get on the same page on day 1.”
Despite the challenges, the result was a score that helped bring the film to life and captured the emotional journey of the characters, especially that of the iconic family at the center of it all.
Director Matt Shakman
“We wanted this to be a film that showcased not just superpowers but super-relationships. The Fantastic Four aren’t just a team; they’re a family, and their dynamic is what makes them unique in the Marvel universe. Michael’s score perfectly complements this delicate balance between action and heart, making sure the emotions hit when they need to.” — Matt Shakman, Director of The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
The Cast of The Fantastic Four: First Steps
While the score underwent significant revisions, the casting of The Fantastic Four: First Steps brought together an impressive ensemble. The film is led by Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm. These talented actors were chosen for their ability to bring new dimensions to these beloved characters, making them relatable and emotionally engaging for audiences.
Additionally, the film includes Ralph Ineson as Galactus and Julia Garner as Shalla-Bal/Silver Surfer, two pivotal characters that play significant roles in the story. Other notable cast members include Paul Walter Hauser, John Malkovich, and Natasha Lyonne, who are set to appear in undisclosed roles.
The Story and Themes of The Fantastic Four: First Steps
The film’s story is set against a vibrant 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world where the Fantastic Four are faced with both the excitement of becoming parents and the threat of an impending world-ending event. The movie opens with Reed and Sue learning they are expecting a child after years of trying. This new development is both a joy and a cause for concern, as the child may inherit powers that neither parent is prepared for.
The conflict escalates when The Silver Surfer arrives, warning the family that Galactus is coming to devour the Earth. With a baby on the way, Reed and Sue must balance the impending doom with their growing familial responsibilities, all while facing off against one of the most formidable cosmic forces in the universe.
| Key Character | Actor | Role Description |
|---|---|---|
| Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic) | Pedro Pascal | A brilliant scientist and leader of the Fantastic Four. Faced with impending fatherhood while battling Galactus. |
| Sue Storm (Invisible Woman) | Vanessa Kirby | Reed’s wife and a powerful member of the Fantastic Four. A fierce protector, especially when her child is at risk. |
| Johnny Storm (Human Torch) | Joseph Quinn | Reed’s adventurous brother-in-law. Provides comic relief but also plays a key role in the team’s dynamic. |
| Ben Grimm (The Thing) | Ebon Moss-Bachrach | The team’s emotional anchor, struggling with his transformation into the monstrous Thing. |
| Galactus | Ralph Ineson | A cosmic entity set to devour Earth. The central threat in the film’s climactic battle. |
| Shalla-Bal / Silver Surfer | Julia Garner | A powerful being from the cosmos, warning the Fantastic Four about the impending threat of Galactus. |
Composer Michael Giacchino
“The heart of this movie was always in the family dynamic. The music needed to reflect the superheroism of these characters, but it also needed to be intimate and human. Writing the new score allowed me to bring that balance to the forefront and truly capture the emotional stakes at play.” — Michael Giacchino, Composer of The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
The Writing, Direction, and Emotional Weight of Parenthood
Director Matt Shakman brings a delicate touch to The Fantastic Four: First Steps, focusing on the quieter, more intimate moments that humanize the superheroes. This film doesn’t aim for a typical superhero spectacle but instead focuses on the emotional journey of the family.
The themes of parenthood are central to the movie’s narrative, especially as Reed and Sue navigate the challenges of their new roles as parents. The film blends superhero action with deep, relatable emotions, particularly when it comes to their concerns over their unborn child’s powers.
The writing does a remarkable job of making these characters feel human, despite their extraordinary abilities. However, there’s also a lack of the grand superhero battles that Marvel fans are accustomed to. Instead, the film opts for smaller, personal confrontations and moments of heroism that resonate on a deeper level.
Vanessa Kirby Steals the Show as Sue Storm
One of the standout performances in the film comes from Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, who manages to balance her role as a fierce superhero with that of a loving mother. Kirby brings depth and nuance to the character, particularly in scenes where Sue is confronted with the idea of her child potentially inheriting powers.
Her performance in the “get the hell away from my child” sequence is particularly memorable, as it showcases her strength and determination as a mother. While other characters, like Reed and Johnny, provide humor and action, it’s Kirby’s portrayal of Sue Storm that grounds the film in emotional realism.
Final Verdict
The Fantastic Four: First Steps offers a fresh take on the beloved Marvel family, focusing more on emotional storytelling than typical superhero action. While it may not feature the grandiose battles of previous Marvel films, it makes up for it with rich character development and heartfelt moments.
This film is a one-time watch for fans of superhero movies who enjoy character-driven stories. While it doesn’t aim to advance the MCU significantly, it sets the stage for future films by reintroducing these iconic characters in a new light. The emotional depth, particularly with Vanessa Kirby’s portrayal of Sue Storm, makes it a standout film in the Marvel franchise for 2025.
Post-Credit Scene Breakdown: What’s Coming Next for Marvel?
Like most Marvel films, The Fantastic Four: First Steps includes a post-credit scene that teases what’s to come in the future of the MCU. Without giving too much away, the scene hints at new challenges for the Fantastic Four, setting up potential storylines for future films.
FAQs
This film focuses more on family drama and emotional depth rather than large-scale superhero battles. It’s a more intimate and grounded take on the Marvel Universe.
While it doesn’t push the MCU forward significantly, it introduces the Fantastic Four into the universe and hints at future developments.
The main theme revolves around parenthood and the challenges of balancing family life with the responsibilities of being superheroes.
While there are smaller confrontations, the film opts for more personal, character-driven moments rather than large-scale action scenes.
Yes, the post-credit scene teases new challenges and potential future storylines for the Fantastic Four within the MCU.
