THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS Director Confirms Comic Run That Heavily Influenced the Marvel Movie
According toFantastic Four: First Steps director Matt Shakman, the Marvel movie draws directly from one of the most beloved comic book runs in the team’s history… Jonathan Hickman’s.
In a foreword written for Fantastic Four: Solve Everything, Shakman revealed that he dove deep into the source material to prepare for the film, saying:
“In preparation for Marvel Studios' The Fantastic Four: First Steps, I delved into the 60-plus years of comics history. Marvel's First Family has been continuously cared for by the best and brightest the company had to offer. None shone so bright as Jonathan Hickman.”
Hickman’s run on Fantastic Four kicked off in 2009 and helped redefine the team’s tone and scope. His stories embraced science, wonder, family dysfunction, and massive cosmic ideas. it’s all the stuff that makes the Fantastic Four fantastic, and clearly, that tone stuck with Shakman.
“The humor and heart I loved as a kid? It's there and better than ever. The messy family dynamics? Made even more interesting as Val and Franklin take center stage.
“And that sense of optimism and wonder? I don’t think the Fantastic Four have been quite as fantastic as they are in the pages of this book.”
Among the many concepts Hickman introduced during his run were the Council of Reeds (a multiversal think tank of Reed Richards variants), the Future Foundation (a team of brilliant young minds started by Reed), and the Bridge (a machine that allows glimpses into alternate realities).
These may or may not show up in First Steps, but Shakman certainly seems to be planting seeds.
“Having absorbed six decades of F4 publishing, many of Hickman's magical moments and unique character dynamics stick with me. And they made it into our film in small and large ways.
“From Sue as a diplomat to Reed trying to solve everything even at the risk of imperiling his family. Johnny's need to be taken seriously.
“Ben's gentle nature, forever at odds with his appearance. The Future Foundation. The Bridge. The mystery of children and the anxiety we have as parents about their future.”
It’s cool to see a director have respect the comics enough to dive into their emotional and philosophical core. Hickman’s run wasn’t just about big ideas, it was about family, and it looks like First Steps is embracing that. It’s exciting to know the DNA of this movie is deeply connected to the comics.
“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, Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Johnny Storm/Human Torch and Ben Grimm/The Thing—as they face their most daunting challenge yet.”
The film stars Pedro Pascal as Mister Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as The Thing.
Paul Walter Hauser, John Malkovich, and Natasha Lyonne also appear in the film in undisclosed roles. Then there’s Julia Garner as Silver Surfer, and Michael Giacchino is scoring the film, so expect the soundtrack to match the retro-future vibe.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps lands in theaters July 25th