THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS Trailer: 10 Biggest Reveals, Easter Eggs, Spoilers, And Comic References

THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS Trailer: 10 Biggest Reveals, Easter Eggs, Spoilers, And Comic References

Following the release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps teaser trailer, we're taking a deep dive into the newly released footage and explaining all the biggest moments, reveals, and nods to the comics...

Feature Opinion
By JoshWilding - Feb 04, 2025 12:02 PM EST
Filed Under: Fantastic Four

Marvel Studios released the first trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps earlier today (you can check it out here if you missed it) and, having combed through every frame of footage, we couldn't be any more excited for this long-overdue reboot.

The sneak peek showcases the movie's leads, teases its villain, and puts the spotlight on a world that's vastly different from Earth-616, a.k.a. the Sacred Timeline. It also brings a team into the MCU that, in an ideal world, would have been there from the start. 

In this feature, we're taking a deep dive into The Fantastic Four: First Steps trailer to bring you a breakdown of all the biggest moments, reveals, potential plot spoilers, comic book references, and Easter Eggs. 

To check them out, simply click on the "Next"/"View List" buttons below. 
 

10. That's Not Earth-616

The-Fantastic-Four-First-Steps-Official-Teaser-Only-in-Theaters-July-25-0-16-screenshot-copy

Right from the start, it's made clear this is not the Sacred Timeline. The retro 1960s-inspired New York City is dominated by unrecognisable skyscrapers and, crucially, the Baxter Building. 

There was speculation the team would make Avengers Tower their home in the MCU and, while that could still happen, we're hoping this building is added to the main timeline's skyline because it's far cooler than what Tony Stark built all those years ago. 
 

9. H.E.R.B.I.E.

The-Fantastic-Four-First-Steps-Official-Teaser-Only-in-Theaters-July-25-0-36-screenshot-copy

Much has been said about who is voicing the robotic H.E.R.B.I.E. in The Fantastic Four: First Steps but short of a major evolution, this trailer makes it clear that he has no voice. 

We're already in love with the clunky-looking assistant to Marvel's First Family and hope/expect him (or her) to get at least a couple of standout moments...and probably a lot of merchandise. 
 

8. The Origin Story

The-Fantastic-Four-First-Steps-Official-Teaser-Only-in-Theaters-July-25-0-41-screenshot-copy

As Reed Richards breaks down the abilities of each team member, we catch a glimpse of what could be the moment Sue Storm gains her incredible invisibility powers.

However, the way Reed is talking makes us think they might be heading back into outer space and it could be that she's being affected by the Cosmic Rays which created the team. Either way, we expect their backstory to be presented mostly through news reports. 
 

7. A Comic-Accurate Thing

The-Fantastic-Four-First-Steps-Official-Teaser-Only-in-Theaters-July-25-0-52-screenshot-copy

There are moments in this trailer where The Thing looks a little rough around the edges, but The Fantastic Four: First Steps isn't set to be released for a good five months or so...meaning there's plenty of time to fix any possible imperfections. 

More importantly, Ben Grimm looks like he's stepped straight out of the comics. His size is accurate to the source material - he's never been a Hulk-like giant - and that scene with the hat and trench coat alone should be worth the price of admission. 
 

6. "Flame On!"

The-Fantastic-Four-First-Steps-Official-Teaser-Only-in-Theaters-July-25-1-9-screenshot-copy

We've seen the Human Torch in action as recently as Deadpool & Wolverine where Chris Evans reprised his role as Johnny Storm from the Fantastic Four movies released in the mid-2000s. This Variant, however, is played by Joseph Quinn. 

The hot-headed hero looks terrific in action and we're particularly intrigued by a scene which shows him flying into the upper atmosphere before the lack of oxygen presumably robs him of his powers. Can he survive the fall? 
 

5. The End Of The World?

The-Fantastic-Four-First-Steps-Official-Teaser-Only-in-Theaters-July-25-1-12-screenshot-copy

This is easily the most ominous shot in the trailer as Marvel's First Family watches as debris falls from the sky. Is this simply the arrival of Galactus or an indication the end is nigh for their reality? Heck, this may even be an Incursion! 

We know the heroes are destined to be part of Avengers: Doomsday and there has to be an explanation for what brings them to Earth-616...either Doctor Doom hails from their reality, they're returning home, or left with no other choice than to leave their home.
 

4. Fantasticar

The-Fantastic-Four-First-Steps-Official-Teaser-Only-in-Theaters-July-25-1-16-screenshot-copy

Yes, that is the Fantasticar and this version does indeed appear to be a regular car (on the surface) which transforms into a flying vehicle. Is there room for The Thing? It's hard to tell, though we'd imagine a flashier version will eventually follow. 

This reality's Mister Fantastic is obviously a genius but he only has equipment from the 1960s to work with...something tells us his Earth-616 arrival will be an eye-opening experience for the inventor and superhero. 
 

3. Who Is John Malkovich Playing?

The-Fantastic-Four-First-Steps-Official-Teaser-Only-in-Theaters-July-25-1-20-screenshot-copy

Of all the characters Marvel Studios could have shown in this teaser trailer, it's interesting that they chose John Malkovich's mystery character. Who is he playing? Rumour has it the Being John Malkovich star is Ivan Kragoff, a.k.a. Red Ghost. 

In the comics, he's fascinated by Cosmic Rays and desperate to replicate the experiment which created the Fantastic Four. It's using those which land him with an army of Super-Apes; how much of that will make the cut here is hard to say. 
 

2. Galactus

The-Fantastic-Four-First-Steps-Official-Teaser-Only-in-Theaters-July-25-1-22-screenshot-copy

The Eater of Worlds has arrived! Galactus' massive shadow looms large over New York City and we catch a glimpse of the villain from behind as he takes in the sights (the Statue of Liberty in this instance). 

From what little is shown here, Galactus looks very ancient and cosmic. Is he being wasted with an appearance in the team's first movie? Based on how long we've all been waiting to see him properly portrayed on screen, it's difficult to complain about his MCU debut here. 
 

1. The Costumes

The-Fantastic-Four-First-Steps-Official-Teaser-Only-in-Theaters-July-25-1-25-screenshot-copy

We're not sure exactly what's happening here - a promotional appearance perhaps? - but the imagery is a nod to an iconic appearance from The Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964. As Easter Eggs go, that's pretty darn cool. 

As for the costumes themselves, they're heavily inspired by the comic books and perhaps a little more basic than some fans would like. They fit into the 1960s aesthetic, though, and are bound to receive an upgrade in Avengers: Doomsday
 

THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS Gets A Fantastic New IMAX Countdown Promo In Theaters
Related:

THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS Gets A Fantastic New IMAX Countdown Promo In Theaters

FANT4STIC Star Miles Teller On FIRST STEPS: I Don't Wish Anybody To Be Part Of A Bomb...
Recommended For You:

FANT4STIC Star Miles Teller On FIRST STEPS: "I Don't Wish Anybody To Be Part Of A Bomb..."

DISCLAIMER: As a user generated site and platform, ComicBookMovie.com is protected under the DMCA (Digital Millenium Copyright Act) and "Safe Harbor" provisions.

This post was submitted by a user who has agreed to our Terms of Service and Community Guidelines. ComicBookMovie.com will disable users who knowingly commit plagiarism, piracy, trademark or copyright infringement. Please CONTACT US for expeditious removal of copyrighted/trademarked content. CLICK HERE to learn more about our copyright and trademark policies.

Note that ComicBookMovie.com, and/or the user who contributed this post, may earn commissions or revenue through clicks or purchases made through any third-party links contained within the content above.

1 2 3
TheFinestSmack
TheFinestSmack - 2/4/2025, 12:17 PM
User Comment Image
Gabimaru
Gabimaru - 2/4/2025, 12:22 PM
@TheFinestSmack - YOU! SHALL NOT PASS!
MotherGooseUPus
MotherGooseUPus - 2/4/2025, 12:40 PM
@TheFinestSmack - LOL. I laughed wayyy to much at this. thank you sir
MrDandy
MrDandy - 2/4/2025, 12:24 PM
To be fair…the MCU is also not Earth 616….it is Earth 199999. Kind of funny the only movie that has gotten it right is Across the Spider-Verse- a Sony movie.
ItsNotForMeWahh
ItsNotForMeWahh - 2/4/2025, 12:26 PM
It was fine but didn't quite hook me in. Hopefully the full trailer down the line will be a bit more intriguing
bobevanz
bobevanz - 2/4/2025, 12:26 PM
Nor bad for a teaser trailer. Stay in the 60's! Imagine if Phase Six was entirely set in a different timeline that had every Marvel character.. one can dream. I'm looking forward to Jurassic World Rebirth teaser tomorrow. Spinosaurus is back and we finally get the T-Rex raft scene
Batmangina
Batmangina - 2/4/2025, 9:10 PM
@bobevanz - Brilliant! That could actually save the whole [frick]ing bag of flaming dogshit the MCU currently is - it makes perfect sense and they could retroactively kill Phase 4 and 5 as aborted timeline bullshit and then merge the NEW multiverse with the FF being the linchpin.

This makes my comic nerd pants go crazy - so they'll never do anything that cool and this will barely break even.
Oberlin4Prez
Oberlin4Prez - 2/4/2025, 12:31 PM
"There are moments in this trailer where The Thing looks a little rough around the edges, but The Fantastic Four: First Steps isn't set to be released for a good five months or so...meaning there's plenty of time to fix any possible imperfections."

The schilling goes hard on this one. You know it's an MCU movie when Josh goes out of his way to be reasonable in his assessment.
PatientXero
PatientXero - 2/4/2025, 12:34 PM
It’s an odd choice to not have Ebon use a more gruff voice after becoming The Thing.
SummersEssex
SummersEssex - 2/4/2025, 1:16 PM
@PatientXero - surprised me at first, but I actually really like it.
ElJefe
ElJefe - 2/5/2025, 1:48 AM
@PatientXero - Yeah, and are they going no teeth at all? I think that’s what’s giving him the muppet-like quality when he talks.
byrd42
byrd42 - 2/5/2025, 2:16 PM
@PatientXero - it's a terrible choice. Avenhers ultron sucked because of ultron's voice.
PatientXero
PatientXero - 2/5/2025, 3:13 PM
@byrd42 - I think it was lackluster for other reasons than James Spader.
Order66
Order66 - 2/4/2025, 12:38 PM
Idc this looks amazing and different.
Shivermetimbers
Shivermetimbers - 2/4/2025, 1:22 PM
@Order66 - Yeah, the aesthetic is great. This looks better than anything since Endgame from MCU in my opinion. Everyone will nitpick, but this looks about as good as I can imagine a Fantastic Four movie looking at this point.
Humperdink
Humperdink - 2/4/2025, 2:22 PM
@Shivermetimbers -
@Order66 - Yeah, the aesthetic is great.


Looks incredible. I think many of us are just a bit spoiled. The Thing is a giant pile of walking rocks. He's going to be CGI and not look real because...he isn't real. They may do additional work on him, but if he looks as good as he does right now I'd be satisfied completely. Best live-action version of Grimm I've seen.
SuperCat
SuperCat - 2/4/2025, 12:38 PM
User Comment Image
LukeCage2155
LukeCage2155 - 2/4/2025, 1:13 PM
@SuperCat - This is a glorious gif.
SuperCat
SuperCat - 2/4/2025, 4:37 PM
@LukeCage2155 - Thanks again, brother!
TheVisionary25
TheVisionary25 - 2/4/2025, 12:41 PM
Going by Malkovich’s look , it definitely seems like he could be playing Red Ghost since he seems to look like some iterations of the character…

User Comment Image

User Comment Image

Perhaps in order to take down Galactus , Reed & co decide to team up with past villains such as him & Mole Man (likely Paul Walter Hauser)?.

Since they are both also scientists in the comics , they might have some knowledge or expertise the family needs in order to stop their biggest threat yet.
Humperdink
Humperdink - 2/4/2025, 2:19 PM
@TheVisionary25 -

Ooooooh interesting! Nice catch.
Repian
Repian - 2/4/2025, 4:07 PM
@TheVisionary25 - Reed Richards visits the "man in the iron mask," a man whose intellect is matched only by Richards' own.
User Comment Image
There are several cameos from villains.
MotherGooseUPus
MotherGooseUPus - 2/4/2025, 12:45 PM
"and that scene with the hat and trench coat alone should be worth the price of admission. " ummm..

User Comment Image

"From what little is shown here, Galactus looks very ancient and cosmic. Is he being wasted with an appearance in the team's first movie?"

User Comment Image

Galactus won't be a one-off bullshit kind of villain...

User Comment Image

dagenspear
dagenspear - 2/4/2025, 1:58 PM
@MotherGooseUPus - how do you know he won't be a one off
MotherGooseUPus
MotherGooseUPus - 2/4/2025, 2:21 PM
@dagenspear - i don't, but judging by how Fiege has been trusting of the director to get this movie right and by how important the F4 are to the MCU now and moving forward, i hope/pray, and think he wouldn't waste someone as awesome as Galactus
WEAPONXOXOXO
WEAPONXOXOXO - 2/4/2025, 12:50 PM
Number one should have been

"We'll face it together, as a family."
JFerguson
JFerguson - 2/4/2025, 2:11 PM
@WEAPONXOXOXO - I’d add to that point that it’s Sue who speaks the line. The trailer opens and closes with her, possibly confirming those rumors that the movie is centered around her
TheLobster
TheLobster - 2/4/2025, 12:53 PM
I wish the eyes and brow were bigger on The Thing. The more it can look like an Alex Ross painting the better!
cerrone6
cerrone6 - 2/4/2025, 1:59 PM
@TheLobster - Hopefully he can evolve Moving forward with stories just like the comics had him.
An easy fix
byrd42
byrd42 - 2/5/2025, 2:20 PM
@cerrone6 - his nose is to small and he looks like he's made of paper mache. They can do better than this.
SuperCat
SuperCat - 2/4/2025, 12:54 PM
User Comment Image
WEAPONXOXOXO
WEAPONXOXOXO - 2/4/2025, 1:09 PM
@SuperCat -
User Comment Image
HashTagSwagg
HashTagSwagg - 2/4/2025, 1:19 PM
@SuperCat - User Comment Image
SuperCat
SuperCat - 2/4/2025, 4:18 PM
@WEAPONXOXOXO - LMAO!!!
SuperCat
SuperCat - 2/4/2025, 4:36 PM
@HashTagSwagg - NICE!!
Skestra
Skestra - 2/4/2025, 5:07 PM
@SuperCat - *LOL* You never disappoint!
SuperCat
SuperCat - 2/4/2025, 5:35 PM
@Skestra - User Comment Image
LukeCage2155
LukeCage2155 - 2/4/2025, 7:25 PM
@SuperCat - Awesome!!!!!!
Apophis71
Apophis71 - 2/4/2025, 12:54 PM
Love the nod to the Fab 4 on the Ed Sullivan Show, knew it looked like a chat show set but didn't realise it was THAT specific to a connection that had already been made between the First Family and The Beatles in the past.
SonOfAGif
SonOfAGif - 2/4/2025, 1:04 PM
So in this universe or planet it seems like they are the only heroes.
1 2 3

Please log in to post comments.

Don't have an account?
Please Register.

View Recorder