Depending on one’s perspective, a reboot of an entertainment property can provide a fresh start and jolt of excitement for an aging series. Or it can represent the unimaginative commitment to the status quo.
But what happens when a reboot becomes a love letter? “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” which hit theaters July 25, answers that question in the spirit of its founders and combines it with a message of modernity.
Before there were Avengers or Black Panther, there was The Fantastic Four. In fact, the Four was the first team crafted by the iconic team of artist Jack Kirby and editor Stan Lee. The two not only created a standard-bearer among superheroes, but a methodology for writing comics (the aptly-named “Marvel method”) that, decades later, would translate to billions of dollars in moviemaking revenue.
Why We Wrote This
The new “Fantastic Four” blends a retro sensibility with a type of optimism that is reflective of a reboot in the comic book movie industry itself. It offers a reminder that no matter how existential the threat, we can and should face it together.
With respect to 2005’s “The Fantastic Four” – which gave us Michael Chiklis’ exceptional effort at depicting The Thing, the late Julian McMahon’s villainous Dr. Doom, and a Human Torch played by Chris Evans, who would later become Captain America – the fourth time’s the charm with this latest outing. Matt Shakman, who cut his teeth in the Marvel Universe with the Disney+ show “WandaVision” in 2021, has taken the “Pleasantville” style of that series to give this film a retro-futuristic flair.
“First Steps” is a compelling tagline for a Marvel franchise trying to recreate the success of the first three phases of its cinematic universe. This story takes us into the Earth-828 universe, a wink and nod to the late Kirby’s birthday. New York is as sprawling as ever, but without the militaristic influence and darker tone of the “Captain America” series or the constant action of “The Avengers.” While a technologically-advanced community, there is simplicity. There are generic, garden-variety villains like Mole Man (Paul Walter Hauser), who the Four easily defeat while being the darlings of their community and the world.
It allows for character development, even within the framework of a story told time and time again since the early 1960s. A foursome seek to be pioneers in space exploration and end up gaining (and losing) more than they bargained for. Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal, doing his best to star in every movie this summer), the elastic Mister Fantastic, is the genius whose penchant for pessimism rivals his intellect. Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), Reed’s wife, has invisibility powers and force fields which feel allegorical to her sense of being. She’s arguably the strongest in the group, but is seen as lesser than because of her femininity.
Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn) and Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), Sue’s brother and Reed’s best friend respectively, also have gifts that are representative of who they are as people. Johnny, the Human Torch, has been depicted in past movies as a hothead and a jokester. This Torch similarly loves the limelight. Like his sister, he also wants to be appreciated for his intellect despite Reeds’ looming shadow. Ben, the gravelly Thing, like many Marvel men, has a heart of gold underneath his hardened exterior.
“Are you pregnant?” he asks Sue, with a discerning eye and a caring tone, part of the intentionality of this film. This isn’t about big bangs or Infinity Stones (at first). This is about making life as normal as possible for the modern (superhero) family.
The baby is a spoiler of sorts for comic book nerds. Reed’s and Sue’s child is Franklin Richards, who among other things, has reality-bending powers. Almost 30 years ago, he was a central figure in the X-Men comic book saga “Onslaught.”
The child is a point of reference in “First Steps” as well. Here, though, the central focus is on the Galactus, the “Devourer of Worlds,” whose very pursuit of a planet means its inevitable doom. Not only does he put Earth’s existence at risk, he challenges the love and sense of protection that the Four inspire in their fans. Galactus’ presence is heralded by Shalla-Bal (Julia Garner), whom comic book fans will quickly identify as the Silver Surfer.
What steadies the film and our heroes is something that would make “Fast and Furious“ patriarch Vin Diesel happy: “family.” There’s a timely message from Sue and even creator Kirby himself that reminds us that no matter how existential the threat, we can and should face it as a united front.
“Family is about connecting to something bigger than yourself,” Sue says. “We’ll face it together. As a family.”
It’s the type of optimism that is reflective of a reboot in the comic book movie industry itself. Gone are the days of grim and darkened superhero films, like those of Zack Snyder fame. The “Superman” movie that hit theaters two weeks ago wants to emphasize the kindness and humanity of our favorite Kryptonian. And this incarnation of the Four balances futuristic style with retro sensibilities.
It is a tale that Kirby and Lee, rest their souls, would probably enjoy with great vigor and an exclamation – “Excelsior!”
Or as a quote from Kirby reads in the end credits: “If you look at my characters, you will find me. No matter what kind of character you create or assume, a little of yourself must remain there.”
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