Kevin Feige on The Fantastic Four: First Steps: Embracing the “Silly” Fun Previous Movies Avoided.
Introduction
As the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) continues to expand, fans have eagerly anticipated the arrival of The Fantastic Four—one of Marvel's most iconic superhero teams. Kevin Feige, the mastermind behind the MCU, has been instrumental in shaping the direction of the new film The Fantastic Four: First Steps. This latest iteration promises a fresh and exciting take on the team, embracing a tone and style that previous adaptations steered clear of: a sense of “silly” fun.
In a recent interview, Feige revealed that the new film would lean into the absurd and whimsical side of the Fantastic Four lore—something past movies, including the 2005 Fantastic Four and the 2015 Fantastic Four reboot, avoided for fear of alienating audiences. Feige’s remarks suggest a more vibrant, fun-filled approach that captures the essence of what makes these characters beloved by fans worldwide.
Let’s dive into why Feige’s vision for The Fantastic Four is shaping up to be a revolutionary departure from what we’ve seen before and how embracing the “silly” elements could bring a new layer of magic to the MCU.
The Evolution of The Fantastic Four on Screen
The Fantastic Four have had a bumpy ride when it comes to live-action adaptations. The first big-screen version, Fantastic Four (2005), was met with mixed reviews, while its 2007 sequel, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, garnered some nostalgic love, but still didn’t fully capture the charm of the comics. These movies tried to strike a balance between humor and action but struggled to bring out the full eccentricities of the characters and their world.
Fast forward to the 2015 Fantastic Four reboot, which attempted to reboot the team with a more serious, grounded approach. This version, directed by Josh Trank, was a commercial and critical failure, mostly because it didn't honor the core fun and light-heartedness that fans of the comics adored. The darker, more brooding tone was a stark contrast to the source material, which is known for its wit, familial dynamics, and fantastical elements.
In the world of Marvel, where characters like Spider-Man and Thor exist in universes of magic, alien invasions, and larger-than-life battles, the Fantastic Four always stood out for being both grounded and weird. The family dynamic, with its endearing quirks, often gave way to outlandish sci-fi adventures, like battling super-powered beings, traveling to the negative zone, or facing off against massive cosmic entities. The one thing these stories never lacked was fun.
Feige's Vision: Embracing the “Silly” Fun
Kevin Feige’s comments mark a major shift in the MCU’s approach to The Fantastic Four. Feige has been known for his ability to blend serious character arcs with lighthearted moments, and his comments about The Fantastic Four: First Steps signal that this will be no exception. Feige is adamant about not shying away from the inherent silliness of the Fantastic Four universe.
"In another time, some might consider the notion of [Galactus] with a big, angular helmet walking through a city goofy," Feige stated. "I consider it awesome."
This statement encapsulates Feige’s philosophy perfectly. While some might dismiss the spectacle of larger-than-life characters like Galactus, a massive cosmic entity that consumes planets, as “goofy,” Feige sees it as a perfect opportunity to deliver a unique, enjoyable experience for audiences. Galactus’ iconic appearance, which includes his towering frame and immense helmet, has long been part of what makes him such an unforgettable villain in the comics. Under previous adaptations, however, this might have been toned down or altered to make him appear more “serious.” Feige is promising that The Fantastic Four: First Steps will embrace these eccentricities rather than shy away from them.
Moreover, Feige has stated that the film will explore the Fantastic Four team in a way that highlights their personalities and their relationships with each other. Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic), Susan Storm (Invisible Woman), Johnny Storm (Human Torch), and Ben Grimm (The Thing) will be portrayed as a close-knit, quirky family—one that doesn’t take itself too seriously, even in the face of world-ending events. It’s a dynamic that harkens back to the comics, where humor and heart were just as essential to the storytelling as the high-stakes adventures.
Why This Is Important for The Fantastic Four
The Fantastic Four have always been about more than just fighting villains; they are a family, and their stories are as much about their interpersonal relationships as they are about battling cosmic threats. In many ways, the Fantastic Four embody the idea of taking the weird in stride. From Reed’s mind-bending intellect to Ben’s self-doubt about his rocky appearance, the team’s journey has always been one of embracing their unique differences while maintaining a sense of wonder and joy.
By embracing the "silly" aspects of the source material, Feige is not just focusing on the team’s powers but also the unique qualities that make each character stand out. Mr. Fantastic is a genius, but he can also be a bit too wrapped up in his own head. Sue Storm is the team’s heart and backbone, but she’s also the team member who can bring levity in difficult moments. Johnny Storm is the wild card with a sharp wit and a love for adventure, and Ben Grimm’s humor, though self-deprecating at times, brings humanity to his stone-cold exterior.
These quirks have always been at the heart of the Fantastic Four stories, and the new movie will likely embrace this more fully, allowing the characters’ eccentricities to drive the narrative. The "silly" elements—like Galactus with his towering, angular helmet—will fit into this larger tapestry of fun and excitement, making the movie feel like a true comic-book experience rather than a dour, serious tale.
How Will the Fans Respond?
Given that The Fantastic Four has had its ups and downs in cinema history, fans are understandably skeptical but also incredibly hopeful. Feige’s commitment to making the characters fun and true to their comic-book roots will likely win over long-time fans. The inclusion of iconic characters like Galactus and the promise of vibrant, larger-than-life action suggest that The Fantastic Four: First Steps will offer a visually stunning and exhilarating adventure.
At the same time, this approach is a risk. While the MCU has found success by balancing humor with high-stakes drama in movies like Guardians of the Galaxy and Thor: Ragnarok, the Fantastic Four has always had a different tone. Some fans might worry that leaning too far into the “silly” side could undermine the depth of the characters or the gravitas of their world-saving adventures. However, Feige has proven time and time again that he knows how to strike that balance, and his vision for The Fantastic Four may very well find that sweet spot.
Conclusion
Kevin Feige’s vision for The Fantastic Four: First Steps represents a bold, new direction for one of Marvel’s most beloved superhero teams. By embracing the “silly” elements of the comics that previous adaptations avoided, Feige is giving the Fantastic Four a chance to truly shine in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh. The promise of a fun, vibrant family dynamic combined with the awe-inspiring spectacle of cosmic battles is sure to excite both new and old fans alike.
With Feige at the helm, the Fantastic Four may finally get the big-screen treatment they deserve—one that balances humor, heart, and the larger-than-life adventures that have made them icons in the Marvel Universe.
FAQ
Q: Who are the main members of the Fantastic Four?
A: The main members of the Fantastic Four are Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic), Susan Storm (Invisible Woman), Johnny Storm (Human Torch), and Ben Grimm (The Thing). They are a family of superheroes who gained their powers after exposure to cosmic radiation.
Q: Why has The Fantastic Four struggled in previous movie adaptations?
A: Previous movie adaptations of The Fantastic Four struggled due to a mix of factors, including inconsistent tone, lackluster special effects, and a failure to capture the family dynamic and fun of the comics. The 2015 reboot also took a darker, more serious approach that didn’t resonate with fans.
Q: What is Galactus, and why is he important to the Fantastic Four?
A: Galactus is a cosmic entity in the Fantastic Four comics known for consuming entire planets to sustain himself. He is one of the team’s most powerful and dangerous adversaries. Feige has mentioned that the new film will embrace Galactus’ iconic look, including his big, angular helmet.
Q: Will The Fantastic Four: First Steps be part of the MCU?
A: Yes, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is expected to be part of the MCU and will be integrated into the larger narrative of Marvel’s ongoing film universe.
Q: What can fans expect from the movie?
A: Fans can expect a fun, lighthearted take on the Fantastic Four with a focus on the team’s familial bonds, humor, and cosmic adventures. The film will lean into the more whimsical aspects of the comics while still delivering epic action and stakes.