Summary
- Fantastic Four: First Steps features a retro-futuristic 1960s-inspired aesthetic.
- The film’s unique visual style sets it apart from previous MCU films, offering a fresh perspective in Phase 6.
- Fantastic Four: First Steps’s unique style is apparent in all trailers and marketing for the film so far, hinting it will be a major aspect of the movie.
Fantastic Four: First Steps is one of Marvel’s most anticipated movies of the year. Fantastic Four involves four major new heroes that audiences have not met before in the MCU and the film intends to introduce them with style.
While multiple attempts have been made to bring Marvel’s first family to the big screen, Fantastic Four: First Steps is the first film featuring the quadrant from Marvel Studios. Pedro Pascal (Reed Richards), Vanessa Kirby (Sue Storm), Joseph Quinn (Johnny Storm), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Thing) were all cast in the film which is being directed by Matt Shakman. One of the more notable elements of the movie is that it takes place in a retro-futuristic world, which promises a welcome style divergence from Marvel’s typical fare.
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Fantastic Four: First Steps Is Different From Anything the MCU Has Done Before
Marvel Studios projects have spanned decades, locations, and even universes, but even after 37 movies, Fantastic Four: First Steps’ specific vision is a new one for the cinematic universe. Fantastic Four: First Steps takes place in a retro-futuristic 1960s-inspired world that is very different from the modern-day Earth fans are accustomed to seeing in the MCU. The 1960s also happens to be the decade the team was introduced in Marvel comic books, and the blending of this with a futuristic aesthetic gives the film an optimistic sci-fi vibe akin to something like The Jetsons or Tomorrowland.
Every element of Fantastic Four: First Steps’ marketing seems to be playing up this aspect of the film. The first trailer for Fantastic Four: First Steps makes a point to show off the publicly presented lives of the four heroes, which includes their perfect family ideals (such as dinner every week at 7 pm) paired with moments of sci-fi, like their robot HERBIE. Throughout the teaser, Fantastic Four: First Steps’ aesthetic is clear; old-school televisions are offset by futuristic rocket ships, and the Fantasticar hides its technical abilities within the guise of a 60s sports car. At one point, the aspect ratio of the trailer transitions from 4:3 to widescreen, to further demonstrate the movie’s commitment to the period aesthetic.
The trailer isn’t the only thing reiterating Fantastic Four: First Steps’ unique vibe. Recent posters for the film showcase screaming F4 fans donning period costumes and age-appropriate cameras, and the initial Valentine’s Day marketing material for the movie was depicted in the style of a vintage holiday card. It appears the retro-futuristic aesthetic is something that will continue to help promote Fantastic Four: First Steps throughout its marketing campaign. It makes sense to promote this aspect, seeing as it is one of the big differentiating factors between Fantastic Four: First Steps and the MCU’s other movies.
Fantastic Four’s New Style Is What the MCU Needs Right Now
Moving into Phase 6 of the MCU, Fantastic Four: First Steps feels like the breath of fresh air the cinematic universe needs. Throughout its 30+ films, Marvel Studios has explored a variety of genres, whether it be the tense political thriller of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, or the sci-fi comedy of Guardians of the Galaxy. However, over the decades, many Marvel films have adopted a similar style, whether it be through heightened action sequences, quips in dialogue, or a specific look to their VFX sequences. This is not to say that all Marvel films are the same, because that is certainly not the case, but certain hallmarks have become tied to Marvel movies.
Fantastic Four: First Steps is an instance of Marvel Studios trying something it has never done before. The investment in the film’s retro-futuristic style and genre will easily make it stand out among the MCU’s other installments and will particularly help to define the origin story for these heroes. This branch out in visual aesthetic is something the MCU hasn’t seen too much of in the Multiverse Saga. The television side is where most of the risks are being taken in the MCU these days, with series like She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (a comedy) and the TV movie Werewolf by Night (a black and white horror) standing out with their choice of genre. The closest thing to Fantastic Four: First Steps is WandaVision, which explored a new period of television in every episode. Not coincidentally, Matt Shakman was also the director of WandaVision, which makes him the perfect Marvel alum to handle the aesthetic for Fantastic Four: First Steps.
All that being said, Fantastic Four: First Steps is still a Marvel Studios film and will no doubt rely on some of the tropes and trademarks that come with being an MCU movie. But the film’s unique aesthetic and setting will undoubtedly help it stand out among the dozens of other Marvel movies to date.
Fantastic Four: First Steps will be released in cinemas on July 25.