How parenthood inspired The Fantastic Four: First Steps

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Director Matt Shakman, who worked on Fantastic Four: First Steps, shared that his experiences as a parent impacted his interpretation of the project’s content. Interestingly, he also incorporated a role for his own little girl within the film.

Several efforts have been made to bring Marvel’s Original Family to life on the big screen. Initially, a film by Roger Corman from the early ’90s almost came about, but it’s not a production Marvel encourages viewing.

In 2005 and 2007, two entertaining F4 films were released, only to be followed by an unsuccessful remake that fell flat in all aspects in 2015.

By 2025, a refreshingly hopeful version of The Fantastic Four is set to premiere within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Emphasis on family dynamics and parenthood has played a crucial role in crafting this revamped adaptation.

Why Fantastic Four: First Steps feels personal to director Matt Shakman

During an interview with Variety, the director of Fantastic Four: First Steps, Matt Shakman, shared that he aimed to create a superhero film that resonated personally with him, drawing from his own life experiences.

Shakman states, ‘As parents, they come first; their roles as scientists and explorers follow in second place. They’re superheroes when necessary. As a father and a husband, I approach this subject with a unique perspective, which makes it particularly meaningful to me.’

During the initial gathering to brainstorm Shakman’s potential plans for the Fantastic Four, Grant Curtis and Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige were present. Curtis then shared an image of himself cradling his newly born daughter. When we witnessed his strong emphasis on family, it became immediately clear that this was a perfect fit.

How parenthood was the key to making F4 work

According to Shakman, the secret to developing the Fantastic Four was introducing the narrative at the point where Reed Richards and Sue Storm were having children.

Shakman stated: “At the age of forty, I became a father to my daughter, who did require some help from scientific advancements. I believe that anyone embarking on a significant project should discover something intensely personal within it to stay connected.

In the movie, Shakman’s daughter goes by the name Maisie, and remarkably, she makes an appearance, being rescued by the Human Torch in an exhilarating action scene.

According to Shakman, “she was eager to experience it,” but as a former child actress who’s now recovered, she felt mixed feelings. However, she practices gymnastics and was given the chance to soar through the air on wires. Needless to say, she had an extraordinary time!

2025, here I am, excitedly counting down the days until July 25th when “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” graces our screens! If you’re like me, a hardcore fan, you might be curious about where this new adventure unfolds – it’s Earth-828. And let’s not forget, it has some intriguing connections to the epic “Avengers: Doomsday”. So, don’t miss out on the fun! Find out more about these connections and grab yourself a set of exclusive Fantastic Four popcorn buckets to make your movie experience truly fantastic. Can’t wait to join the Fantastic Four once again!

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2025-07-22 15:18