The Fantastic Four: First Steps Director Explains How 1 Comic Run Influenced The MCU Movie

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Excitedly counting down to the Marvel Cinematic Universe premiere of “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” I can’t help but share the director’s insights on the comic book inspirations shaping this reboot. With Phases 1 through 5 already captivating us, it’s now time for Marvel’s illustrious family to make their debut in the MCU, as “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is set to hit screens in July. As a faithful fan, I eagerly anticipate this latest cinematic rendition of the team, which will undoubtedly lean more heavily on comic book roots compared to past live-action adaptations.

Starting June 3rd, you can buy the Marvel Premiere Collection titled “Jonathan Hickman’s Fantastic Four: Solve Everything“. To mark this occasion, the director of “The Fantastic Four: First Steps“, Matt Shakman (as reported by Variety), has written the foreword for this collection. In his introduction, Shakman explains how Hickman’s work on “Fantastic Four: Solve Everything ” served as a significant inspiration for the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe reboot. You can read more about it below.

As a child growing up in Ventura, California, I developed a profound affection for the Fantastic Four. The idea of a superhero family that mirrored my own experience was captivating: the humor, the emotions, the squabbles, the chaos. Simultaneously, their world filled me with awe and optimism. Hailing from the era of the ’60s space race, the Fantastic Four have consistently embodied the spirit of discovery – whether it’s voyaging to distant galaxies, the Negative Zone, or delving into the human psyche. Despite possessing extraordinary powers, Reed, Sue, Ben, and Johnny prioritize their family ties above all else, being scientists and adventurers second, and superheroes when duty calls.

Each Marvel filmmaker, as well as comic creators, strive to expand upon previous works in the comics industry, all while breathing new life into these timeless characters for contemporary audiences. The groundbreaking work of Lee and Kirby in the ’60s has left a lasting impact on Marvel; their daring move to focus on a realistic family catapulted them to success during the early Silver Age. Since then, every artist and writer has aimed to continue this legacy while discovering fresh aspects that reinvigorate these iconic characters.

To get ready for Marvel Studios’ ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps,’ I immersed myself in over 60 years worth of comic book lore. Marvel’s iconic family has always been nurtured by some of the finest talent within the company. However, none have stood out quite like Jonathan Hickman. The hilarity and emotional depth that I cherished growing up? It’s stronger than ever before. The complex familial relationships? They become even more captivating as Valerie and Franklin become central characters. And the sense of hope and curiosity? This book showcases a version of the Fantastic Four that is more fantastic than they have ever been.

During our movie script creation process, I repeatedly found myself drawn to the breathtaking run sequence – amazed by groundbreaking concepts such as the Council of Reeds and captivated by intense confrontations involving Annihilus. However, Hickman’s profound understanding of the unique familial relationships within the Four resonated with me the most.

losing his family. In essence, gaining complete understanding could potentially cost him his loved ones.

Sue Storm has significantly evolved from being known as the ‘Invisible Girl’ in the early 60s. Here, she embodies aspects of the United Nations Secretary General and a Field Marshal, combining diplomacy with force when needed. In Hickman’s portrayal, Sue is one of the strongest members of the Fantastic Four, maintaining global harmony while Reed conducts lab experiments that could potentially threaten it. She skillfully negotiates as the world’s premier diplomat, ultimately becoming the Sea’s Queen.

One of my favorite moments from the Fantastic Four involves Sue asserting her power to Namor by saying, ‘I am a queen who bows before no king.’ Absolutely!

It’s fascinating, page upon page, to witness how these two contrasting individuals form what is arguably the most remarkable marriage in comic book history. Their secret lies in their extraordinary harmony of emotion and intellect. Prior to Jerry Maguire, they complemented each other perfectly.

Sue and Reed are more than just partners; they’re also relatable as parents, much like any concerned parent pondering about the future of their child, such as me with my 9-year-old daughter. The close-knit family moments depicted in the Baxter Building resonate deeply, and I have no doubt that these parents love their children immensely and would go to great lengths to safeguard their future. I can easily imagine Johnny and Ben doing the same for their own families.

And we know that, as super heroes, they will fight just as hard to protect our world.

After spending six decades immersed in F4 comic book publishing, many of Hickman’s enchanting scenes and distinctive character interactions remain vivid in my memory. These elements found their way into our movie, subtly and overtly. From Sue as a diplomat, Reed grappling with solving problems even at the expense of his family’s safety, Johnny’s struggle to be taken seriously, Ben’s kind disposition clashing with his imposing appearance, the Future Foundation, the Bridge, the puzzle of children, and the parental concern about their future.

Hickman’s poetry encompasses both the mundane and the extraordinary, with a depth of emotion that echoes the vastness of Sue Storm’s heart. Reading his work always leaves me moved, especially when it comes to the poignant scene in ‘Uncles’, which never fails to bring tears to my eyes. (I won’t spoil it… just wait for ‘Uncles.’)

In simpler terms, Hickman’s writing is powerful, thought-provoking and heartfelt, much like the characters he creates. It’s nothing short of extraordinary.

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2025-06-03 17:53