‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Will NOT Include Any Other Heroes

After years of waiting, fans will finally get their opportunity to see Marvel’s First Family join the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) later this year when The Fantastic Four: First Steps hits theaters.

Under the watchful eye of director Matt Shakman, First Steps will introduce audiences to Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/ the Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm/the Human Torch (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach).

“Set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ introduces Marvel’s First Family—Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Johnny Storm/Human Torch, and Ben Grimm/The Thing as they face their most daunting challenge yet,” the film’s synopsis reads.

Photo: Fantastic Four Updates

“Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, they must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). And if Galactus’ plan to devour the entire planet and everyone on it weren’t bad enough, it suddenly gets very personal.”

“We Are Our Own Universe”

Based on what we know about The Fantastic Four: First Steps, it seems clear that the film will be set in an alternate universe from the mainline MCU. However, unlike recent Marvel multiversal adventures (Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, The Marvels, Deadpool & Wolverine), we will not see other heroes intruding on the Four’s story.

Photo: Marvel

“We are our own universe,” Shakman explained to Empire.

“Which is wonderful and liberating. There’s really no [other] superheroes. And there’s no Easter eggs. There’s no running into Iron Man or whatever. They’re it, in this universe. I love the interconnected Marvel Universe, but we get to do something so new and so different. Eventually this world will meet up with other worlds — but for now this is our own little corner.”

Photo: IMDB

‘Doomsday’ Is Coming

Shakman’s tease that the world of The Fantastic Four will eventually “meet up with other worlds” clearly refers to the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. All four of the film’s principal stars have been confirmed to return for the next Avengers film. In time, fans will see Marvel’s First Family suit up alongside Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.

Photo: Marvel

For now, however, Marvel is clearly set on establishing the team as its own entity.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps will hit theaters on July 25, 2025.