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Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
How Fantastic Four: First Steps gives Marvel's ‘first family' a second chance
Marvel's Fantastic Four: First Steps is not just another superhero film. It is a second shot at a franchise that has never quite worked on screen. As The Conversation points out, every past Fantastic Four movie - from the early 2000s to the 2015 misfire - has been labeled a flop. Fans are hoping this time will be different. In comics, though, the Fantastic Four have always been a big deal. Marvel's Fantastic Four: First Steps aspires to redefine the franchise's legacy.( (Marvel/Disney via AP)) When Stan Lee and Jack Kirby introduced them in 1961, they ripped up the old superhero playbook. There were no masks. No secret lairs. Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm were public figures, squabbling like any real family while saving the world. Marvel superheroes leading normal lives These were not just action comics; they broke social ground. Reed and Sue exchanged vows in 1965 - the first superhero wedding. In 1968, Sue gave birth to Franklin Richards, making her the first pregnant superhero mom. The Fantastic Four also introduced the Black Panther in 1966's issue #52 - a historic first for a major Black superhero. And while it was not made official until decades later, scholars believe Ben Grimm was always meant to be Jewish, adding another layer of representation. Also read: Fantastic Four: First Steps' mid-credits scene was shot by Avengers' Russo brothers, says director Matt Shakman The Fantastic Four did not just redefine heroes; they built the Marvel universe itself. Spider-Man's debut in 1963 featured the team right on the cover of Amazing Spider-Man #1, a move that boosted both characters. By 1965, Reed and Sue's wedding turned into a wild crossover with 19 superheroes and 28 villains crammed into one issue. Stan Lee and Jack Kirby even appeared in the comic, blurring the line between fiction and reality. As comics historian Douglas Wolk has said, those first hundred issues are 'Marvel's Bible and manual,' reports The Conversation. Marvel's Phase Six and beyond Now, Fantastic Four: First Steps will launch Phase Six of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which will culminate in Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027. The film is not just a reboot - it is meant to carry the same spark that made the original comics so influential: heroes who are powerful, flawed, and deeply human. FAQs Who is Zac Efron playing in Fantastic Four? Marvel hasn't confirmed Zac Efron as part of the cast, and no official role has been announced for him. Who is playing the new Fantastic Four? The cast for Fantastic Four: First Steps includes Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Pedro Pascal, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach. Is Fantastic Four from Marvel? Yes, the Fantastic Four are Marvel characters, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in 1961. When is the new Fantastic Four movie coming out? Marvel's Fantastic Four: First Steps was released on 25 July 2025.


Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Fame, racism, and the American dream — the complicated legacy of Hulk Hogan
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads One of Kazeem Famuyide's earliest memories is sitting on his father's lwatching Hulk Hogan wrestle in the 1988 Survivor love of Hogan in the ring became inextricable from what would become a lifelong obsession with the sport - including a yearlong role touring the country and writing scripts for WWE 's top talent."He was a superhero to a lot of people, including myself," said Famuyide, who is Black and now co-hosts the WWE-themed podcast "The Ringer Wrestling Show." He remembers Hogan telling audiences to "train, say your prayers and eat your vitamins," often in front of giant American for the 38-year-old Famuyide and other Black wrestling fans and sports commentators, Hogan's death this week at 71 has resurfaced an irreconcilable contradiction in the iconic wrestler's legacy: Hogan's undeniable role in broadening wrestling's appeal to fans of all backgrounds versus his well-documented racism."You never really got the feeling that Hulk Hogan truly felt remorse," Famuyide to Hogan's death reflect American divide on race "The Right Time" podcast host Bomani Jones noted there were two sharply different reactions to Hogan's death. Remembrances have split between those who see no need to harp on past controversies and those who struggle with his behavior that once got him banned from the WWE."This was never going to be one where people were going to mourn quietly," Jones death drew remembrances from politicians, celebrities and fans alike, celebrating his accolades. Many applauded how he was able to parlay his wrestling persona into movie appearances, brand deals, a reality television show and notable political Friday, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, whose fame arguably rivals Hogan's acclaim, paid tribute. Johnson, the son of pioneering wrestler Rocky Johnson, one of the WWE's first Black champions, said Hogan was a hero "to millions of little kids.""You may have 'passed the torch' to me," Johnson wrote under a 2002 video showing him and Hogan facing off at Wrestlemania."But you, my 'drew the house' meaning you sold out every arena and stadium across the country in your prime as Hulk Hogan, on your way of becoming the greatest of all time."Other notable Black professional wrestlers, from Booker T and Mark Henry, to Jacqueline Moore and Carlene "Jazz" Moore-Begnaud, have found success and fame in the just as many people took Hogan's death as an opportunity to recount Hogan's more controversial 2016, a Florida jury awarded Hogan over $115 million against Gawker Media, after Hogan sued them for posting a video of him having sex with his former best friend's wife. The litigation led to the discovery that Hogan had used racial slurs in 2007 to describe his daughter's Black ex-boyfriend."I am a racist, to a point," Hogan said, before adding the slur against Black people, according to a apologized at the time and called the language "unacceptable."Around the same time, some outlets reported that Hogan used the same slur on a recorded phone call with his enthusiastic endorsement of conservative political figures like longtime friend President Donald Trump made many people doubt the sincerity of that apology, Jones said."It's one thing to get caught on tape saying these things in private. It's another thing for you to decide publicly to align yourself with a cause that many Black people find antagonistic toward us," Jones wrestling has a history of reckoning on racist tropes For many Black wrestling enthusiasts, Hogan's death brings up familiar contradictions in how the sport deals with Swinton, 27, a freelance wrestling writer, first fell in love with the sport when she was 8. She describes wrestling as "the most nuanced and colorful" form of she feels representation has improved, Swinton remembers WWE use racist tropes in Black wrestlers' plot lines. Swinton recalls Shelton Benjamin having a "mammy," played by Thea Vidale, invoking a racist considers Benjamin one of the most talented wrestlers at the time, but feels he never got the recognition that his contemporaries did, in part because he was scripted to those roles."I kind of felt like I had to check my Blackness at the door," she hasn't tarnished sport for all Black fans For WWE enthusiast and sports journalist Master Tesfatsion, the mixed reactions to Hogan's death mirror fault lines that exist throughout the country, and highlight how central wrestling has become in pop up, Tesfatsion, who is Black, remembers watching Vince McMahon, the company's co-founder and former chairman, use a racial slur in a match with John Cena in 2005; or the storyline in 2004 when wrestler John Layfield chased Mexicans across the border."In some strange way, the WWE always had a pulse on where America stood," Tesfatsion said. "You cannot tell the history of America without all these issues, just like you cannot tell the history of the WWE without these issues."Tesfatsion was in the audience at Hogan's last appearance at a professional match in January. He was one of the many who booed Hogan. After decades of fandom, it was his first time seeing Hogan live."I never thought that I would see 'The Hulk' in person, and that I would resort to bullying him. But that's what his actions made me do."Still, Tesfatsion said he will never stop being a super fan."I still love America, I still love the WWE. It's an emotional contradiction that I choose to deal with because I still find value in it," he said.


Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
THE BOYZ face backlash for cultural appropriation; members reveal stylists ignored concerns over outfits
THE BOYZ have recently found themselves at the centre of many controversies. From being accused of drinking and smoking with minors to former member Haknyeon's scandal with an adult actress, they have been making headlines for quite some time now. Recently, the group announced that they will be making a comeback soon with their next EP titled 'a;effect.' They also shared the first photo teasers for the comeback as well, which started receiving a lot of backlash as well. The members soon responded to the criticism online too, shocking fans. THE BOYZ under fire for using a durag in new comeback teasers The boy group dropped a series of teaser photos and videos, including individual as well as group shots for their upcoming comeback. One of the members, New, however, started receiving a lot of backlash after his teaser photo went viral. In the photo, he can be seen wearing a popular headpiece called a 'Durag,' which is a common part of Black culture and is usually worn by them only. 더보이즈 (THE BOYZ) The 10th Mini Album [a;effect] 'Stylish' MV Teaser #1 2025. 07. 28. 6PM (KST) #THEBOYZ #더보이즈 #aeffect #Stylish — 더보이즈 (THE BOYZ) (@THEBOYZ_officl) July 24, 2025 Fans of the group started calling him out for not being careful enough, especially after all the group had already been through. The members, however, soon went live on a popular fan forum and shared their side of the story regarding the headpiece, sending a wave of shock and disappointment through fans. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo THE BOYZ respond to cultural appropriation allegations On July 25, members of the popular boy group revealed that they were well aware of the cultural significance of Durga and had earlier raised concerns about the styling for the concept of their comeback. Jacob and Kevin from THE BOYZ started a live stream on one of their social media platforms to connect with fans. They shared during the live that they had raised concerns about the outfit with their management agency as well as stylist. At the time, however, their concerns over the matter were dismissed, as the stylist labelled the headpiece to be a "beanie with legs," sending a wave of shock through fans, who had continuously been emailing the company about the cultural appropriation. Fans react to the shocking news As soon as the video went viral, fans as well as netizens expressed their shock over the matter. Many called the company out for not being careful and for ignoring warnings from the idols themselves. Many even pointed out the fact that there had been no comments from the company, and instead the English-speaking members had to issue a statement amid continuous backlash. One fan commented, "This entire situation is so ridiculous and could've been avoided so easily, and it also sucks knowing Kevin and Jacob felt the need to address it because they know 100 won't," while another shared that, "Why would you not listen to your artist's feedback? Especially over something being perceived as a durag. Poor decision by both the stylists and the management team."