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Gizmodo
25-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
Let's Talk About the End Credits of ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps'
The Marvel Cinematic Universe officially has its Fantastic Four. Or should we call it five? The new film, which is in theaters now, is largely centered around the fact that Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal) and Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby) have a child named Franklin. Franklin is crucial to not just the plot and the ending but also beyond. So let's get into it of the biggest revelations in The Fantastic Four: First Steps is that the planet-eater Galactus is willing to trade all of Earth for Franklin. Galactus believes he sees a cosmic destiny in Franklin: the ability to take over Galactus' job as an eternal planet destroyer, which would allow him to finally rest. Reed and Sue are shocked because they don't see anything special about their child. But who would know more? The two super smart Earthlings? Or the billion-year-old giant who lives in space and can eat planets? Galactus is right about Franklin, and we see why at the end of the movie. After Sue uses every ounce of her power to thwart Galactus, she dies but is quickly saved by Franklin's mysterious powers. He's more than us, Sue says to Reed, and, in the film's post-credit scene, someone else seems interested too. Four years after the events of the film, Franklin is older now and sitting in the Baxter Building with his mom. She's playing with him and says he wants to read a book. HERBIE pulls out Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species, which, apparently, is Franklin's favorite (saying a lot about the kid's intelligence), but they read it yesterday. Instead, Sue grabs something called A Fly Went By, a 1958 book written by Mike McClintock, when she hears a noise. Someone is in the room with them. And, as Sue walks around the corner, she sees none other than Doctor Doom, kneeling next to Franklin, who is touching his face. We don't see Doom's face, only his green cloak from the side, but he holds his silver mask in his hand so Franklin can go skin to skin. A few things here. First of all, Doctor Doom is probably the most famous of the Fantastic Four villains and, we know, the main bad guy in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, played by Robert Downey Jr. So of course this is a tease to that. It's also the first time we see Doom in the film, but not the first time he's referenced. Doom's comic book country, Latveria, is represented in an early scene at a United Nations-type place as the only country that didn't send a representative to Sue Storm's speech. So people are aware of him, we assume, but this credits scene is our actual first look. However, we don't really learn much from the scene. We don't know what Doom wants with Franklin. We don't know what Doom's specific relationship is, if any, with the Fantastic Four. We don't know how he got in, what's next, or anything. And we frankly don't know the extent of Franklin's powers. In the comics, he's had all manner of powers, such as the ability to manipulate space and time. So will Doom utilize that to try and take over the multiverse? Will the Fantastic Four follow in pursuit? That's another thing. Remember a whole three months ago when Thunderbolts ended with a scene of that team tracking an extra-dimensional incident of a ship with a '4' on it coming into Earth 616 (the main MCU timeline)? We all assumed it was the Fantastic Four, but maybe it's Doom with Franklin, making a run from the Fantastic Four. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige, if you remember, teased that the ship might not be the team's. Maybe he was being honest. Basically, the Fantastic Four end credits scene leaves us with many more questions than answers. And we're fine with it. We'll get those answers next December when the Fantastic Four and Doctor Doom return in Avengers: Doomsday. It's also worth mentioning that while the mid-credits scene is the only one of significance to the plot, there is a second scene at the very end. After a touching quote from Fantastic Four co-creator Jack Kirby, we get to see the full animated intro to the in-universe cartoon show that Ben Grimm hates so much. And it's awesome. A nice way to send us out. Did you think the Fantastic Four end credits scene was a fitting tease? What does Doctor Doom want with Franklin? Let us know below. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what's next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Fantastic Four: First Steps Review: An Instant MCU Classic
The Fantastic Four hasn't been able to catch a break. They were the first Marvel superhero team created by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee, and with a comic legacy this 'fantastic,' you'd think it would be easy to create a good movie about them, especially during the 21st-century boom of superhero cinema. For decades, filmmakers have tried to make a great movie about Mister Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Human Torch, and The Thing, but whether it's 1994, 2005, 2007, or 2015, it seems like critics will always ridicule these movies…until now, with The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Matt Shakman, who previously stepped into the MCU to direct WandaVision, brings us back to the Baxter Building for a charming reimagining of this family of superheroes. Since the Fantastic Four movies we've gotten up until now haven't been hits with critics or audiences, it's about time that we get an FF movie that's really good. First Steps manages to be a stunning reboot of the Fantastic Four series, set in an alternate universe named Earth-828 and nestled perfectly into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. A new set of actors step into the shoes and spandex of this stupendous superhero team in a movie that manages to be an instant Marvel classic. After an old-timey Marvel Studios logo, we meet Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards and Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm. Sue has just discovered she is pregnant, and we watch this married couple react to this news. Pascal and Kirby have a natural chemistry that you instantly buy into. We're also introduced to Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm. Much like this year's Superman film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is not an origin story. We enter this world at a point where the characters have already gone to outer space and received their superpowers, and they've been Earth-828's mightiest heroes for four years. It's a wise choice to start with our heroes at this stage. We get an expository recap of how they got their powers, what their first few years as heroes look like, and we move into our main story. It's a lot quicker, and since we've seen their origins before, it's best to dive right in. The Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) arrives and heralds the arrival of the planet-devouring cosmic being, Galactus (Ralph Ineson). The Fantastic Four must protect Earth from his wrath, but Galactus drives quite a hard bargain. Firstly, this is a wonderful cast. When Pascal was cast, some had their reservations about him. People felt like he was miscast, and others were simply tired of seeing him. In the past three months, he's appeared in Freaky Tales, The Last of Us, Materialists, and Eddington, which was released merely a week before The Fantastic Four: First Steps. But he's a booked and busy actor for a reason; he's really good. He's a perfect Reed Richards. Every bit of his performance demonstrates Reed's intelligence and his constant stress, getting pulled in endless directions both figuratively and literally. Kirby has been around action franchises for years, with her work in Mission: Impossible and Fast & Furious. She brings an exceptional amount of humanity to Sue Storm, playing her with a lot more depth than previous film adaptations allowed her. She's a new mother who cares so deeply for her child, and she also happens to be incredibly powerful. Quinn has been making his mark on Hollywood lately with his roles in A Quiet Place: Day One, Gladiator II, and Warfare. He brings the right amount of humor and swagger to Johnny. Moss-Bachrach, who audiences will recognize from The Bear, Girls, and Andor, won me over right away with a scene in which he lifts up a car to entertain some schoolchildren. I also want to talk about the production design because it's genuinely phenomenal. We first got a hint of what a Marvel movie set in an alternate universe would look like in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. But that movie only pushes it as far as, 'you go when the traffic light is red.' The Fantastic Four: First Steps builds a retro-futuristic world that you want to stay in. It perfectly combines mind-blowing sci-fi inventions with analog tech. It's like stepping into the world of The Jetsons with a Marvel-ous twist. Something I want to give Marvel praise for is that they're not afraid to shake things up. This year, we've gotten a political thriller in Captain America: Brave New World and a ragtag team of misfits in Thunderbolts. This movie also feels wholly unique. It's not as action-driven as many other superhero films. While there are a few fun action sequences (the final act is a standout), this movie is mainly driven by the characters. Our villain, Galactus, isn't on screen for most of the film, but the main conflict comes from the choices the characters need to make, and their goal to get the entire world to unite and fight for their survival. While The Fantastic Four: First Steps does a good job with its characters, I think they could have pushed the character conflicts a bit further. There's one scene where Reed and Sue are standing outside with their baby, and a tough choice awaits them both. It's snowing, and the scene is visually beautiful. They share a tender moment, and it would have been the best scene in the entire film if it had lasted a bit longer. The dialogue always gets the job done, but like many MCU movies, they don't always leave the strongest impact. It's always great to see these four heroes teaming up to fight a villain. This movie takes on a similar conflict as the 2007 Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, which also featured the Silver Surfer and Galactus as antagonists. This movie does a much better job, particularly with Galactus. Ineson's performance is magnificent, and this villain truly feels massive. You can't miss this movie in IMAX, particularly for his scenes. You feel the scale of this villain, unlike many other superhero villains. He's so much larger than our heroes that you have to wonder how the hell they're going to survive taking him on. With Jess Hall's stunning cinematography and a pitch-perfect musical score from Michael Giacchino, Marvel has a hit on their hands. This is a grand, marvelous movie that feels wholly unique. It's uncharted territory for the studio, and even if it is another superhero movie with some of the classic humor and action you expect, it feels like a new flavor of MCU that we haven't tried yet. If I were to judge this movie like a character in the 2015 Fantastic Four movie, I'd say The Fantastic Four: First Steps is…fantastic. Say that again? It's fantastic. SCORE: 8/10 As ComingSoon's review policy explains, a score of 8 equates to 'Great.' While there are a few minor issues, this score means that the art succeeds at its goal and leaves a memorable impact. Disclosure: ComingSoon attended a press screening for our The Fantastic Four: First Steps review. The post The Fantastic Four: First Steps Review: An Instant MCU Classic appeared first on - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More. Solve the daily Crossword


Geek Tyrant
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
Fantastic Four's Home Listed on Zillow and a Video Offers a Tour — GeekTyrant
In a fun and clever bit of marketing synergy, Marvel has teamed up with Zillow to 'list' the Baxter Building, home of the Fantastic Four. The listing boasts four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and 4,444 square feet for a cool $4,444,444. The symmetry is cute. The price? Well, in today's NYC market, $4.4 million might maybe get you a luxury condo, not the headquarters of Marvel's first family. But, it's still ridiculously expensive. Of course, this isn't a real sale. The listing is part of a promotional campaign for the upcoming film The Fantastic Four: First Steps , and a video was released that showcases the iconic superhero home, complete with shots of their high-tech labs, soaring common spaces, and nods to each team member's personality. You can check out the full 'off-market' listing on Zillow, which includes a gallery of photos and all the (fictional) property details. 'This remarkable residence blends timeless design with the latest innovations from ReedTech. Residents enjoy an adaptable living space that can stretch to fit their needs. Residents can 'flame on!' with the high-tech kitchen's indoor barbecue and get instant help around the house from their robotic H.E.R.B.I.E. assistant. Enjoy stunning city views, including the rocket launch pad where the Fantastic Four prep for their next cosmic mission. You might even see the Human Torch light up the sky!' Still, it does raise a few fun questions: If it's off-market, why is it listed at all? Also, Is it really the whole building or just the penthouse suite? But let's not overthink it. The point of the listing isn't to make sense, it's to show off some impressive production design and get fans excited for the movie, which opens later this month. That said, it's hard to ignore that most of the promo so far has been all about the look of the film. We've seen cool posters, shiny locations, and now a Zillow listing, but very little about the actual story. This kind of marketing makes one thing clear: the studio wants us to know the film looks fantastic. Whether it feels fantastic remains to be seen. The Fantastic Four haven't had the smoothest run on screen, but maybe, just maybe, this time they'll stick the landing. Until then, feel free to live the dream and virtually tour the Baxter Building—no superpowers or pre-approval required.


Gizmodo
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
Zillow Lists the Fantastic Four's Home for a Surprisingly Low Price
Few sites on the internet can be as fun, or frustrating, to cruise as Zillow. It's the place to see how impossible it is to afford your dream home and also see how far a dollar can go in places you don't live. However, it seems in whatever time and dimension the Fantastic Four live in, the dollar goes a long, long way, even in one of the priciest real estate markets of all, New York City. Marvel has teamed up with Zillow for a very fun piece of marketing where the Baxter Building, home to the Fantastic Four, is listed on the site. It's four bedrooms, four bathrooms, 4,444 square feet, and apparently costs only $4,444,444. All of which is super convenient considering who lives there. Now, of course, $4.4 million is a lot of money, but not for an apartment like that in New York City. I mean, just look at what that includes in this catchy little video. The official listing on the site has much more too. Lots of photos and information. You can head here to see it all. Now, it's off-market, of course, which makes this whole thing a little confusing. If it's not for sale, why is it being sold to us? The Fantastic Four still live there, right? Also, why list it as the whole building when clearly this is just the living and working areas? These are questions anyone who frequents Zillow will surely have, but none are the actual point. The actual point is just a fun way to show a bunch of images of these incredible sets that, we can only assume, play a large role in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which opens later this month. A film that we are slowly becoming quite cautious about. Promotion like this (and this) makes it clear the film looks great, but does this story work? Will the Fantastic Four finally gel on screen in a way they haven't before? If it does, why are we being sold almost exclusively on the look of the movie, but not its story? We guess it won't be long until we find out. The Fantastic Four: First Steps opens July 25. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what's next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.


Geek Tyrant
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS Concept Art Offers a First Look at the Baxter Building in the MCU — GeekTyrant
Marvel Studios just shared a cool piece of concept art that gives us our clearest look yet at the MCU's take on the iconic Baxter Building. The image gives off a sleek, futuristic vibe, anchoring the building not just as a superhero HQ, but as a beacon of innovation. The caption reads: "The Baxter Building, home to the Future Foundation and the Fantastic Four. The initial proposal for the headquarters included this rendering of Baxter Building Plaza, foreseeing a place where charities and world leaders could come together to uplift humanity." The Baxter Building originally debuted in Fantastic Four #1 back in March 1962, located at the corner of 42nd Street and Madison Avenue in New York City. It was 35 stories tall, and the Fantastic Four occupied the top five. That modest scale felt right for the early days of Marvel comics, but things changed in 1985 when John Byrne leveled the place in Fantastic Four #278. As Byrne put it: "The FF's HQ building had long been established as 35 stories in height. Quite impressive in 1962, but not so much in 1980, when I came to the book. It didn't seem like I could just start referring to the building as taller than all those previous stories had made it, so I decided on something a wee bit more dramatic." It looks like the upcoming film is borrowing a page from Byrne's playbook. The Fantastic Four: First Steps stars Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Vanessa Kirby, and Pedro Pascal, and it hits theaters on July 25, 2025.