Latest news with #HumanTorch
Graziadaily
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Graziadaily
Vanessa Kirby: 'I've Had Incredibly Deep And Fulfilling Creative Experiences'
It's an unfortunate inevitability for anything wildly popular that it will eventually be sniffed at. So has been the case for the superhero movie in the last few years. Still enormous by most metrics, the lustre of many recent ones has been dimmed by audience fatigue and middling reviews compared to their 2010s heyday. But if anyone can convince you that these fantastical blockbusters are not just exciting but downright relevant in 2025, it could well be Vanessa Kirby. This month Kirby takes on the role of Sue Storm – the Invisible Woman – in Marvel's Fantastic Four: First Steps. She is joined by on-screen husband and man-of-the-moment Pedro Pascal (Reed Richards/Mr Fantastic), Joseph Quinn as her brother Johnny Storm/Human Torch and The Bear scene-stealer Ebon Moss-Bachrach, who takes on the part of Ben Grimm/The Thing. It's a killer cast and a stylish proposition: director Matt Shakman has leant into a retro-futuristic vibe inspired by the 1960s comic-book origins of Marvel's First Family. Buzz was high from the beginning. When Pascal posted a selfie of the four on Instagram in 2024, it went viral, with over a million likes. Kirby is moved by the intensity of the fandom and has 'a deep appreciation of how these big stories really affect people globally'. She looked back to the '60s comics as she prepared for the role. 'I came to appreciate that Marvel at the time was really counterculture,' she says on a blistering hot day, having just wrapped a day filming for Avengers: Doomsday (out next year) at Pinewood. 'Because it was [about] this group of misfits really, who were just trying to work out how not to be weird. I think that kind of tapped into how most people feel a lot of the time.' Superpowers aside, Kirby – who is a warm and generous conversationalist – talks about wanting to find the universal, very human, narrative in the story. What we do as people when we 'have faced our biggest challenges. How do we overcome them? It could be grief, doubt, or it could be whatever.' Photography: Tung Walsh Styling: Christopher Maul Hair: Bryce Scarlett at The Wall Group Makeup: Jo Baker at Forward Artists Manicure: Robbie Tomkins at LMC Noo, as her friends know her, is a master at teasing out the vulnerability and intimacy in her characters, be that Josephine Bonaparte in Ridley Scott's Napoleon or an arms dealer in the Mission Impossible franchise. In her breakout role, as Princess Margaret in the first two seasons of The Crown, she found a tenderness in a woman who could easily have been played as a one-note brat. Impossible to pigeonhole, she is as magnetic on stage (in Chekhov, or in A Streetcar Named Desire) as she in on screen – her Oscar-nominated turn in Pieces Of A Woman, as a woman who loses her baby in childbirth, was devastating. Those heavier roles required her to access pain. 'I've had incredibly deep and fulfilling creative experiences. But if the material is really hard you have to go there, and you have to live in it for a while,' she says. For a long time, she realised, that's what she'd been doing and welcomed a gear shift with Fantastic Four. 'Sue is a very positive person, so it was really nice to feel that for a while'. There's still nuance to the role. 'I liked her because she wasn't just a strong superhero lady,' she says. 'She has a difficult relationship with Reed sometimes and she gets annoyed with her brother, and she's trying to manage everything. I loved that about her'. Something else she was drawn to was the fact that Storm is pregnant, which added an unexpected dynamic. In a piece of symmetrical plotting, Kirby herself is pregnant with her first child, with her lacrosse player partner Paul Rabil. 'It's surreal because Sue is a first-time mother and we had to explore so many things about that in depth. So it was uncanny that this happened at the same time. I feel so grateful to her and close to her because I learned so much from her without even realising it'. Every woman I know has expressed fear around not being able to work and also be a mother. Working full pelt while pregnant has been enlightening. Kirby salutes her stylist, Andrew Mukamal (who also worked with Margot Robbie on the viral Barbie press tour) for his flexibility ('He's had to adjust all his incredible ideas; he's been so supportive and wonderful') and lavishes praise on her Marvel family for their support. 'Being on Avengers with all these guys, they've just been so kind… it's been a complete pleasure' she says, adding, 'I think every woman I know has expressed fear around not being able to work and also be a mother. I was very nervous. [But] that's old modelling for women. It's an incredible thing that women do. I've been really moved by learning that there's an ability to do both'. Kirby is genuinely close to her Fantastic Four family, the bond 'instant, and the synergy was just exactly right. We just clicked. You can act it, but you can't manufacture it, you can't really fake that. We all had such a laugh and now are very, very much bonded as a family. I mean, Joe really feels like my brother, Evan feels like my best friend and Pedro is, you know, the most beautiful scene partner I could hope for, really.' Ahh, yes, Pedro Pascal. The internet's boyfriend, the global crush, the demographic-defying Dream Man. So, why is everyone in love with Pascal? 'Everyone!' she laughs. 'We all have our theories. Mine is because he's so unapologetically him. He's not guarded at all,' she says. 'He just can't help but be himself. And I think people are so drawn to someone who doesn't have any armour up, and it makes him really vulnerable. But I think vulnerability is so brave and you can't help but trust it, you just feel it's real.' Like Pascal, Kirby started out in theatre. After graduating from Exeter University with a BA in English literature she turned down a place at LAMDA to do rep theatre in Bolton. They were, she says, 'some of the happiest times of my whole life. You're not caring about whether you're well-known or not, you just want to do the play. I don't think that leaves you'. It was 10 years ago that Kirby, now 37, was cast in The Crown – the role that catapulted her to a different level of fame. 'If you have a really fast assent in your twenties I can't imagine how challenging that must be.' There is a humility to her that is refreshing, a recurrent sense that she knows what a fortunate position she finds herself in. Through grind comes gratitude. 'You know what it is to do 500 auditions a year and get two of them. You get it and you don't take it for granted – I know I don't.' Raised in Wimbledon, Kirby and her siblings were nourished creatively. Her family wasn't thespy (her father was a surgeon, her mother a magazine editor) but, '[I was] brought up going to a ton of theatre, not necessarily in the flashy places,' she says. Kirby credits her sometimes 'quite old-school' tastes with the fact that her father would always insist on watching an old movie before he'd put on a new one. Was there ever a plan B? Not exactly, but Kirby has found meaning beyond her career. She travelled in Africa on a gap year, volunteering at an AIDS hospice. She now works closely with War Child and has volunteered at refugee camps in Syria, Iraq and Ukraine. 'Their work is far more meaningful than me putting on a wig and an accent,' she says. 'There are people doing far more important jobs than us, it's just ours happens to be public. You have to take it for what it is, be grateful that you're working and try to remain relaxed about it'. Actual relaxation might be off the cards for a little while, however. In between the baby and filming, she has a production company, Aluna Entertainment, which she set up with her sister Juliet and ex-Film 4 exec Lauren Dark. 'It takes a long time to build a slate, you have to put teams together and find directors and writers and put them all together on one project until, finally, it's ready to announce. It takes quite a long time, but it's been such a fulfilling journey'. Their first film, the thriller Night Always Comes, lands on Netflix later this year. But, first, there's the international publicity juggernaut for Fantastic Four. Despite her claims not to be very good at red carpet razzmatazz (the pictures of her in second-skin, major sass Alaïa, looking every inch the bombshell, suggest otherwise), this time she is looking forward to it. It means being reunited with her on-screen family. 'We had such a good time, I'm just so excited to share that with everybody'. 'Fantastic Four: First Steps' is in cinemas 25 July
Time of India
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Fantastic Four: First steps early reviews drop — Has the MCU revived its magic?
The Marvel Cinematic Universe's highly anticipated film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps , is already generating substantial buzz across global fan circles, with early viewers calling the superhero epic 'out of this world'. With its official release scheduled for July 25, the upcoming Fantastic Four Marvel movie has quickly become a hot topic across social media platforms, thanks to advanced screenings and enthusiastic early reviews. The film introduces a fresh ensemble cast, including Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach in the titular roles of Marvel's original superhero team. Directed by Matt Shakman, the film brings back fan-favourite villains such as Galactus, portrayed by Ralph Ineson, and introduces Julia Garner as a reimagined Silver Surfer. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Degree Leadership Operations Management Digital Marketing Data Science Data Science Others Healthcare Management MBA others Cybersecurity Artificial Intelligence PGDM Project Management CXO Technology Data Analytics Design Thinking healthcare Product Management Public Policy Finance MCA Skills you'll gain: Data-Driven Decision-Making Strategic Leadership and Transformation Global Business Acumen Comprehensive Business Expertise Duration: 2 Years University of Western Australia UWA Global MBA Starts on Jun 28, 2024 Get Details A Bold Cosmic Reimagining of Marvel's First Family Based on the original Marvel Comics created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, The Fantastic Four: First Steps reintroduces audiences to four scientists who gain superhuman powers after exposure to a cosmic storm. The team—Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic), Sue Storm (Invisible Woman), Johnny Storm (Human Torch), and Ben Grimm (The Thing)—must band together to confront Galactus and the Silver Surfer in a visually expansive narrative set partly in outer space. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Invest 80$ In The Investment Package And Earn Monthly TradeApp Undo The F antastic Four Marvel movie is being described as a 'fresh tonal shift' in the MCU, moving away from formulaic storytelling and opting instead for a retro-futuristic style that pays homage to its 1960s comic origins. Vanessa Kirby and Joseph Quinn Emerge as Breakout Stars While reactions have been broadly positive, certain cast members are earning particular acclaim. Vanessa Kirby's portrayal of Sue Storm is being hailed by early viewers as 'emotionally powerful' and 'the core of the story.' A number of reactions highlight her performance as a standout, with fans praising her ability to bring complexity and compassion to the role. Live Events Joseph Quinn's Human Torch has also attracted significant attention. Social media reactions describe his performance as 'vibrant,' adding that his scenes inject much-needed humour and energy into the film's more dramatic arcs. 'The family dynamic among the Fantastic Four is the emotional bedrock of the movie,' noted one viewer on social media, as per a report by The Independent. 'Every member brings something distinct, but it's Vanessa Kirby who elevates it.' Galactus' Presence Said to Be 'Towering' in IMAX Early buzz has also focused on the film's visual presentation, especially the depiction of Galactus. According to attendees at preview screenings, Galactus has been rendered with immense scale and gravitas, appearing as an overwhelming force in IMAX formats. 'The visuals alone make this a cinematic experience,' wrote one fan. 'Galactus is awe-inspiring—his scenes command total attention. The space sequences are breathtaking and immersive.' Silver Surfer Reimagined: Julia Garner Makes Impact Julia Garner's portrayal of Silver Surfer—here reimagined as Shalla-Bal—has sparked both curiosity and admiration. The casting choice, though initially controversial among purists, appears to have been well-received by those who've seen the film. Garner is said to bring a 'stoic vulnerability' to the character, transforming what was once a secondary cosmic entity into a morally conflicted and emotionally layered persona. 'Her scenes with Galactus give the film unexpected depth,' one critic shared. 'It's a performance that lingers.' Direction and Score Draw Comparisons to Classic Sci-Fi Matt Shakman's direction has been favourably compared to past MCU successes, with critics drawing parallels to Guardians of the Galaxy for its humour and to Interstellar for its visuals. The film score, described as both bombastic and emotionally rich, has been singled out as one of the film's defining features. 'The visual and musical direction create a sense of scale and wonder rarely seen in recent Marvel films,' wrote a reviewer, as quoted in a report by The Independent. 'This feels like the start of a new phase, not just another instalment.' A Welcome Standalone Experience Within the MCU In an era of increasingly interconnected MCU projects, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is being praised for offering a relatively self-contained story. This approach has resonated well with viewers who have grown weary of the continuity-heavy structure of recent Marvel films. 'There's no homework required for this one,' quipped a social media user, as per The Independent report. 'It's a standalone that tells a complete story while leaving just enough room for future instalments.' Critics say the film provides a soft reset for the franchise, making it accessible for both longtime fans and newcomers unfamiliar with Marvel's deeper lore. Social Media Reactions Spark Ticket Frenzy The reactions on social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) have been overwhelming in their praise. One user wrote: '#FantasticFour is a masterpiece. The visual effects and the score are a HUGE standout. Galactus is massive in IMAX. It's emotional, funny, and relentless. STAY until the END CREDITS.' Another chimed in: 'If you thought the MCU died with Endgame , think again. This is a genre-defining comeback.' The phrase 'out of this world' has been widely repeated in posts describing the team's chemistry and the film's cosmic set pieces. Critics Predict Strong Box Office Performance Industry analysts suggest that the strong early reception may translate into a robust box office debut. With positive word-of-mouth gaining momentum and Marvel marketing in full swing, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is projected to draw in major audiences both domestically and internationally. Disney's Marvel Studios acquired the rights to the Fantastic Four after its 2019 merger with Fox, and expectations have remained high ever since. The success of this film could lay the groundwork for future crossovers with characters from Thunderbolts , Black Panther , and X-Men franchises. The Fantastic Four: First Steps is scheduled to release in theatres worldwide on July 25, 2025. FAQs When is The Fantastic Four: First Steps releasing in theatres? The film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on July 25, 2025. Who are the lead actors in the new Fantastic Four movie? The ensemble cast includes Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as the core members of Marvel's original superhero team.
News18
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Fantastic Four X Reviews: Critics Say Marvel Is Finally Back On Track
Last Updated: Early reviews say Marvel has brought back the classic style and energy fans wanted to see with Fantastic Four: First Steps. Fantastic Four: First Steps is just days away from hitting theatres. Even before its official release, the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film is already receiving praise after some media members got to see it early. The film not only features the titular team, Mister Fantastic, Invisible Woman, The Thing and Human Torch, but also introduces well known comic characters like Silver Surfer, Galactus and Mole Man. Early reviews say the studio has brought back the classic style and energy that fans wanted to see. The lead cast, Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Joseph Quinn, are getting admired for their strong performances. Early reviews are calling the film 'visually stunning" and 'stylish," while some even say the story is written perfectly. Many are calling it the best Marvel film in years. Reacting to the MCU film, a user wrote, 'Fantastic Four is visually stunning, stylish, self contained and easy to jump into. I had such a good time with this one. The retrofuturism is such a snack. My stand out is Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, babe, I will die for you, you are perfect." #FantasticFour is visually stunning, stylish, self-contained, and easy to jump into. I had such a good time with this one. The retrofuturism is such a snack. My stand out is Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm babe I will die for you, you are perfect. — Ash Crossan (@AshCrossan) July 19, 2025 Another shared, 'A pitch perfect script backed by great performances, particularly from Pedro Pascal, turns what could be a simple superhero movie into a sharp commentary on our society that makes its nuance palatable for those that may not take it at face value." #FantasticFour is a triumph. A pitch-perfect script backed by great performances — particularly from Pedro Pascal — turns what could be a simple superhero movie into a sharp commentary on our society that makes its nuance palatable for those that may not take it at face value. — 4️⃣ (@upperupland) July 19, 2025 'Fantastic Four is an incredible movie. The first 60 minutes are fantastic, but in general, the whole movie is honestly magical. If you go into this movie with your expectations high, prepare for your mind to still be blown. It's THAT good. Also, STAY around for the end credits," a comment read. #FantasticFour is an incredible movie. The first 60 minutes are fantastic but in general, the whole movie is honestly magical. If you go into this movie with your expectations high- prepare for your mind to still be blown. It's THAT good. Also STAY around for the end credits❗️ — yoshi (@yoshiyshzey) July 19, 2025 An individual stated, 'Fantastic Four is quite possibly the best Marvel Studios film ever released. Absolutely loaded with talent and standout performances from Vanessa Kirby and Joseph Quinn. If you thought the MCU died with Endgame, think again. Thoughtfully crafted and easily a genre defining classic." #FantasticFour Quite possibly the best Marvel Studios film ever released. Absolutely loaded with talent and standout performances from Vanessa Kirby and Joseph Quinn. If you thought the MCU died with Endgame, think again. Thoughtfully crafted and easily a genre-defining classic — george mckay (@harpersmedia) July 19, 2025 Another mentioned, 'The main 4 were excellently cast and radiate chemistry, their interactions are just as exciting as any action scene. Galactus and Silver Surfer are incredibly realised and bring serious stakes, something missing from recent MCU." I have seen #FantasticFour!The main 4 were excellently cast and radiate chemistry, their interactions are just as exciting as any action scene Galactus and silver surfer are incredibly realized and bring serious stakes, something missing from recent mcu movies a treat!! — maddox 🦇 (@selinasboot) July 19, 2025 One more added, 'Fantastic Four is a masterpiece. The visual effects and the score are a HUGE stand out. Galactus is huge in IMAX. It's emotional and gives you hope. It beats you off and doesn't stop. STAY Until the END CREDITS." #FantasticFour Is a masterpiece. the visual effects and the score are a HUGE stand out. Galactus Is huge In IMAX. It's emotional and gives you hope. It beats you off and doesn't stop. STAY Until the END CREDITS. — deo (@frickyuu) July 19, 2025 As per the official synopsis, 'Set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, Marvel Studios' The Fantastic Four: First Steps introduces Marvel's First Family, Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Ben Grimm/The Thing and Johnny Storm/Human Torch as they face their most daunting challenge yet. 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 and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer. And if Galactus' plan to devour the entire planet and everyone on it weren't bad enough, it suddenly gets very personal." The Marvel movie, directed by Matt Shakman, also stars Ralph Ineson, Julia Garner, Paul Walter Hauser, Natasha Lyonne and Sarah Niles. The movie is scheduled to release on July 25. First Published: July 21, 2025, 18:19 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Marvel Rivals leak reveals exclusive Human Torch Summer Event skin
Image via NetEase Games. With the recent announcement of the Marvel Rivals Season 3 'Abyss Awakens' roadmap, fans have already become aware of what lies ahead of them. Season 3 kicked off on July 11, 2025 with lots of new skins, features, and events. Among all the Season 3 events, the Summer Swimsuit special event has to be one of the most highly anticipated ones. This event will see Marvel Rivals launching exclusive swimsuit skins for the characters in the game, and now another popular character's swimsuit gets revealed as well. Human Torch Summer Event skin gets leaked in Marvel Rivals Marvel Rivals has recently launched the Summer Special event on July 17, 2025, at 2 AM PT which will run until August 15, 2025 at 2 AM PT. This event is actually tied to the recent summersuit special edition of Marvel Comics. In this event, fans will get to relish a number of swimsuit skins of many characters in Marvel Rivals, like Psylocke, Loki, Thor, and many more. As of now, a total of five swimsuit skins have been officially announced so far. Now an unannounced character's swimsuit also gets leaked. This leak comes from credible Marvell Rivals insider Miller Ross, who recently shared a screenshot of Human Torch's swimsuit skin. This screenshot is actually taken from the promotional gallery card of the Summer Event, which showcases Human Torch in a beach vibe, donning a pink swimsuit and blue shorts, with pink flames on it. However, fans are not getting their hands on this skin immediately. According to Ross, this skin is expected to be launched in the game as part of the Wave 2 of the Summer Event Skins, which will probably arrive in the game after the upcoming mid-season refresh, aka Season 3.5. Still, fans don't need to get upset because the swimsuit skins of Psylocke and Loki, Breezy Butterfly and Robe of Relaxation respectively, are already available in the in-game store. The Cool Summer outfit of Luna Show and Sunshine Thing outfit of The Thing come as a premium Battle Pass reward. Those who don't want to spend money on the summer swimsuit skin can also get their hands on one, as the Worthy Waves outfit of Thor is a free Battle Pass reward. Read More: Marvel Rivals Season 3 roadmap explored Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
News.com.au
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Marvel's new Fantastic Four film and video game Fortnite's collaboration goes horribly wrong in X-rated blunder
The internet loves a good marketing blunder, and the latest collaboration with Marvel's newest movie and popular video game Fortnite have delivered one of the worst errors. Ahead of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, the main ensemble has been hyped to receive their own character skins in the wildly popular video game, allowing gamers to play as their favourite characters. Mister Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Human Torch and the Thing are all set to be introduced into the gameplay, however it hasn't taken long at all for some fans to brutally expose a crude editorial loophole ahead of the promo. 'Fantastic Four skins are coming to Fortnite,' gaming website said in its announcement of the news. A post that has been seen by 17.3 million people. Cue the hysteria. 'Do not google fantastic four skins,' one user replied, 'There has got to be a better way to say that,' another said. 'Marketing didn't think that through,' another added. One simply said: 'Fantastic… what?' The genitalia reference is in jest as skins are the gaming term for the outfit or look that changes the appearance of a character's player in the popular game, providing different animations and abilities. Various other Marvel characters have appeared in Fortnite over the years but this is the first time the FF family will be integrated after the company finally bought back the movie rights from Sony. And while neither Marvel nor Fortnite have promoted their collaboration with that exact phrasing taking the internet by storm, the situation has certainly lended itself to online trolls. Stars Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn and Ebon Moss-Bachrach are currently in Australia for the premiere of the new movie, Marvel Studio's first delve into the characters despite three other films previously from rival studios. Pascal leads the pack as Reed Richards with Kirby his on screen wife Sue Storm as Quinn and Moss-Bachrach round out the foursome (no, not like that) as Johnny Storm and Ben Grimm. The film's stars were also recently in the UK for the London premiere and Berlin. The Fantastic Four: First Steps is expected to be a return to form for Marvel who have struggled since the end of the main superhero saga in 2019 with Avenger's Endgame. Fortnite also recently integrate the films competition, David Corenswet's Superman released on July 10, into their game in collaboration with DC and Warner Bros. There is no official release date for the new character skins but they are rumoured to release in the coming days simultaneous with the film.
