The upcoming film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, will showcase the unique stretching abilities of Reed Richards, also known as Mister Fantastic. Director Matt Shakman expressed his ambition to capture a dynamic quality reminiscent of Spider-Man. In his view, translating this power into live-action presents distinct challenges, as he explained in a recent interview.
Shakman, known for his work on popular series such as Game of Thrones and WandaVision, emphasized that stretching is a difficult concept to visualize on screen. “People understand invisibility, being on fire, or even a giant rock creature,” he stated. “But stretching is tough because there is nothing in our world that does that.” He added that while octopuses can squeeze through tiny openings, there is no real-world parallel for Reed’s powers.
In The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which stars Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch, Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, and Pedro Pascal as Mister Fantastic, the team faces formidable foes like the Silver Surfer and Galactus. Their mission to save Earth is further complicated by their desire to protect their newborn son, Franklin.
Balancing Physics with Superpowers
Shakman elaborated on the challenges of ensuring that the portrayal of Reed’s abilities adheres to the laws of physics. “If he stretches his arm, we need to counterbalance,” he explained. “He cannot just invent mass. As his arm elongates, his hips and waist must adjust accordingly.” This meticulous approach aims to maintain anatomical realism, ensuring that viewers can relate to the character’s physicality.
To achieve this vision, Shakman drew inspiration from renowned comic artist Alex Ross, whose depictions of Reed Richards have been celebrated for their athleticism and heroic proportions. “Ross manages to maintain the stretchiness that is central to Reed’s identity while ensuring he looks dynamic,” Shakman noted. “In our film, he moves quickly when stretching, which gives him a quality similar to Spider-Man.”
As for the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, while there are no confirmed appearances of Tom Holland‘s Spider-Man in the upcoming team-up film Avengers: Doomsday, there is speculation that Reed Richards could encounter the web-slinger. Shakman hinted at the potential for exciting interactions between the two characters, should they cross paths.
Release Date and What to Expect
The anticipation for The Fantastic Four: First Steps is building, with its release set for July 24, 2024 in UK cinemas, followed by a rollout in other international markets the next day. As the film approaches its release, fans are encouraged to stay informed about the latest Marvel movies and shows.
In summary, The Fantastic Four: First Steps promises a fresh take on the beloved superhero team. With careful attention to physics and dynamic action, Shakman aims to captivate audiences while staying true to the essence of the characters.
