Marvel Release Long-Awaited Trailer For The Fantastic Four: First Steps

Welcome to the retro-futuristic world of The Fantastic Four.

The Marvel family has had its ups and downs—mostly downs. For whatever reason, despite many attempts from the hand of the late Roger Corman to Tim Story (arguably the best) and the infamous Josh Trank promising a stinker, it appears that adapting this family of heroes is more difficult than what it seems like on paper. Yet, other films such as The Incredibles have succeeded in achieving this to perfection. So what’s the key? What are the ingredients the others have failed to add to their recipe? Hopefully Kevin Feige, Matt Shakman and the six writers that lay their hands on the material have found that extra sauce. On top of that, they managed to put together a group of talented and charming cast.

The synopsis we got so far sounds promising: on a 1960s-inspired retro-futuristic Earth, the Fantastic Four must protect their home from being devoured by the cosmic being Galactus and his enigmatic herald, the Silver Surfer.

The Fantastic Four First Steps Proves to be Promising

As with every teaser trailer, we’re not given that much but rather a taste of the film, particularly the tone Marvel will be shooting for.

And I got to say, I dug it. A lot of the house production design gave me some strong <i>The Jetsons<i> vibes. Which, you know, sure, why not? They still manage to sort of make it their own as the trailer moves on. The cinematography looks really good; it has some of that glossiness that characterizes a lot of Marvel films, but whether it was the production design, there’s something distinguishing about it.

Another highlight for me was the dynamic between H.E.R.B.I.E. and Thing. Even when most of the dialogue came from the latter, they made our fellow with a design that makes him look… expressive? I don’t know, maybe it just shows how great Ebon was in that short scene that he made me believe any of that. Speaking of which, the voice work was great. Bachrach injected the character with such a tremendous charm, which made me instantly fall in love with him. The character design….

…eh….

Look, I just know these characters from the movies, so I am just familiar with this well-rounded-shaped Thing design. Maybe the CGI isn’t finished yet, but the character movement lacked some smoothness during that cooking prep scene. Also apparently they are going for a more Cubist look with his face? Again, I am sure fans will probably point out it’s a style of the X series of comics. The same, I am sure they would be able to catch more Easter eggs. Though some have immediately pointed out at things from Red Ghost to the ongoing Multiverse.

Overall, it truly looks promising. The score is catchy and oh so whimsical; I love it. It seems everyone is bringing their own game; Vanessa’s dialogue, especially near the end, was beautiful. The banter sounds good and I am all for it. In the end, they got my interest. Maybe when we get a proper trailer, they will have my attention.

But what do you guys think? Let me know in the comments below!