The Fantastic Four: First Steps Trailer Previews Galactus, the Silver Surfer, and More
Marvel Studios has unleashed the latest trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps, set to hit theaters on July 25, 2025, and it’s already generating massive buzz.
With a star-studded cast, a retro-futuristic 1960s vibe, and high-stakes cosmic threats, this reboot of Marvel’s First Family is shaping up to be a game-changer for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Here’s everything you need to know about the latest trailer and why it’s got fans hyped.
A Strong Cast and a Fresh Take
Directed by Matt Shakman (WandaVision), The Fantastic Four: First Steps stars Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing. The trailer showcases their chemistry, emphasizing the family dynamic that’s central to the Fantastic Four’s appeal. Joining them are Ralph Ineson as the planet-devouring Galactus, Julia Garner as a female Silver Surfer (Shalla-Bal), and supporting players like John Malkovich, Paul Walter Hauser, and Natasha Lyonne.
Unlike previous Fantastic Four films, this reboot dives into a period piece set in a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic universe with no other superheroes, making the Fantastic Four the sole protectors of their world. The trailer leans into this aesthetic, with vibrant visuals, a sleek Fantasticar zipping through New York City, and a score by Michael Giacchino that perfectly captures the hopeful, adventurous tone of the comics.
Trailer Highlights: Cosmic Threats and Family Bonds
The 2-minute-30-second trailer is packed with action and emotion. It opens with the Fantastic Four celebrated as heroes, but the mood shifts as Galactus looms, his massive feet stomping through a city, hinting at his colossal scale. Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer, a gender-swapped (but still comic-accurate) take on the iconic herald, glides across the screen, delivering a chilling warning about the impending doom.
A major reveal is Sue Storm’s pregnancy, a narrative choice that many predicted, which adds a personal stake to the team’s battle against Galactus. This nod to their comic book children, Franklin and Valeria Richards, suggests the film is laying groundwork for a broader Fantastic Four cinematic universe. Kirby’s Sue declares, “We will face this together. We will fight it together—as a family,” underscoring the team’s unity.
The trailer also gives a glimpse of Reed stretching his elastic limbs, Johnny igniting as the Human Torch, and Ben’s rock-solid Thing in action, with improved CGI that’s a far cry from the 2015 Fantastic Four’s passable visuals.
A New Era for the MCU
The Fantastic Four: First Steps marks the start of Phase Six of the MCU, a bold move after Marvel’s recent struggles with films like The Marvels. The trailer’s massive viewership and social media traction—trending with keywords like “Fantastic Four,” “Galactus,” and the cast’s names—signal strong audience interest.
The trailer’s tone also blends optimism, family drama, and cosmic dread, setting it apart from the uneven Fox-produced Fantastic Four films of 2005, 2007, and 2015. By skipping the origin story—Marvel president Kevin Feige confirmed the film assumes audiences know the basics—the narrative dives straight into the team’s struggle against Galactus, drawing from the classic “Galactus Trilogy” comics.
What's Next?
With Thunderbolts* hitting theaters on May 2, the Fantastic Four trailer’s attachment to that release suggests Marvel is ramping up promotion. The film’s July release pits it against DC’s Superman, but the trailer’s strong reception indicates it could dominate the summer box office. Fans are already speculating about the Fantastic Four’s role in Avengers: Doomsday (2026), where the team is confirmed to appear alongside Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom.
Final Thoughts
The latest The Fantastic Four: First Steps trailer is a thrilling promise of what’s to come: a visually stunning, emotionally grounded reboot that honors the comics while forging a new path. While some skeptics remain, the overwhelming excitement on social media and the trailer’s record-breaking views suggest Marvel has a hit on its hands.
Mark your calendars for July 25, 2025, and get ready for Marvel’s First Family to take their first steps into the MCU spotlight.