Fantastic Four: First Steps aims to save Marvel with streaming stars and bold shake-up

Marvel's Fantastic Four: First Steps casts streaming stars in bold bid to reboot franchise after past flops.

Marvel Studios is betting big on Fantastic Four: First Steps, a bold franchise reboot set to premiere on July 25, 2025.

After two failed film adaptations in 2005 and 2015, Marvel’s latest effort brings a dramatic shift—casting a new generation of stars from major streaming platforms to revive the iconic superhero team.

Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us) leads as Mister Fantastic, alongside Vanessa Kirby (The Crown) as Sue Storm, Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Bear) as The Thing, and Joseph Quinn (Stranger Things) as Johnny Storm. Julia Garner, best known for her Emmy-winning role in Ozark, portrays a gender-swapped Silver Surfer, while The Office alum Ralph Ineson takes on the role of Galactus.

This unconventional casting marks a significant departure from Marvel’s traditional reliance on blockbuster film stars, instead spotlighting streaming darlings with strong fanbases. The move reflects Marvel’s evolving strategy to tap into younger, digitally native audiences as part of its ambitious Phase Six roadmap.

The reboot’s retro-futuristic tone, directed by Game of Thrones veteran Matt Shakman, pays homage to the original 1960s comic roots while setting the stage for Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027. The film also makes bold character choices—Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm is pregnant, and Garner’s Silver Surfer breaks gender norms—signaling Marvel’s push for fresh storytelling.

Following a string of lackluster performances at the box office, Fantastic Four: First Steps is being positioned not just as a reboot, but as a lifeline for Marvel’s cinematic universe. With a dynamic cast and bold new vision, the studio hopes this team can finally deliver the Fantastic Four film fans have been waiting for.