Is Marvel’s Pushing Identity Over Legacy With ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’?

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Can the MCU’s First Family Overcome Identity-Driven Narratives?

Marvel Studios is about to unveil “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” in July, but there are concerns that the movie might not live up to expectations. These worries aren’t due to superhero burnout, but rather a feeling that Marvel is prioritizing new ideas over established history by focusing on contemporary social issues instead of sticking to the franchise’s traditional storylines. Predictions vary widely, from an optimistic $950 million to a more measured $680 million, suggesting that the film’s success depends largely on whether viewers are ready for another Marvel Cinematic Universe installment that appears more focused on cultural discourse than space exploration.

A Family Divided

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve been intrigued by the unique take on the Fantastic Four cast: Pedro Pascal as the mustached Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm focusing on motherhood, and Joseph Quinn portraying the Human Torch in a more vulnerable light. The departure from the bold, larger-than-life characters we’ve known from the comics has certainly sparked some conversations. Director Matt Shakman is promising a retro-futuristic story that delves into “gender politics” and reflects modern sensibilities. Vanessa Kirby assures us that this Sue isn’t just a passive character, but it seems like Marvel might be treading a fine line between empowerment and overcorrection, as suggested by their recent interview with Entertainment Weekly. Some fans are even referring to this as the “black pill” era for Marvel Studios.

Surfing on Thin Ice

For long-time fans of the super team, one significant concern may have been the unexpected casting choice of Julia Garner as Shalla-Bal, a character previously known as the Silver Surfer. While this decision acknowledges a specific comic series from the 2000s, it seems to replace Norrin Radd – a character with over six decades of history – which feels less like innovative creativity and more like fulfilling diversity quotas. This unconventional casting could potentially drive purists away who have been eagerly anticipating an authentic adaptation after years of waiting.

It seems Marvel is placing a greater emphasis on contemporary innovation rather than traditional continuity. Casting Norrin’s girlfriend as the Silver Surfer, who has only been seen once in the last 15 years compared to the numerous comics, cartoons, and films featuring his iconic character, feels somewhat disregarding; it’s reminiscent of a potential Iron Heart film before Iron Man.

— Chris Braly (@chrisbraly) April 17, 2025

2005 Silver Surfer (left) VS 2025 Silver Surfer (right)

— Pirat_Nation (@Pirat_Nation) April 17, 2025

It’s not the first time gender-bending has occurred in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Characters like Captain Marvel (Mar-Vell), Doctor Strange (the Ancient One), Ghost in Ant-Man and the Wasp, and three characters in The Eternals – Makkari, Sprite, and Ajak – have all undergone this transformation. However, the gender-swap of Silver Surfer could potentially be the most impactful due to his extensive history in comics. First introduced in Fantastic Four #48 back in March 1966, he has been a prominent character in at least 695 comic issues, as detailed in the Complete Marvel Reading Order.

In the 2007 movie Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, the character was both the main villain and was brought to life by Doug Jones, with Laurence Fishburne providing his voice. He’s made appearances in numerous animated series, such as those from 1967 and 1994 based on Fantastic Four, along with his own Silver Surfer: The Animated Series from 1998. In video games like Marvel: Ultimate Alliance, LEGO Marvel Super Heroes, mobile games such as Contest of Champions and Future Fight, he’s been a playable character. He even showed up as a skin in Fortnite. Beyond that, you can find him in Marvel novelizations and books about the cosmic universe, while his image is commonly used on merchandise like action figures, Funko Pops, clothing, and statues, making him a well-known and enduring figure in Marvel’s cosmic world.

In a refreshing twist, I found myself engrossed in a standalone comic book that reimagined the Silver Surfer’s role. Rather than our cosmic hero, Norrin Radd takes center stage, with his wife becoming the new Surfer instead. This innovative approach, while intriguing, feels somewhat like Disney’s attempt at inclusivity, given the limited female representation in the Marvel Cinematic Universe thus far.

— Robby Woo (@WooRobby) April 17, 2025

Why make the character gender-swapped, though? Could you clarify the purpose behind this seemingly unnecessary alteration? Is it worth potentially appearing “progressive” or “awake” in today’s society, given the risks involved?

Lessons Unlearned

Marvel’s latest productions haven’t been instilling much optimism lately. The box office performance of “The Marvels” at $206 million suggests that not even Captain Marvel could thrive amidst the bloated storytelling of Phase 4. Moreover, “Eternals” and “She-Hulk” have become targets for their overly aggressive messaging. Now, we find ourselves facing “First Steps,” which seems to focus on pregnancy narratives, raw femininity, and a Reed Richards who appears more as a vulnerable scientist than a bold leader – decisions that seem to prioritize symbolism over genuine content.

It’s becoming overwhelming for me to keep encountering Pedro Pascal everywhere; he seems to be in every show and film! How does he juggle such a busy schedule?

— Droid (@droid254) January 26, 2025

Some viewers are openly expressing fatigue from Pedro Pascal’s frequent appearances in various productions such as “The Last of Us,” “The Mandalorian,” and “Gladiator II,” leading to feelings of burnout among some fans. Others argue that he may not yet possess the weight or gravitas required for playing Mr. Fantastic, potentially appearing too young or inexperienced. Moreover, similar to other controversial celebrities, Pascal’s political activism on his social media platforms could be perceived as problematic by certain segments of the fandom due to a lack of apparent studio caution or oversight.

I won’t

— C-MC (@mcufightclub) April 4, 2025

The Competition Conundrum

Rebirth” also in the mix, “First Steps” may struggle to stand out amidst a summer filled with safer choices.

As a film enthusiast, I must admit that the latest Marvel trailer leaves me underwhelmed. It seems rather tame and family-friendly, lacking the intense action sequences and gritty fighting scenes that I’ve come to expect from Marvel Studios. Unfortunately, it appears this might be another instance of Marvel playing it safe with a PG rating, which could potentially disappoint many fans who crave more adult-oriented content.

— Nick (@NQuatrocky) April 17, 2025

Box Office Roulette

Predictions about the upcoming Fantastic Four movie remain divided. Some are hopeful due to Marvel’s enduring brand influence and the anticipated debut of the Fantastic Four in the MCU, estimating earnings of over $750 million. However, considering the troubled cinematic past of these characters, a more pessimistic outlook emerges. The 2015 reboot earned only $168 million, and across all previous Fantastic Four films, they have only managed an average total box office revenue of $267 million. This is significantly lower than the usual MCU performance and adds to concerns about the studio’s increasing tendency towards narrative bloat. If the upcoming film, “First Steps,” follows the pattern set by Phase 4 (focusing more on ‘cultural engineering’ rather than coherent plots), it could potentially be Marvel’s first significant flop among films with great potential. While the Fantastic Four are revered by comic book readers, their appeal may not extend to the dedicated MCU audience.

Based on my estimations, the worldwide box office could potentially reach about $425 million, with approximately $300 million coming from the domestic market. When accounting for inflation, this is roughly equivalent to the total earnings of the last two Fast and Furious films.

What Do Audiences Want?

Marvel Studios grapples with a straightforward dilemma: Are fans seeking deep exploration of gender roles or an exhilarating adventure with Marvel’s pioneering explorer group? With Avengers: Doomsday approaching, the team led by Kevin Feige can’t risk another identity confusion. It’s essential to remember that even the most skilled surfers fall when they disregard the waves, and it appears Disney and Marvel are overlooking a massive swell of public opinion.

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2025-04-23 14:45