The Fantastic Four: First Steps Director Wants MCU Movie To Emulate a Stanley Kubrick Film

Director Matt Shakman, who helmed The Fantastic Four: First Steps, is shedding light on what enthusiasts can anticipate from the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe film.

Marvel Studios is set to debut The Fantastic Four: First Steps in July. In this film, Pedro Pascal takes on the role of Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby plays Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn steps into Johnny Storm/Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach portrays Ben Grimm/The Thing.

What did Matt Shakman say about The Fantastic Four: First Steps?

In an interview with Empire Magazine, Shakman expressed his desire to create a “down-to-earth” portrayal of space. Therefore, he opted against using wormholes in the storyline. The technology in this series is a blend of futuristic elements reminiscent of Marvel comics and the Apollo 11 mission, which includes the use of booster rockets.

He added, “I aimed for it to have a 1965-style feel, as if Stanley Kubrick himself had crafted it, keeping a balance.

According to Shakman, there was a focus on creating realistic sets and props, even constructing a 14-foot tall miniature spaceship. He explained they employed vintage lenses and adopted a filmmaking style reminiscent of the era. Naturally, a significant amount of computer-generated effects is also incorporated in the production process.

Shakman further explained that this film isn’t primarily focused on linking up with other Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) ventures, but rather on capturing the essence of the Space Race, combined with a strong sense of JFK’s optimism.

He put it simply: ‘We are each our own unique cosmos.’ This thought is both empowering and freeing. There’s no one else like a superhero, no hidden clues or Easter eggs, and no sudden encounters with Iron Man or the like. They are the only ones in their universe. I adore the intricate Marvel Universe, but we have the chance to create something fresh and distinctively ours. At some point, our world will intersect with others, but for now, this is our separate realm.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps will be released in United States theaters on July 25, 2025.

Originally reported by Brandon Schreur at SuperHeroHype.

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2025-04-04 18:40