Marvel Studio head Kevin Feige has shared the latest details about the much-anticipated film, “The Fantastic Four,” offering Marvel fans new insights into the movie’s plot and setting. The film, which aims to reintroduce some of Marvel’s most beloved characters, boasts a star-studded cast including Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, also known as Mister Fantastic; Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, the Invisible Woman; Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm, better known as The Thing; and Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, famously known as the Human Torch.
A significant revelation from Feige is that “The Fantastic Four” will be set in the 1960s, making it a period piece. Speaking on The Official Marvel Podcast, Feige said, “It is a period film, and there was another piece of art we released with Johnny Storm flying in the air making a 4 symbol. There was a cityscape in that image.”
Feige went on to elaborate about the visual clues hidden in the promotional artwork. “There were a lot of smart people who noticed that that cityscape didn’t look exactly like the New York that we know or the New York that existed in the 60s in our world. Those are smart observations.” This suggests that the film may present an alternate version of New York City, possibly infused with period-appropriate, yet perhaps slightly fictional, elements to enhance the storyline.
This nuanced approach to setting the film in the 1960s opens the door to various creative possibilities. The 1960s were a pivotal decade, marked by significant cultural, social, and political changes that could add layers of depth to the narrative and the characters’ development. Whether the film will delve into historical events of that era or use its 1960s backdrop as a stylistic choice remains to be seen.
Moreover, the film will also star Julia Garner as Silver Surfer, adding yet another layer of excitement for fans eager to see this iconic character brought to life on the silver screen. Alongside Garner, the film has cast other notable actors including Paul Walter-Hauser, John Malkovich, Ralph Ineson, and Natasha Lyonne, although their specific roles have yet to be disclosed.
Feige also provided some updates on the production timeline.
. The filming for “The Fantastic Four” is set to commence on July 29, the Monday following Comic-Con. This announcement has fans buzzing with anticipation, as close vigil is kept on any emerging news from the production sets.
Similar to how previous Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films have skillfully integrated historical contexts—such as the World War II setting in “Captain America: The First Avenger”—the inclusion of a 1960s timeframe for “The Fantastic Four” could serve to enrich the storytelling. This period, affectionately known as the Silver Age of comic books, is particularly notable for the original debut of the Fantastic Four comic series by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in 1961. Integrating this piece of comic book history into the film’s narrative may serve as a tribute to the origins of these characters while introducing them anew to contemporary audiences.
The MCU has always excelled at intertwining various characters and timelines, and a 1960s setting opens further possibilities for crossovers with other characters who could appear in the timeline. This could potentially lay the groundwork for integrating the Fantastic Four into the broader MCU, particularly as Marvel continues to explore its multi-verse concept, which was significantly expanded in recent films like “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.”
This strategic decision to set “The Fantastic Four” in the 1960s not only honors the original comics’ heritage but also refreshes the characters’ backstory. This creative move could revive interest in the franchise, offering audiences a blend of nostalgia and modern cinematic spectacle.
In conclusion, Kevin Feige’s disclosure has provided tantalizing details about what to expect from “The Fantastic Four.” With an exceptional cast and a daring 1960s period setting, the film promises to explore new narrative terrains and could potentially reshape how these iconic characters are perceived in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As filming commences shortly after Comic-Con, fans around the globe will undoubtedly be on the lookout for more insights and sneak peeks into this highly anticipated Marvel venture.
The decision to set the film in the swinging sixties may serve not only as a rich backdrop for storytelling but also as a unique aspect that sets it apart within the continually expanding Marvel universe. Everything points to “The Fantastic Four” being another ambitious and innovative addition to Marvel’s impressive slate of films.
