November 5th is shaping up to be a pretty huge day for Marvel fans, because The Fantastic Four: First Steps is finally landing on Disney+. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Another special? Another prequel of sorts?” But hear me out—this one has some serious potential to be a game-changer for the beloved superhero team, especially when we’re talking about their big debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
What’s All the Buzz About?
For those who’ve been living under a rock (no judgment, sometimes we all need a break from the hype), The Fantastic Four have long been a staple in Marvel Comics. These characters, consisting of Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm, have had a rather rocky relationship with the big screen over the years. From the 2005 and 2007 films (which, let’s be real, are kind of cult classics at this point) to the ill-fated Fantastic Four reboot in 2015, it’s been a series of misfires.
But now, with the MCU having finally secured the rights to the characters, there’s hope for a proper adaptation. The Fantastic Four: First Steps isn’t exactly a full-blown feature film, but it is going to be our first real peek into how these characters will be integrated into the MCU’s ever-expanding universe.
So, What’s the Deal with the Special?
This special is meant to give fans a bit of an origin story—yes, even before we see them officially join the MCU. It’s kind of like a soft introduction to the characters, giving us a glimpse of their personalities, powers, and their relationships with each other before they take on the world-saving stakes that the MCU is known for. Think of it like a “mini origin story,” but one that’s intentionally light on action and heavy on the heart.
The special will focus on the four of them—Reed, Sue, Johnny, and Ben—before they fully come together as a team. We’ll see them deal with their individual struggles and growth in the build-up to their epic collision with the larger Marvel Universe. Expect some emotional beats (because, let’s face it, these characters have a lot of emotional baggage), maybe a few Easter eggs, and a handful of so many questions that will leave us counting the days until the actual movie.
Why Are We Excited About This?
You might be wondering, why the sudden excitement for a special instead of a full-length film? Fair question, but there’s something about the MCU’s approach to these smaller, character-driven pieces that’s really working. Just look at how WandaVision set up Wanda Maximoff’s transformation or how Ms. Marvel gave Kamala Khan a more personal, intimate introduction. The MCU has a knack for making us care about these characters on a human level first before they throw them into the giant superhero battles we all know are coming. And that’s exactly what we want for the Fantastic Four.
Let’s not forget about the recent casting news either. The rumors are flying, and some reports have suggested that Marvel has lined up some seriously exciting actors for the roles—people who are not only fan favorites but also capable of balancing humor, drama, and the unique quirks that each of these characters bring to the table. If the casting choices are anything like what we’ve seen in other MCU projects, we could be in for a very exciting ride.
It’s the Perfect Setup
The MCU has always been a master of slow-burn storytelling. We got hints of the Multiverse long before Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Spider-Man: No Way Home. We saw the groundwork for Thor: Love and Thunder laid out in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. And now, The Fantastic Four: First Steps feels like the perfect way to introduce a team that’s likely going to play a big role in the future of the MCU. They’ve got the cosmic ties, the emotional depth, and the potential to become key players in Marvel’s next phase. So while this special isn’t a full-on blockbuster, it’s absolutely setting the stage for what’s to come.
Plus, if you’ve ever been a fan of the Fantastic Four comics or the animated series, you know that the relationships between these characters are a huge part of their appeal. The chemistry between Reed and Sue, the sibling-like dynamic between Johnny and Ben—it’s all part of what makes them so fun to watch. If this special can tap into that and give us just a little taste of what’s coming, it’ll be worth the watch.
What Can We Expect?
While details are still scarce (because, let’s face it, Marvel loves to keep us on our toes), expect plenty of teasing. Maybe we’ll get our first glimpse of their powers—Reed stretching his limbs, Sue turning invisible, Johnny setting things on fire (without burning the house down, hopefully), and Ben… well, Ben’s probably just going to smash things. And let’s not forget the villain(s). Will we get an introduction to some of the team’s classic enemies? Or perhaps a hint at a bigger antagonist looming on the horizon?
We might not get all the answers, but we’ll definitely get a lot to chew on.
Final Thoughts
In the grand scheme of things, The Fantastic Four: First Steps might seem like just another “prelude” to the next big MCU event. But for fans who’ve been waiting for the team’s official entry into the MCU, it’s a chance to dip our toes into what’s coming next. And honestly, after years of questionable adaptations, it feels good to have some faith that Marvel might finally get it right. So clear your schedule for November 5th. Trust me, this is one you won’t want to miss.
Are you excited to see the Fantastic Four take their first steps in the MCU? Or are you cautiously optimistic? Drop your thoughts below!
