London’s South Bank rolled out the blue carpet as the UK premiere of Marvel’s Fantastic Four: First Steps took place at the BFI IMAX at Waterloo.
The cast including Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Joseph Quinn, Julia Garner, and Ralph Ineson all turned out along with director Matt Shakman.
They met fans and posed together for photos.
The highly anticipated film is due to hit UK cinemas on July 25 and marks the official introduction of Marvel’s First Family into the MCU, following Disney’s acquisition of the screen rights from 20th Century Fox.
This new version introduces Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm and Ben Grimm in a timeline distinct from the current MCU, with a tone that blends retro futuristic visuals and emotional storytelling.
“This is not just another superhero story,” said director Shakman during Marvel’s panel at last year’s San Diego Comic Con.
“It’s a retro futuristic, character driven film about identity, family and scientific wonder. That’s why we called it First Steps. It’s about emotional and moral discovery as much as space exploration.”
Pascal takes on the role of Reed Richards, also known as Mr Fantastic. The actor admitted he found the role “really intimidating,” and said he became so immersed in the character that the crew had to ask him to tone down the vintage accent he had developed for the part.
“I was deep in it. They were like, Pedro, just sound like yourself again,” he joked.
Kirby, who plays scientist Sue Storm, has said how she connected with the strength and emotional complexity of the character. “I love that she’s both powerful and vulnerable. She’s a mother, a leader, and she’s also allowed to be messy. That felt real.”
Joseph Quinn plays the fiery Johnny Storm, while Moss Bachrach portrays Ben Grimm, whose transformation into the Thing is at the heart of the film’s emotional arc.
Julia Garner and Ralph Ineson also star in key roles. Ineson is widely believed to be playing Galactus, a cosmic force whose arrival sets the team on their path.
Ineson described his approach to the role as almost mythological. “He’s a god, in a way,” he said. “I pictured his body like a tunnel system running through mountains. That helped me grasp the scale.”
While previous Fantastic Four films struggled to resonate with fans or critics, this latest version aims to blend intellect, emotion and classic science fiction themes.
Set against a 1960s style backdrop, the film explores the price of genius and the bonds of chosen family.
Shakman confirmed the film is not a traditional origin story, instead dropping audiences into a new world with familiar names and fresh energy. “It’s a reset,” he said. “Not just for these characters, but for Marvel as a whole.”
