A Streaming Guide to <i>Fantastic Four: First Steps</i>

Marvel’s iconic superhero team is getting a fresh start. Fantastic Four: First Steps, in theaters today, introduces a new version of the group: Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards (a.k.a. Mister Fantastic), Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm (the Invisible Woman), Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm (the Human Torch), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm (the Thing).

The film is set in a retro-futuristic version of the 1960s rather than the present-day Marvel universe fans might be used to. It follows the group as they face off against the powerful cosmic villain Galactus and his mysterious messenger, the Silver Surfer (played by Julia Garner).

This isn’t just a superhero movie—it’s also about family, as Reed and Sue are expecting their first child. As Director Matt Shakman (WandaVision) told Variety, “They are parents first. They are scientists and explorers second. And they’re superheroes only when they have to be. I come at this as a dad and as a husband. That’s what makes it so special to me.”

The cast helped shape their characters in new ways too. Quinn told Entertainment Weekly that his version of Johnny isn’t just a cocky playboy. “He’s a man that leads with a lot of bravado, which can be an affront sometimes. But also he’s funny,” he said.

“Myself and [Marvel Studios boss] Kevin [Feige] were speaking about previous iterations of him and where we are culturally. He was branded as this womanizing, devil-may-care guy, but is that sexy these days? I don’t think so. This version of Johnny is less callous with other people’s feelings, and hopefully there’s a self-awareness about what’s driving that attention-seeking behavior.”

Garner described her Silver Surfer to Entertainment Weekly as “so different than anyone I’ve ever played.” She added, “She has this mysterious energy about her, and slowly that mystery will get solved with the audience throughout watching it.”

And while this isn’t Moss-Bachrach’s first time playing a Marvel character (he was also in The Punisher), he told the outlet, “In my brief two portrayals of Marvel characters, I’ve hit the two big guys. It’s a deep honor that I take to heart.”

Not just yet. The movie hits theaters today and is expected to arrive on Disney+, as most Marvel titles do.

To refresh your memory before diving into Fantastic Four: First Steps, you can also watch past Fantastic Four movies, including Fantastic Four (1994), Fantastic 4 (2005), Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007), and Fant4stic (2015) on Disney+.

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