Marvel fans, get ready! A cosmic new chapter is unfolding in the MCU, and Julia Garner is at the center of it all — quite literally shining as the Silver Surfer in Fantastic Four: First Steps. Unveiled during Disney’s CinemaCon 2025 panel, the exclusive footage had fans buzzing with excitement, thanks to major character reveals, plot twists, and a nostalgic-meets-modern sci-fi vibe.
The Fantastic Four Returns—And This Time, They’re Already Super
Forget the origin story — Fantastic Four: First Steps skips the usual transformation tale and dives straight into the action. Directed by Matt Shakman, the film introduces Marvel’s First Family in a retrofuturistic world, where the crew has already gained their powers from a mysterious space mission. Pedro Pascal takes on the role of Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic), Vanessa Kirby plays Sue Storm (Invisible Woman), Joseph Quinn is Johnny Storm (Human Torch), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach is Ben Grimm (The Thing).
The team is introduced via a nostalgic TV talk show segment before returning to their futuristic home but the real twist? Sue is pregnant. The news drops during a heartwarming (and slightly chaotic) family dinner, with Johnny teasing Reed about his potential parenting skills. This unexpected development adds an emotional punch to the film’s title and hints at a powerful future addition: Franklin Richards, a child who, in the comics, wields mind-blowing multiversal powers.
Meet the Silver Surfer – Julia Garner’s Galactic Glow-Up
The biggest jaw-dropper? Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer. Appearing in chrome from head to toe, she makes a stunning entrance as Galactus’ cosmic herald. Her design draws inspiration from Shalla-Bal, a female Silver Surfer from the comics. In the footage, she lands in front of the Fantastic Four and delivers a chilling warning: “Your planet has been marked for death.”
While Galactus himself remains mostly unseen (just a haunting glimpse of the back of his towering head overlooking the Statue of Liberty), his presence looms large as Earth braces for annihilation.
Family, Fire, and Fights
The trailer showcases both emotional moments and epic showdowns. During a public press conference, Reed assures Earth’s citizens, “We will protect you.” Meanwhile, Sue stands strong in battle, repeatedly motivating Reed with lines like, “We can do this,” and “We will fight it together — as a family.” The chemistry among the cast is clear, making this version of the Fantastic Four feel fresh yet deeply rooted in Marvel tradition.
Ties to the Bigger MCU – And What’s Next
If that’s not enough, the Fantastic Four won’t be fighting alone for long. Marvel boss Kevin Feige confirmed that the team will appear in Avengers: Doomsday, joining forces with the Avengers, Thunderbolts, Wakandans, and even the original X-Men. Yes, Robert Downey Jr. is back — but this time, as the legendary villain Doctor Doom. And with the Russo Brothers directing, the MCU is heading toward an explosive multiversal collision.
Why This Matters for Fans
Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer is already being hailed as a game-changer, and Fantastic Four: First Steps looks set to redefine what fans expect from Marvel’s cosmic stories. It’s not just a reboot — it’s a reinvention.