Skip to main content TechRadar the technology experts Search TechRadar View Profile België (Nederlands) Deutschland North America US (English) Australasia New Zealand Tech Radar Pro Tech Radar Gaming Back to school Nintendo Switch 2 NYT Wordle today Best laptop Best web hosting Recommended reading Entertainment The Fantastic Four: First Steps is reportedly getting a sequel – and it isn't the only thing I've just learned about my most anticipated Marvel movie of 2025 Entertainment Marvel announces The Fantastic Four: First Steps prequel story as Lego leak reveals first full look at the MCU movie's villain Galactus Entertainment Thunderbolts* ending explained: what does the asterisk mean, is there a post-credits scene, and your biggest Marvel questions answered Entertainment New The Fantastic Four: First Steps trailer confirms two of the worst-kept secrets about the Marvel Phase 6 movie Entertainment The Fantastic Four: First Steps' runtime has been revealed – and so have some huge spoilers about the Marvel Phase 6 movie's plot Entertainment After Thunderbolts*, Marvel has the perfect opportunity to do the unthinkable with The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Avengers: Doomsday Disney Plus Want to prepare for The Fantastic Four: First Steps? Skip the movies and watch this animated Disney+ show – it’s the best adaptation of Marvel’s First Family Entertainment Marvel director Matt Shakman explains why The Fantastic Four: First Steps doesn't require any MCU homework: 'There are no Easter eggs or other heroes' 22 July 2025 Exclusive: 'It was very freeing to just focus on this universe' When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. First Steps is set in a '60s-inspired, retrofuturistic reality that exists independent of the MCU (Image credit: Marvel Studios) The Fantastic Four: First Steps doesn't require any Marvel movie or TV show homework Its director Matt Shakman says it's a standalone story in every sense of the word Shakman also confirms he wasn't asked to directly set up Avengers: Doomsday story The Fantastic Four: First Steps director Matt Shakman has reiterated that the movie is a standalone story that doesn't require any homework on Marvel fans' part. Speaking to TechRadar, Shakman says the forthcoming film isn't beholden to the same connective tissue that other Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) projects are because it exists in a parallel dimension. It's for this reason, Shakman believes, that the Marvel Phase 6 flick can be enjoyed by MCU devotees and newcomers alike. For the uninitiated: The Fantastic Four's latest big-screen reboot is set in an alternate reality to the MCU. They reside in another universe designated Earth-828, which is a reference to the birthday (August 28) of Marvel icon Jack Kirby, who co-created Marvel's first family alongside Stan Lee. You may like The Fantastic Four: First Steps is reportedly getting a sequel – and it isn't the only thing I've just learned about my most anticipated Marvel movie of 2025 Marvel announces The Fantastic Four: First Steps prequel story as Lego leak reveals first full look at the MCU movie's villain Galactus Thunderbolts* ending explained: what does the asterisk mean, is there a post-credits scene, and your biggest Marvel questions answered The eponymous superteam's existence in a separate dimension is the first time that a Marvel Studios project has been set outside of the MCU, aka Earth-616. It's a decision that's not only vital to the tale that First Steps will tell, but also freed Shakman and company of the increasingly complex shared universe that began 17 years (and counting!) ago with 2008's Iron Man. The Fantastic Four's world, Earth-828 is more utopian than the MCU's Earth-616 (Image credit: Marvel Studios) "I love Marvel's shared storytelling," Shakman told me. "I love interconnectedness and I certainly enjoyed doing WandaVision [the Disney+ show that Shakman directed all nine episodes of], which was a big part of that interconnection. "But, it was very freeing to just focus on this universe where we didn't have to deal with all of that. This was our chance to build a whole new universe where they [Fantastic Four] are the only heroes. You don't need to see other Marvel movies or shows to appreciate it. There are no Easter eggs. There are no other heroes. It's just about them, their world, and their story." That won't be the case once First Steps' end credits have rolled. One of this year's most exciting new movies is the progenitor for Avengers: Doomsday, with events in the final Marvel film of 2025 directly leading into the next Avengers movie. For more details on that, read my ultimate guide on Avengers: Doomsday. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. At the time of publication, Avengers: Doomsday's filming schedule is three months deep (Image credit: Marvel Studios) So, despite First Steps being a standalone story, was Shakman asked to establish any story beats for Avengers 5 in his first MCU film? "Where they go from here, that's up to others," he teased. "They'll eventually join up with Earth's Mightiest Heroes and that'll be fun to see." I guess we'll find out when First Steps arrives in theaters worldwide on Friday, July 25! In the meantime, read my ultimate guide on The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and my First Steps cast and character guide, to learn more ahead of its release. Then, read the section below for more exclusive coverage of the superhero movie. You might also like Was Doctor Doom ever considered as The Fantastic Four: First Steps' main villain? The Marvel movie's director has his say 'We hardly crossed paths': The actors behind The Fantastic Four: First Steps' villains never filmed a scene together – and only met once on the Marvel movie's set The Fantastic Four: First Steps director has a blunt message for fans who criticised the Marvel movie's visual effects: 'I think they're beautiful' Today's best Disney Plus deals Disney+ Annual Premium Social Links Navigation Senior Entertainment Reporter As TechRadar's senior entertainment reporter, Tom covers all of the latest movies, TV shows, and streaming service news that you need to know about. You'll regularly find him writing about the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and many other topics of interest. An NCTJ-accredited journalist, Tom also writes reviews, analytical articles, opinion pieces, and interview-led features on the biggest franchises, actors, directors and other industry leaders. You may see his quotes pop up in the odd official Marvel Studios video, too, such as this Moon Knight TV spot. Away from work, Tom can be found checking out the latest video games, immersing himself in his favorite sporting pastime of football, reading the many unread books on his shelf, staying fit at the gym, and petting every dog he comes across. Got a scoop, interesting story, or an intriguing angle on the latest news in entertainment? Feel free to drop him a line. You must confirm your public display name before commenting Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name. The Fantastic Four: First Steps is reportedly getting a sequel – and it isn't the only thing I've just learned about my most anticipated Marvel movie of 2025 Marvel announces The Fantastic Four: First Steps prequel story as Lego leak reveals first full look at the MCU movie's villain Galactus Thunderbolts* ending explained: what does the asterisk mean, is there a post-credits scene, and your biggest Marvel questions answered New The Fantastic Four: First Steps trailer confirms two of the worst-kept secrets about the Marvel Phase 6 movie The Fantastic Four: First Steps' runtime has been revealed – and so have some huge spoilers about the Marvel Phase 6 movie's plot After Thunderbolts*, Marvel has the perfect opportunity to do the unthinkable with The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Avengers: Doomsday Latest in Entertainment James Gunn confirms who'll write the DCU's Wonder Woman movie – and it's the same person who penned the script for 2026's Supergirl film Was Doctor Doom ever considered as The Fantastic Four: First Steps' main villain? 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