Summary
Jessica Alba shares one key piece of advice for Vanessa Kirby as she takes on the role of Sue Storm for the MCU’sThe Fantastic Four: First Steps. Alba portrayed Sue Storm in 2005’s Fox-producedFantastic Fourand its 2007 sequel, alongside Ioan Gruffudd, Michael Chiklis, and eventual MCU star Chris Evans. Releasing in 2025,The Fantastic Four: First Stepsis an ambitious reimaginingfor the MCU’s Multiverse Saga, starring Kirby, Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm.
The original Invisible Woman opened up toColliderabout what Kirby should keep in mind when stepping into the character’s shoes. Above all else, Alba advised Kirby to allow herself to live in the moment and appreciate what these characters mean to people across the globe. Check out Alba’s response below:
I think just have fun. The fans are so amazing. It was probably one of the best times of my life, going around the world and meeting all of the people that just love The Fantastic Four and love these comic books and can relate to these stories. That, to me, and to be able to meet so many different people that you can touch and bring joy to them, I would say that’s first and foremost for anyone who gets the honor of playing one of these awesome characters. So I’d tell her to just have fun and soak in the moments.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps Should Learn From The 2005 Adaptation
Audiences Have Fond Memories Of Alba’s Movies
While certain elements of Alba’s twoFantastic Fourmovies have opened themselves up to more criticism over time, others have become more appreciated. Critics weren’t kind to these movies, with Alba herself being subject to a Razzie nomination, but their box office grosses and decent CinemaScore grades do show that audiences did enjoy each movie to a degree, and most of this is due to the cast.
28%
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$333.5 million
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B
$301.9 million
For many, theFantastic Fourmovies were their first experiences with the characters. As time has passed, many viewers have highlighted smaller moments that showcase the cast perfectly capturing their comic counterparts, from Reed’s stag night science lecture and Johnny’s egotistical fame-chasing to Chiklis' practical Thing costume. As such, moments like Evans’Deadpool & Wolverinecameoare celebrated as much-loved tributes to the characters. While their stories may be lacking, the earlyFantastic Fourfilms laid good groundwork forFirst Stepsto build upon.
Whileset-up forAvengers: Doomsdaymay play a major part in the development ofThe Fantastic Four: The First Steps, Alba’s advice does highlight another vital aspect to the production. Though the spectacle can be a big draw for viewers, the characters' chemistry and the cast’s interactions with audiences can be just as important in endearing a movie to viewers. As such, Alba’s perspective is worth considering, even though the norms and methods of an artist’s interactions with audiences have changed as time has passed.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Cast
The Fantastic 4: First Steps features Marvel’s First Family navigating their dual roles as superheroes and family members in a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world. They defend Earth from a formidable space god, Galactus, and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer, testing their familial bonds and heroic resolve.
