The upcoming film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, aims to bring the comic book world to life, particularly through the character of Reed Richards, portrayed by Pedro Pascal. Director Matt Shakman reveals that his approach to depicting Richards’ iconic stretching ability was influenced by the dynamic movements seen in Spider-Man and the artwork of renowned comic artist Alex Ross.
In a discussion about the challenges of visualizing stretching, Shakman explained, “Stretching is challenging. People understand invisibility, they can understand being on fire. You can even understand a big rock guy, but stretching is tough because there’s nothing in our world that does that.” He emphasized how translating such an abstract concept into live-action requires careful consideration of physics and anatomy.
Shakman, known for his work on series like Game of Thrones and WandaVision, stated that the film’s team worked to respect the laws of physics while crafting Reed Richards’ abilities. “If he’s going to stretch his arm, he’s going to need to counterbalance. If his arm is getting longer, his waist is getting smaller, his legs are getting thinner,” he elaborated. This realistic approach helps to maintain the integrity of the character while offering a believable visual experience.
Dynamic Movement Inspired by Comic Art
Shakman noted that he drew inspiration from Alex Ross, whose artistic style captures both the athleticism and elasticity essential to Reed Richards. “He manages to keep an athleticism to it and a kind of heroic proportion while also maintaining the stretchiness,” said Shakman. This blend of attributes allows for a dynamic portrayal, positioning Richards’ movements in a way that resonates with viewers.
The film features a star-studded cast, including Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch, Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing, and Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman. In this installment, Marvel’s First Family faces formidable foes, including the Silver Surfer and Galactus. The narrative revolves around their quest to protect Earth and their newborn son, Franklin, adding emotional stakes to the action.
While the film is set to release in UK cinemas on July 24, 2024, followed by a launch in North America the next day, there are already speculations regarding potential future crossovers within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Although it remains unconfirmed, the possibility of Tom Holland‘s Peter Parker appearing alongside Pascal’s Reed Richards has sparked considerable excitement among fans.
As audiences anticipate the film’s release, Shakman’s innovative approach to translating comic book elements into a live-action format promises to deliver a unique cinematic experience. The emphasis on realism and dynamic visuals could redefine how superhero powers are represented on-screen, catering to both long-time fans and newcomers to the franchise.