Marvel's New Guardians of the Galaxy: The Fantastic Four?
With the release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps in July 2025, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) will welcome a new group of heroes. After the heartfelt Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 wrapped up, fans of the popular Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy will now have an ensemble feature to complete. There is a conspicuous paucity of well-established, recognizable superhero teams in the world, despite the MCU's current focus on the next Avengers films, Avengers: The Kang Dynasty and Avengers: Secret Wars.
Cosmic Style and Multiverse Stories
There is an obvious parallel between The Fantastic Four: First Steps and the Guardians of the Galaxy films: both are ensemble pieces that present brand-new superhero squads with a distinctive cosmic style. In contrast to the Guardians, who were renowned for their eccentric personalities and fantastical space travel, the Fantastic Four are anticipated to provide a more cerebral but no less exciting voyage through a parallel reality. The film's early looks reflect a retro-futurist style that is reminiscent of the Guardians Movies' utilitarian yet rusted technology.
Not only that, but both teams are originally created as independent organizations that function outside of the main Earth-based MCU. The Guardians first appeared in their own space travel narratives, and in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, they teamed up with the Avengers. Similar to this, The Fantastic Four: First Steps tells an intriguing multiversal story while taking place in a separate reality and earlier in the MCU timeline than the current events.
A New Doctor Doom and an Impending Avengers Threat
A major part of what eventually led to the events of Infinity War and Endgame was the introduction of Thanos as a potential danger by the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy. Similar to this, it is said that The Fantastic Four: First Steps will have a significant adversary in the form of Robert Downey Jr.'s legendary character, Doctor Doom, possibly laying the groundwork for later Avengers films. This relationship signals a far more linked future for the MCU and increasingly blurs the lines between the two teams.
Superman vs. The Fantastic Four: A Box Office Showdown
Superman Legacy opens on July 11 and The Fantastic Four: First Steps two weeks later on July 25, setting up an incredible box office battle for the summer of 2025. Accompanying these highly anticipated Movies, such as Thunderbolts in May, the Jurassic World sequel, and the Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part 1 sequel, are both slated to be huge tentpole releases. Without a sure, the summer's biggest attraction will be the competition between these two superhero franchises, and it will be fascinating to see which one wins at the box office.
Following the dismal conclusion of the last DCEU, Superman Legacy will usher in a new DC cinematic universe. Warner Bros. and DC Comics need this reboot to be successful in order to create a new and interesting universe for their followers. However, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is also a pivotal film for Marvel Studios, which is trying to rekindle fan interest in the franchise following some unfavorable reviews for recent movies. The success of these upcoming movies will have a significant impact on both franchises' futures.
Superhero News and Trailers at SDCC 2025
For lovers of superhero movies, the yearly San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) has grown to be a big event when studios frequently reveal trailers, cast announcements, and other exciting news for upcoming movies. Robert Downey Jr. made a surprise appearance at SDCC 2024 as Doctor Doom, reiterating his involvement in the next Avengers films. More intriguing announcements and footage pertaining to the Fantastic Four, Superman Legacy, and the upcoming Avengers films are probably in store for SDCC 2025.
It's probable that SDCC 2025 will feature the first trailer for Avengers: Doomsday. Filming on the movie is scheduled to start in early 2024, so there should be enough material ready for a Hall H presentation. The film's May 2026 release date is also reasonably close to SDCC, which makes the event a perfect venue for releasing the first trailer.
The Fantastic Four and the Future of the MCU: A Multiversal Adventure
The Fantastic Four: First Steps seems like a good option to follow in the footsteps of the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, and the MCU is in dire need of a new, exciting series. The film, which stars Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby among its outstanding cast, attempts to expand the MCU by introducing a fresh and thrilling multiversal story. Their confirmed roles in Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars point to their crucial position in the MCU's future, crafting an engaging story that will captivate viewers for years to come.
