Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps Trailer—Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards Faces Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer

Marvel Studios has officially unveiled the first full-length trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps, giving fans a thrilling glimpse into the retro-futuristic 1960s world of Marvel’s First Family.

With Pedro Pascal stepping into the role of Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic) and Julia Garner portraying a reimagined Silver Surfer, the trailer teases high-stakes cosmic battles, emotional conflicts, and the arrival of Galactus.

Set to hit theaters on July 25, 2025, this film marks the official introduction of the Fantastic Four into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) after Disney‘s acquisition of 20th Century Fox.

Let’s break down the trailer, explore the cast, and analyze what this means for the future of the MCU.

A Retro-Futuristic Take on the Fantastic Four

Unlike previous iterations, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is set in a 1960s-inspired alternate universe, giving the film a unique aesthetic that blends classic comic book elements with modern storytelling.

The trailer opens with Reed Richards and Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby) discovering they are expecting a child, adding a deeply personal layer to the narrative. However, their moment of joy is short-lived as Silver Surfer descends upon Earth, marking the planet for destruction.

Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards—A Leader Burdened by Responsibility

Pedro Pascal’s portrayal of Reed Richards showcases a brilliant yet conflicted leader, struggling with the weight of protecting Earth.

In the trailer, Richards is seen blaming himself for the impending doom, questioning whether he and his team can truly save the planet. His internal struggle adds emotional depth to the character, making him more than just a genius scientist.

Pascal’s performance promises to bring gravitas and complexity to Mr. Fantastic, setting the stage for a compelling character arc.

Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer—A Bold Reimagining

One of the biggest surprises in the trailer is Julia Garner’s portrayal of Silver Surfer, who has been reimagined as Shalla-Bal, a character from Marvel Comics.

Traditionally, Silver Surfer was Norrin Radd, a noble hero who sacrificed himself to serve Galactus. However, in First Steps, Shalla-Bal takes center stage, offering a fresh take on the herald of destruction.

Her chilling dialogue—“Your planet is now marked for death.“—sets the tone for the cosmic threat looming over Earth.

Galactus Arrives—The MCU’s Next Big Villain?

The trailer teases the arrival of Galactus, the planet-devouring cosmic entity, played by Ralph Ineson.

In the final moments, massive feet are seen walking through the city, hinting at Galactus’ overwhelming presence.

With the Fantastic Four battling Silver Surfer, Galactus’ role in the film remains a mystery. Will he be the main antagonist, or is Marvel setting him up for future MCU films like Avengers: Doomsday?

The Fantastic Four Team—A Stellar Cast

The film features an impressive ensemble, including:

• Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards / Mr. Fantastic
• Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm / Invisible Woman
• Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm / Human Torch
• Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm / The Thing
• Julia Garner as Shalla-Bal / Silver Surfer
• Ralph Ineson as Galactus
• Paul Walter Hauser, John Malkovich, Natasha Lyonne, and Sarah Niles in supporting roles

With Matt Shakman directing (known for WandaVision), the film promises thrilling action, emotional storytelling, and a fresh take on Marvel’s First Family.

What This Means for the MCU

1. The Fantastic Four’s Official MCU Debut

This film marks the first proper introduction of the Fantastic Four into the MCU, paving the way for their involvement in future crossover events.

2. A New Era of Cosmic Storytelling

With Galactus and Silver Surfer entering the MCU, Marvel is expanding its cosmic narrative, setting the stage for Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027.

3. A Unique Cinematic Style

The retro-futuristic setting differentiates First Steps from previous Marvel films, offering a visually distinct experience that blends classic comic book aesthetics with modern filmmaking.

A Promising Start for Marvel’s First Family

With Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards, Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer, and the arrival of Galactus, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is shaping up to be a game-changer for the MCU.

The trailer teases high-stakes action, emotional depth, and a fresh take on beloved characters, making it one of the most anticipated Marvel films of 2025.

As fans eagerly await its July 25 release, one thing is certain—Marvel’s First Family is finally stepping into the spotlight.