Fantastic Four’s Origin Story Revealed in ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’

Note: This post contains spoilers for Fantastic Four: First Steps #1!

The origin story of the Fantastic Four’s powers in The Fantastic Four: First Steps has been revealed. Marvel Studios is releasing a special prequel one-shot, and we’re getting a preview of Fantastic Four: First Steps #1 along with the team’s origin story.

Fantastic Four: First Steps #1 is written by Matt Fraction and illustrated by Mark Buckingham. In the MCU, the Fantastic Four gained their powers during an experimental space flight. While traveling through space, their ship passed through a mysterious cosmic ray storm. Reed Richards had miscalculated the intensity of the rays, and the radiation bombarded their bodies. They crash-landed back on Earth—forever changed.

Reed Richards became Mr. Fantastic—his body could stretch into any shape. Sue Storm became the Invisible Girl—she could turn invisible and later learned to generate powerful force fields. Johnny Storm became the Human Torch—he could burst into flames, fly, and control fire. Ben Grimm was transformed into the Thing—a super-strong, rock-skinned powerhouse.

Here’s the plot details for The Fantastic Four: First Steps:

Set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps introduces Marvel’s First Family — Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), and Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) — as they face their most daunting challenge yet. Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, they must defend Earth from a ravenous space god named Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his enigmatic Herald, the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). And if Galactus’ plan to devour the entire planet and everyone on it weren’t bad enough, things suddenly get very personal.

The film also stars Paul Walter Hauser, Natasha Lyonne, and Sarah Niles. Directed by Matt Shakman, produced by Kevin Feige, and executive produced by Louis D’Esposito, Grant Curtis, and Tim Lewis.

Fantastic Four: First Steps #1 goes on sale July 9 from Marvel Comics, and the movie will be released in theaters and IMAX on July 25, 2025.