“The Fantastic Four: First Steps” Was Filmed Stanley Kubrick Style

Which director do you wish filmed a Marvel film? Steven Spielberg? Christopher Nolan? Or do we go old school with Stanley Kubrick?

Marvel Studios is boldly going where the MCU hasn’t gone before — into a retro-futuristic alternate 1960s, courtesy of its upcoming film The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Set in a universe where the titular heroes are the only superheroes on Earth, this reboot sets itself apart in both tone and style.

In a recent interview with Empire, director Matt Shakman revealed how deeply the film leans into its period setting. Drawing from the spirit of the Space Race and the optimism of the JFK era, Shakman reimagines the Fantastic Four not just as superheroes, but as explorers and astronauts — America’s brightest and boldest.

“This is very much about the spirit of the Space Race. It’s imagining these four going into space instead of Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin,” Shakman said. “They’re adventurers first — their fame comes from exploration, not just powers.”

What makes First Steps truly unique in the Marvel catalog is its dedication to authenticity. Shakman aimed to recreate the look and feel of a film made in 1965, citing Stanley Kubrick as a major influence. That meant fewer wormholes and more booster rockets — practical effects, real sets, and even a 14-foot spaceship miniature dominate the production design. Vintage camera lenses and techniques were employed to enhance the period aesthetic, though CGI still plays a role where needed.

The result is a movie that blends classic sci-fi flair with Marvel storytelling, all while being refreshingly detached from the main MCU timeline. “We are our own universe,” Shakman said. “There’s no Easter eggs, no Iron Man — just our story.”

Starring Pedro Pascal (Reed Richards), Vanessa Kirby (Sue Storm), Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Ben Grimm), and Joseph Quinn (Johnny Storm), the film pits the team against cosmic threat Galactus and his herald, the Silver Surfer.

With its July release date, The Fantastic Four: First Steps promises to deliver something nostalgic yet new — a space-age adventure built on the hopeful spirit of the past.

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Source: Dark Horizons

Photo Credit: Marvel