The Best Character in ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ is Clearly Apparent

Overview

Ben Grimm shines in the latest trailer, capturing the essence and iconic look of The Thing.
Ebon Moss-Bachrach delivers a portrayal of The Thing that is both accurate to the comics and emotionally compelling.
The character’s journey towards self-acceptance and the innovative CGI design are key highlights.

The recently released trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps has generated considerable excitement, primarily due to the standout performance of a single character. This upcoming installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has been widely praised for its nostalgic yet forward-looking approach, capturing the essence of its iconic heroes.

Among the characters introduced, Ben Grimm, also known as The Thing, emerges as a potential fan favorite. Although it may seem premature to form a strong opinion based on a trailer alone, the initial impressions suggest a compelling journey ahead. Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s portrayal of The Thing could very well be a major highlight of this MCU entry.

Ben Grimm Captures Attention in The Fantastic Four: First Steps Trailer

Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s Thing Is Iconic

While Reed Richards, Sue Storm, and Johnny Storm also receive plenty of screen time, it is Ben Grimm’s character that truly captures the spotlight. The trailer not only presents an intriguing first look at his appearance but también effectively conveys his complex emotional depth. Moss-Bachrach’s entry as The Thing resonates with a familiarity akin to his role as Cousin Richie in FX’s The Bear.

Watch Trailer

The trailer introduces a scene featuring Ben in a domestic setting, joined by H. E.R. B.I. E., the beloved robot companion of the Fantastic Four. As they collaborate in the kitchen, Ben dons his signature blue and white costume, providing a relatable glimpse into his life. Flashbacks to their past mission unveil Ben in his human form, juxtaposing his current rocky appearance.

The Thing’s Emotional Journey Takes the Spotlight

The Cost of Ben Grimm’s Transformation

One poignant moment in the trailer captures The Thing’s emotional essence. Reed Richards, played by Pedro Pascal, is shown on a television screen, praising human Ben Grimm as “the best pilot in the world, ” to which Ben humorously responds, “Best looking, he means.” The scene then shifts to The Thing’s reflection in a window, visually confronting his transformed state.

The narrative of The Thing has long been rooted in themes of acceptance and identity, a recurring arc in both the comics and past adaptations. Unlike his fellow teammates, Ben cannot revert to his human appearance at will, symbolizing a perpetual struggle between his superhuman abilities and his lost humanity.

Ben Grimm: Beyond His Monstrous Facade

Will Marvel Address The Thing’s Self-Actualization?

It’s anticipated that the MCU will delve into Ben Grimm’s efforts to return to his human form, ultimately leading him to embrace his new reality. The trailer effectively illustrates his internal conflict regarding his appearance—a source of both admiration and disdain. Furthermore, Sue Storm’s reference to Ben as “always being the rock” underscores his crucial role as a steady presence within the team.

The team behind the CGI really cooked with The Thing.🥴 pic.twitter.com/0lAcQtanW5

— Fantastic Four Updates (@F4Update) February 4, 2025

A intriguing shot of children wearing merchandise featuring The Thing hints at the character’s popularity, juxtaposing Ben’s personal feelings towards his appearance with his public adoration. This narrative thread promises to be a compelling element throughout the film.

Staying True: The Thing’s Design in the MCU

Innovative CGI and Motion Capture Techniques

Moss-Bachrach’s portrayal is elevated by the creative decisions made about The Thing’s appearance, which faithfully aligns with the character’s comic roots as illustrated by Jack Kirby. Departing from cumbersome costumes and heavy prosthetics, Marvel Studios utilizes motion capture technology to present a fully CGI depiction of The Thing, reminiscent of Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk.

And so was born The Fantastic Four… pic.twitter.com/IhI6BgsSBR

— Fantastic Four (@FantasticFour) February 5, 2025

This technological choice allows Moss-Bachrach to deliver a more nuanced performance that shines through despite his rocky exterior. Additionally, his natural voice has not been altered, offering an authentic representation that diverges from past portrayals which often featured gruff tones. This approach, combined with intricate sound effects like that of shifting rocks, draws parallels to other unique Marvel characters like Korg.

In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, director Matt Shakman discussed their commitment to creating a character that is both faithful to the comics and grounded in reality, stating:

We consulted with scientists and animal experts to ensure our portrayal of The Thing was as accurate as possible, even going into the desert to find the ideal rock.

However, the trailer does feature some minor inconsistencies regarding The Thing, including some lip-sync issues and a need for smoother CGI integration. Nonetheless, these are expected to be refined during post-production, similar to Marvel’s previous projects.

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