The Fantastic Four and Superman: Commonalities in Their Origin Stories

Overview

Summer blockbusters from DC and Marvel emphasize relationships, showcasing vital emotional connections that keep audiences invested.
The trailer for Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps prioritizes family dynamics over just action sequences.
Strong superhero romances are essential for character development and capturing audience interest for future narratives.

As we look ahead to the blockbuster season in Summer 2025, two highly anticipated films stand out: DC Studios’ Superman and Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Scheduled for release in July, excitement is already building for what promises to be an exhilarating month for superhero fans.

The first teaser for The Fantastic Four: First Steps premiered this week, providing fans with a long-awaited introduction to Marvel’s First Family. This upcoming film marks their official entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, following two previous, critically mixed adaptations produced by 20th Century Fox. With each project facing its own set of challenges, both Marvel and DC have the critical task of reintroducing these iconic superheroes to contemporary audiences. While the trailers for both films aim to evoke nostalgia for the Silver Age of comics, they particularly underscore the profound significance of romantic pairings central to their plots.

The Romantic Central Figures of DC and Marvel

Superman Lois Lane Reed Richards Sue Storm

In exploring the trailers for both Superman and The Fantastic Four: First Steps, it’s clear that they emphasize the iconic romantic duos central to their narratives: Clark Kent/Superman with Lois Lane and Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic alongside Sue Storm/The Invisible Woman. Notably, the Superman teaser is sparse on dialogue, featuring only a poignant plea from Clark: “Krypto! Home. Take me home.” This brief line encapsulates the emotional weight underscoring the relationship dynamics at play, especially between Clark (played by David Corenswet) and Lois (played by Rachel Brosnahan).

On the other hand, the The Fantastic Four: First Steps trailer embraces dialogue, showcasing the strong bond between Reed Richards and Sue Storm, portrayed by Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby, respectively. The trailer concludes with Sue affirming, “Whatever life throws at us, we’ll face it together as a family, ” signaling the challenges posed by impending threats, such as Galactus.

Both James Gunn, the writer-director of Superman, and Matt Shakman, director of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, are clearly striving to connect modern audiences emotionally with these beloved characters, anchored by their romantic relationships. Each trailer intersperses moments of action with intimate exchanges, illustrating the tender interactions between Clark and Lois—featuring heartfelt glimpses of their daily lives at The Daily Planet, numerous affectionate kisses, and emotionally charged encounters in flight. Similarly, the trailers depict Reed and Sue having reflective discussions about their past as they prepare for their journey with their companions Adam’s Ben Grimm/The Thing and Joseph’s Johnny Storm/The Human Torch.

A Comparative Look at DC and Marvel Romances

When examining the romantic narratives across DC and Marvel films, it’s evident that Marvel has enjoyed greater success. This can be attributed in part to Marvel’s extensive screen opportunities for character development, showcasing relationships such as Tony Stark and Pepper Potts, as well as Steve Rogers and Peggy Carter, each reflecting unique dynamics that intertwine spectacle and intimate storytelling.

The relationship between Tony Stark and Pepper Potts is particularly noteworthy. Over 11 years, their evolution—from colleagues to spouses and partners in heroic endeavors—deepened audience engagement, culminating in emotional sacrifices depicted in Avengers: Endgame.

Conversely, DC’s romantic portrayals have struggled, especially within the confines of the now-defunct DC Extended Universe, which began with Man of Steel in 2013 and concluded with Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom in 2023. Although both films focus on superheroes known for their romantic ties, critics frequently highlight the lack of meaningful development or emotional resonance in these narratives.

Joker and Harley Quinn Iron Man and Pepper Potts

Take, for instance, the chemistry between Henry Cavill’s Superman and Amy Adams’ Lois Lane, which many felt fell flat. Likewise, Jason Momoa’s Aquaman and Amber Heard’s Mera had a somewhat lackluster rapport despite their adventurous journey. Moreover, the much-discussed relationships of the Joker and Harley Quinn, featured in various portrayals, have also struggled to connect authentically with audiences, whether due to underdeveloped storytelling or mismatched characterization.

Nonetheless, DC has seen triumphs in romance, especially in the first Wonder Woman, where the bond between Gal Gadot’s Diana Prince and Chris Pine’s Steve Trevor resonated deeply, enriched by their shared heroic journey. The chemistry between Robert Pattinson’s Bruce Wayne and Zoë Kravitz’s Selina Kyle in The Batman also proved captivating, driven by a narrative that leaves room for future explorations of their relationship in the anticipated sequel.

The Allure of Compelling Superhero Romances

The Batman Catwoman Amazing Spider-Man Gwen Stacy

While the primary draw for superhero films may be spectacular action sequences, it is oftentimes the depth of character relationships that compels audiences to return for sequels and larger ensemble films. Audiences invest in characters not only for their extraordinary abilities but also for their personal growth and relational dynamics, which are instrumental in making these heroes relatable.

In conclusion, both Superman and The Fantastic Four: First Steps must emphasize the qualities that endeared these superheroes to fans originally. Spectacle may thrill, but true engagement arises from the exploration of personal journeys—where well-crafted romance can evoke genuine emotional investment from viewers.

Reed Richards Sue Storm Superman Lois Lane

The current portrayal of Superman is subject to change, influenced by portrayals in series like The Boys and Invincible, that offer darker takes on the character. It falls to James Gunn and David Corenswet to reframe Superman for a new generation, harking back to ideals of truth, justice, and hope. Lois Lane is poised to play a pivotal role in this reinvention, becoming integral to connecting audiences with this revamped universe.

Similarly, Marvel faces significant expectations with The Fantastic Four: First Steps. After years of mixed adaptations, from the unreleased 1994 Roger Corman film to the less-than-stellar 2015 reboot, the brand needs a triumphant return. With Shakman’s experience showcased in WandaVision, fans are hopeful he can successfully navigate the complicated dynamics of Reed Richards and Sue Storm’s romance, striking a balance between humor, action, and heartfelt storytelling.

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