The Fantastic Four Trailer Revives My Hopes for The Thing After Fox’s Live-Action Disappointment

The highly anticipated trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps has finally arrived, and it has certainly lived up to my expectations regarding The Thing. Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) depiction of the character appears to be a vast improvement over his representation in Fox’s previous adaptation of the Fantastic Four. I have nostalgic fondness for the early 2000s cast, which featured actors who seemed to embody their respective roles perfectly. However, the memory of 2015’s Fantastic Four, which is often referred to as FANT4STIC, looms large as the nadir of live-action adaptations of this beloved franchise.

With several troubling aspects plaguing that project, my hope remains that The Fantastic Four: First Steps will learn from its predecessors’ mistakes. From what I gleaned from the first trailer, Marvel Studios has taken the right direction by aligning closer to the more revered comic portrayals rather than the missteps of earlier films. My initial trepidation about how Marvel would approach The Thing has been soothed by the promising visuals in the trailer.

Unveiling The Thing’s Look in The Fantastic Four: First Steps Trailer

Marvel Has Successfully Honored A Beloved Character

The Thing in The Fantastic Four: First Steps

After a somewhat contentious rollout for the trailer, Marvel Studios has graced fans with an extended preview of The Fantastic Four: First Steps. I found the tone of this first trailer to be a delightful reflection of the hopeful and engaging spirit found in the comics. The MCU’s efforts in enhancing each character’s aesthetics are commendable, particularly regarding The Thing. Given the ongoing debate about CGI versus practical effects, the intricate design work required to truly capture The Thing far exceeds that of other characters.

Watch the trailer here

Within the trailer, Marvel presents The Thing in a variety of settings, showcasing his CGI against both lighter and darker backgrounds, allowing for a rich visual experience. As there are still several months remaining before the film’s release, it is expected that any visual discrepancies will be addressed and refined. Notably, the MCU’s design of The Thing closely mirrors his original appearance in Marvel Comics, which resonates well with the thematic choice of setting the film in the 1960s.

My Enthusiasm for The Thing’s Design in the MCU

A Flawless Blend of Emotion and Action

The Thing in the shadows in The Fantastic Four First Steps trailer

Thus far, I have been quite impressed with Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s portrayal of The Thing. The trailer successfully captures an intriguing mix of the character’s expected rigidity, akin to a walking statue, while also allowing his emotional depth to shine through. The Thing is depicted as expressive—experiencing joy, sorrow, determination, and various other emotions.The subtleties of Moss-Bachrach’s performance have been intricately reflected through the CGI artistry, resulting in a character who feels both authentic and relatable.

While I previously appreciated Michael Chiklis’ version of The Thing from the earlier films, I am thrilled that Marvel has opted for an alternative design that retains excitement. Although a practical stand-in was spotted during filming, Moss-Bachrach has mentioned the collaborative efforts of “literally hundreds of people” dedicated to perfecting The Thing’s CGI. The end result is a classic take that cleverly mixes intimidation and warmth, showcasing Marvel’s commendable effort.

The Importance of Properly Portraying The Thing, Especially After Fox’s Missteps

A Disappointment in the Latest Fantastic Four Film

My initial concerns regarding The Thing’s portrayal in the MCU stem from my dissatisfaction with the design in the 2015 iteration. That film, overall, failed to resonate well with audiences, particularly Ben Grimm’s character, whose appearance did not come off as engaging. The integration of CGI in that film felt disjointed, especially compared to the seamless execution seen in The Fantastic Four: First Steps trailer, particularly during its darker scenes. I firmly believe that the MCU has succeeded in grounding The Thing’s character within a believable context.

Unlike the 2015 film’s generic approach, the MCU is drawing from one of The Thing’s most iconic comic eras for inspiration. This decision may present a stark contrast for those unfamiliar with the character from comic pages, but it’s an exhilarating choice for fans. The attention to detail and dedication involved in crafting this new interpretation signal Marvel’s commitment to distinguishing this project from all previous adaptations. Following Fox’s shortcomings, I see The Fantastic Four: First Steps as a much-needed success story for this beloved franchise.

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