#INTERVIEW: THE CAST & CREATORS OF MARVEL’S “THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS”

Marvel‘s First Family have long been overdue for their big moment and Marvel‘s THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS soon will re-introduce audiences to 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) in a way never seen before!

Directed by Matt Shakman, this long-awaited Blockbuster sees the Family in a retro-futuristic 1960s-inspired world. They must balance their families privately, with their public personas as heroes, as they must defend the universe from the imminent threat of Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and Silver Surfer (Julia Garner).

We are delighted to sit in on the global press conference with the Creators and Cast of Marvel‘s THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS with:

Vanessa Kirby (Sue Storm/Invisible Woman)
Pedro Pascal (Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic)
Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Ben Grimm/The Thing)
Joseph Quinn (Johnny Storm/Human Torch)
Julia Garner (Silver Surfer)
Ralph Ineson (Galactus)
Matt Shakman (Director)

Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige tells us about the time being right bringing Marvel’s First Family to the big screen in a new way.

Feige: I’m incredibly excited. Now is time to do it because we finally got the rights to it. And the other reason is that we’ve assembled an incredible Cast. It’s very exciting that people are now seeing the Movie. We and Matt have been working very hard for years to bring Marvel’s First Family to life in a way that we felt would fit within the world we created, even though the Film very much stands alone and apart. Even though everyone in this Film is very tired, having already shot half of their next appearance in Avengers: Doomsday.

Shakman talks about what went behind this Film’s very unique timeline.

Shakman: I’m a huge Fantastic Four fan and have been since I was a kid, so it was a huge honour getting to bring these characters to the MCU. We knew they were such public figures and leading lights of their age and era, that we would’ve heard about them by now, so we had to put them in a different era, a different universe, different earth. This meant we had chance to build a different retro-future 1960s. The same energy and effort we put into Wandavision to build all these sitcom realities, we put into this retro-future world here that is a combination of Jack Kirby and Stanley Kubrick‘s 2001.

Vanessa Kirby talks about bringing Sue Storm to the screen in this latest iteration of her.

Kirby: I mean, it’s already there in the Comics over the decades, it always seemed to me kinda revolutionary to have a mother at the center of this family, but absolutely part of the team and never left on her own. When I met Matt and Kevin for the first time and we started talking about Sue, they were so passionate about her. It was so exciting to me the idea of this pregnant superhero, a working mother. Even during shooting, it was surreal, really, because of this pregnancy bump. I was so included in everything. Matt and Kevin were such huge champions of having her be in it and as complex, fierce, loving and warm – all the things they think ‘feminine’ is. It was very daunting and a great honour to play her. I’m just one of many who have gotten to know her over years.

Pedro Pascal talks about navigating Reed Richards‘ grief, new fatherhood and how Shankman (and his daughter) helped.

Pascal: My favourite thing about it is actually that this person who is so brilliant and so comfortable with figuring out the most complex science equations to create solutions for everything, or to continue understanding how the world and beyond functions. But without really knowing how to understand the much more complex equation of relationships, family and love and growing in a relationship as a friend, partner, and then of course, as a father. He handles it by ‘babyproofing’ the world rather than just being present for the experience. This is definitely something Matt guided me through – the emotional arc and details, as I’m not a father and can only imagine what it is. Matt’s daughter got me the part. She sold me some Lemonade and that was it. Look it up!

Conversations with Matt about Reed were my entry point into the character.

Joseph Quinn talks about becoming Johnny Storm.

Quinn: There’s something quite aspirational about this Johnny and they way he uses space. He’s a bit of searcher, looking for answers. All of these four characters are sentenced to this idea of responsibility and superpower and having this public-facing life. He’s looking for answers outside of it. There was something inherently in the Script – someone that was fully grounded and not two-dimensional. I was just very fortunate. It was a delight diving-in and having a laugh.

Ebon Moss-Bachrach reflects upon his experience working with this brilliant Ensemble.

Moss–Bachrach: There is a limit to how much you can build, but we were incredibly-blessed. Matt was wise to put us four together. They say you can know in first ten seconds and we all hit if off in the beginning and through the five-to-six months of making this Movie. This was not a ‘trauma-bonder’, but it’s like you’re pushing a boat over a mountain. We spent many days and hours together, all pleasurable. I’m grateful to still be hanging out with family.

I’ve never done Performance-Capture work and that attracted me to the Movie. I wanted to explore this method of acting and to get to play this incredible, strong, heavy character. I had some anxiety and nerves as it was a dim departure, but melted away in a couple days. It was really freeing.

Ralph Ineson discusses the gargantuan task of becoming Galactus.

Ineson: It happened over few months. Every few weeks I got to stand in front of a three-way mirror and look at the character. It was art and engineering, a 350 lb huge, muscular thing. It was wearable design, incredible.

Shakman: Ralph has one of most amazing voices in the world, but he lowered it an octave for this. The first time he debuted on the mic, it took my breath away.

Ineson: It takes a lot of breath to get your voice that way, and to get a growl. It takes a lot of working out to do that. I’m quite pleased with it.

Julia Garner tells us about how there were a lot of firsts for her starring as Silver Surfer.

Garner: My first day on-set, they were welcoming, warm and comforting. It was the craziest first day on a job I’ve ever had. I was 30 feet in the air, there was a construction crane, it was at night, I had an earpiece and was hearing directions. Matt and Vanessa were there and it was wild, but I had so much fun!

Marvel Studios’ “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” opens in theatres July 25, 2025.  

#FIRSTLOOK: FINAL TRAILER FOR “THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS”

In one month, Marvel’s first family flies into theatres around the globe. Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Human Torch and The Thing are joined by H.E.R.B.I.E., the Silver Surfer and planet-eating cosmic being Galactus in a retro-fururistic thrill-ride! A new trailer and poster are available now to download and share.

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 called Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). And if Galactus’ plan to devour the entire planet and everyone on it weren’t bad enough, it suddenly gets very personal.

The action adventure also stars Paul Walter Hauser, Natasha Lyonne and Sarah Niles. “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is directed by Matt Shakman, produced by Kevin Feige and executive produced by Louis D’Esposito, Grant Curtis and Tim Lewis.

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR MARVEL STUDIOS’ “THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS”

Showcasing Marvel’s First Family, Silver Surfer, H.E.R.B.I.E. and the retro-futuristic, 1960s vibe of Marvel Studios’ “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” a new trailer, poster and film stills are now available to download and share.

Opening in theatres July 25, Marvel Studios’ “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” introduces Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm/Human Torch Joseph Quinn) and Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) 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 called Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). And if Galactus’ plan to devour the entire planet and everyone on it weren’t bad enough, it suddenly gets very personal.

The action adventure also stars Paul Walter Hauser, John Malkovich, Natasha Lyonne and Sarah Niles. “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is directed by Matt Shakman, produced by Kevin Feige and executive produced by Louis D’Esposito, Grant Curtis and Tim Lewis.

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW OFFICIAL TRAILER AND POSTER FOR “GLADIATOR II”

Today we get a brand-new official Trailer for long-awaited GLADIATOR II! Just yesterday we got the new Teaser Poster!

Paramount Pictures Canada release in theatres NOVEMBER 22, 2024.

SYNOPSIS

From legendary director Ridley Scott, Gladiator II continues the epic saga of power, intrigue, and vengeance set in Ancient Rome. Years after witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius (Paul Mescal) is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist. With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people.

EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY

Walter Parkes, Laurie MacDonald, Raymond Kirk, Aidan Elliott

PRODUCED BY

Douglas Wick, Ridley Scott, Lucy Fisher, Michael Pruss, David Franzoni

BASED ON CHARACTERS BY

David Franzoni

STORY BY

Peter Craig and David Scarpa

SCREENPLAY BY

David Scarpa

DIRECTED BY

Ridley Scott

STARRING

Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Lior Raz, Derek Jacobi, with Connie Nielsen and Denzel Washington

(Photo credit: Paramount Pictures)

#FANEXPOCANADA: HIGHLIGHTS FROM FAN EXPO CANADA TORONTO 2022

Fan Expo Canada is back and bigger than ever! The Pandemic may have held us back for a bit, this edition of Fan Expo is here to remind us all exactly what we’ve missed. Running through August 28, 2022 at Metro Toronto Convention Centre, this celebration of Fandom unites fans of all genres together under one roof by the hundreds of thousands. And for good reason. The celebrity guest list this year is unreal!

Cast members of The Lord of The Rings, Clerks, Stranger Things, The Boys, Sons of Anarchy all are slated to appear, reniting for panels, photo ops and autograph sessions in the North Building. All for the fans! Photo Ops for Stranger Things’ Joseph Quinn who plays Eddie Munson on the popular Series, sold-out rather quickly and he certainly was the hot ticket this year. You cannot miss the Hall of Horrors where you can sit and listen to panels from your favourite name in Horror, and also and Tattoo Alley where you can get tatted!

Above this, there are so many cool activations to be seen including set-ups in the South Building by the likes of Bandai Namco, Studio Ghibli, Genshin Impact, Bell Esports Challenge, Nintendo Switch, TikTok, WhatNot and more! There are photos to be taken, prizes to be won and things to take home! And don’t forget to visit Artist Alley for a chance to meet and get commissioned pieces by some of your favourites. So many cool vendors and hard-to-find items throughout!

Check out my Highlight Reel. You cannot miss this and here’s why!

@mrwillwong

Fan Expo Canada 2022 takes place now through 8.28.22 at Metro Toronto Convention Centre! Some highlights from Day One.#FanExpo #FYP #ForYouPage #StrangerThings #ChrissyCunningham #GraceVanDien #TheBoys #JosephQuinn #Toronto #Anime #StudioGhibli #Bandai #Cosplay GenshinImpact. @Fan Expo HQ

♬ dance(256762) – TimTaj

Tina Chan is a special contributor for us this year and here’s some highlights from the most buzzed Panels of Fan Expo Canada 2022!

GRACE VAN DIEN

The Stranger Things star revealed at her Panel that she officially came-out as Queer when she was 20 after being asked on a date and realizing that she had the power to say “yes”, and learned to accept her sexuality. When asked about whether or not she sees herself as an extrovert, she told the audience that she actually thinks she’s anti-social.

On what won her the coveted role of Chrissy Cunningham on the Series, the daughter of Actor Casper Van Dien says, “The Duffer Brothers said I was the only one who played Chrissy sweet. Everyone else played her mean in their auditions”.

Fun Fact: Van Dien revealed that she idolizes Paul Newman. Her favourite Movie is Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. 

MATTHEW LEWIS

The Harry Potter star who unfortunately had to cancel last year, was able to make it to the City for Fan Expo Canada 2022. Lewis tells fans at his Panel that getting into the role of Neville Longbottom wasn’t too tough as he truly related to him saying, “I got it cause I went through it”.

Reflecting on his childhood as an Actor, he spoke of it as being relatively normal. “When we were off set, we were in school together. We got to have a relatively normal childhood and knew we were all in same boat together. We had each other to lean on.”.

ANTHONY DANIELS

The Star Wars Actor known best for playing C-3PO has the unique distinction of having starred in all nine Star Wars films. Daniels tells fans at his Panel that during the first ever Star Wars Film, “I’d been rehearsing in the studio for six months while they made the costume. I felt special and I felt like a star the first time I put the costume on.”.

Fun Facts: C-3PO’s microphone is actually wired towards his butt. And his favourite of all Star Wars films would be Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.

MICHAEL ROOKER

The Guardians of the Galaxy star who plays Yondu has an obsession with Wunderbars and was “wundering” if these were a Canadian thing. He also vows to try everything Canadian this weekend and at his Panel tried Canadian Smarties, Wunderbar, Aero and Kit Kat. Rooker definitely wasn’t impressed by Coffee Crisp, describing them as “Kind of hard and dry, and it doesn’t taste like coffee at all!”.

JAMIE CAMPBELL BOWER

This Stranger Things star certainly is no “stranger” to Toronto having filmed The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones here. Campbell Bower who plays Vecna on the Series, professed “I love my job and I’m a fucking nerd!”. On how lucky he is to have landed this role, he says humbly “It could’ve been anyone and the writing is exactly the thing that made the Show”. He also describes the several hours a day in costume/make-up as being “very intense”. He adds, “I would find myself crying in the middle of the night saying ‘Papa please, Papa please….”.

Fun Fact: If Vecna were to order something at Starbucks, it would be, per Campbell Bower, “A venti Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew with extra foam”!

Sharing some of our own Snaps! One of our favourite events of the year, every year!

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Also, some amazing Cosplay for you to enjoy!

Fan Expo Toronto Cosplayers always show-up!

It’s not too late to get tickets still for Fan Expo Canada 2022! More here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Tina Chan)