Marvel’s upcoming film The Fantastic Four: First Steps has thrown fans a delightful curveball with the reveal of The Thing’s character design.
In a surprising turn, the production has opted for a practical suit for The Thing, portrayed by The Bear’s Ebon Moss-Bachrach, rather than relying heavily on visual effects. This decision marks a nostalgic return to the roots of superhero cinema, akin to the approach taken in the earlier Fantastic Four films where Michael Chiklis donned a similarly practical costume.
The set video leaked online shows a brief glimpse of what appears to be The Thing in full costume. It remains unclear if Moss-Bachrach was the one inside the suit for this scene or if it was merely a stand-in used for filming purposes. This practical effect could blend traditional suit acting with subtle enhancements via modern VFX, which would align beautifully with the film’s 1960s aesthetic.
🎥 | New look at The Thing on the set of ‘THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS’ pic.twitter.com/Zz2q8sQt4D
— Fantastic Four Updates (@F4Update) August 28, 2024
Moss-Bachrach discussed earlier on Jimmy Kimmel Live about the evolution of portraying such a character. He highlighted the shift from the cumbersome suits of the past to more technologically savvy methods, reflecting on the importance of authenticity and comfort in modern costume design.
Marvel Studios has gathered an impressive cast for the film, including Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, and Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, with Ralph Ineson playing the formidable Galactus. The film’s screenplay has seen collaborations from notable writers such as Josh Friedman of Avatar: The Way of Water and Cam Squires of WandaVision, with Eric Pearson giving the final polish.
Directed by Matt Shakman, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is slated for release on July 25, 2025. It promises to be a fresh take on the beloved Marvel family, with a special emphasis on practical effects that are sure to add a tangible, gritty realism to the fantastical world of superheroes.
Just one question for Moss-Bachrach – who is harder to take on Carmy in the kitchen or Galactus in space?
UPDATE: We jumped the gun. A new photo shows who is wearing The Thing suit – a stand-in or stunt man. But you can be sure, Reel Chicago will bring you the news when we do see Ebon on set!
Fantastic Four First Steps, ‘Thing’ DOUBLE gets ready.
Not filmed at Pinewood Studio. pic.twitter.com/2XnGuVsRzb
— UnBoxPHD (@UnBoxPHD) August 29, 2024
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