Why Fantastic Four’s Story Wouldn’t Have Worked on MCU’s Main Earth-616

Matt Shakman recently explained the decision to set The Fantastic Four: First Steps on Earth-828, within the MCU multiverse and outside the main timeline. In a new interview, the director revealed how placing Marvel’s First Family on another Earth avoids major continuity issues. He also shared how the multiverse setting offers a fresh entry point for new and longtime fans.

Matt Shakman explains Fantastic Four’s Earth-828 setting

In an interview with ScreenRant, Shakman talked about The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Earth-828 setting and explained, “They’re such public figures. The idea that they were just hanging out in the ’60s during our regular MCU timeline wouldn’t work. Where were they when Thanos came? Where were they when Loki was attacking?” He emphasized that their absence during major MCU events would raise difficult questions, so placing them in a different universe was necessary.

Shakman added that setting the film in another world gives new audiences an accessible starting point. “If you know nothing about Marvel, come on in. The water is warm,” he said. Shakman also noted that longtime fans would still find connections to the broader universe. “Eventually these characters will merge up with other MCU heroes and get connected to the main storyline,” he further explained.

This approach aligns with the overall strategy of The Multiverse Saga, which explores alternate realities. By keeping the Fantastic Four’s story self-contained, Marvel avoids retroactive plot inconsistencies and enables the film to stand alone within Phase 6. Shakman highlighted that many viewers feel daunted by needing to catch up on previous Marvel titles, saying, “There are folks who thought, ‘Oh gosh, I’m not up to speed on Marvel.’”

The Fantastic Four: First Steps skips the origin story, presenting the team as already established. Shakman says this makes it a clean entry point and sets up their future MCU crossover.

Matt Shakman directs the film, with Jeff Kaplan, Josh Friedman, Ian Springer, and Eric Pearson handling the script. It is set to hit theaters on July 25, 2025.

Originally reported by Anubhav Chaudhry on SuperHeroHype.

Source: Comingsoon.net