‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’ shows ‘togetherness’ can save the world - cast

July 23 ------ “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” marks the return of Marvel’s first family in the MCU, with Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn taking on the titular roles. While their superpowers are a huge part of their characters, the lead stars believe that staying together as a family is the film’s central theme.

“This is a family that knows how to save humanity by being a family, and it is a story of togetherness all around. And being together, we can save each other,” Pascal (Reed Richards/Mr Fantastic) said during the film’s world premiere at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, California, on Monday, July 21 (morning of July 22 in the Philippines).

Noting how the original comics were released in “an era of innocence and optimism,” the actor said the MCU’s retelling of the Fantastic Four was intentionally created in a way for audiences to love every character. “The world that this movie exists in is everything, especially in the authorship of the characters that we’re playing. It is very intentionally dedicated to everyone who has a love for the original comics,” he said. “[Stan Lee and Jack] Kirby, in their best form, gave us our first Marvel family in an era of innocence and optimism. I think it is really meant to be protected and held [preciously],” continued Pascal.

Human side of motherhood, acceptance

One of the film’s highlights is Sue Storm/Invisible Woman embracing the highs and lows of motherhood while saving the world. For Vanessa Kirby, portraying Sue was a “lived experience” for her, especially since she’s expecting her own child as well.

“I learned a lot from Sue on how moms can be real superheroes. I took mine for granted. And it was such an amazing lived experience for her to get pregnant, give birth, and then she’s a new mother, while all these existential, intergalactic threats are coming, and while this mission is happening,” she said. “I’m so honored that Marvel asked me to take on this journey and wanted me to portray a mother like that. It’s metaphorical to what mothers do every day,” she further added.

Meanwhile, Joseph Quinn (Johnny Storm/Human Torch) said his character is imperfect in dealing with “human problems,” which is similar to what everyone goes through. But he hinted that his character learns how to deal with it better. “I think being able to fly away can be useful at times. He’s got the upper hand,” he said in jest when asked about his similarities with Johnny. “I think it’s how we deal [in] our own ways. We may not be able to deal with it in the best way, but Johnny deals with it pretty well… I didn’t see him as an ashy blond, respectfully. But that’s what happened. That brought a level of something to the character,” he continued.

Quinn added that he intended to play Johnny to his core and not go against past portrayals. Other actors who starred as the fiery superhero were Chris Evans and Michael B. Jordan. “I think he’s just very dependent on this family dynamic. I didn’t have any particular manifesto or agenda. I wanted him to have [his own personality] — it wasn’t an opposition to the previous Johnnys. He’s young. And I didn’t realize how young he could be,” he said.

Ebon Moss-Bachrach, who stars as Ben Grimm/The Thing, explained that his character a someone who “is trying to have dignity” apart from his superhuman abilities. “He’s a man who’s just trying to have the world see him for who he is on the inside rather than who he is on the outside, like all of us in some way,” he said. “I know he’s quite odd-looking, but to me, he’s deeply human. He’s one of the most human and most tender characters I’ve ever gotten to play.”

Since the film won’t delve deep into the Fantastic Four’s origin story, Mops-Bachrach said his character is in a “quasi-acceptance” stage in terms of his superhuman abilities.

Source: inquirer.net