‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Final Trailer: Stanley Kubrick’s Influence Shines in Marvel’s Retro Epic

‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Final Trailer, released on June 25, 2025, offers a tantalizing glimpse into Marvel Studios’ reboot, directed by Matt Shakman, who has openly cited Stanley Kubrick as a key inspiration.

Set for a July 25, 2025 theatrical release, the trailer showcases a 1960s retro-futuristic world where Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) battle Galactus (Ralph Ineson).

By channeling Kubrick’s groundbreaking techniques from films like 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), Shakman crafts a visually distinct MCU entry. This article explores how the trailer reflects Kubrick’s influence on the film’s aesthetic, storytelling, and production.

What Kubrick-Inspired Visual Style Does the Trailer Showcase?

The trailer’s retro-futuristic aesthetic mirrors Kubrick’s meticulous visual design in 2001: A Space Odyssey. Shakman’s use of vintage lenses and a 4:3 aspect ratio for certain scenes evokes the cinematic texture of 1960s sci-fi, as seen in the Baxter Building’s sleek, mid-century modern interiors.

The Fantasticar and Excelsior spaceship, highlighted in the trailer, resemble Kubrick’s practical miniatures, with a 14-foot-tall model used for the latter, grounding the cosmic spectacle in tangible realism.

These choices reflect Kubrick’s philosophy of blending practical effects with visionary scope, creating a believable yet otherworldly universe.

How Does the Trailer Reflect Kubrick’s Grounded Approach to Sci-Fi?

Shakman’s commitment to a “grounded version of space” echoes Kubrick’s realistic depiction of space travel in 2001. The trailer avoids fantastical elements like wormholes, instead showcasing Apollo 11-inspired booster rockets and retro-futuristic tech.

Scenes of the Fantastic Four in space suits, navigating a star-filled cosmos, parallel 2001’s methodical portrayal of astronauts.

This practical approach, emphasized by Shakman’s use of real sets and minimal green screen, as noted in interviews, aligns with Kubrick’s insistence on authenticity to immerse audiences in the narrative.

What Narrative Themes in the Trailer Draw from Kubrick?

Kubrick’s films often explore human ambition and existential threats, themes evident in the trailer’s depiction of the Fantastic Four facing Galactus, a cosmic entity threatening Earth.

Reed’s line, “We may not survive this,” carries the weight of 2001’s monolith-driven existential dread. The trailer’s focus on family dynamics—seen in Sue’s rallying cry, “We’ll face it together”—mirrors Kubrick’s subtle character studies within grand narratives, grounding the cosmic stakes in personal relationships.

Shakman’s inspiration from 2001’s philosophical depth suggests a story that balances spectacle with introspection.

How Does the Trailer’s Production Design Echo Kubrick’s Influence?

The trailer’s production design, particularly Reed’s lab with its red, yellow, and blue rooms, directly nods to 2001’s iconic sets, as Shakman confirmed in interviews. These colorful, functional spaces reflect Kubrick’s use of bold, purposeful design to convey narrative clarity.

The trailer also highlights practical props like H.E.R.B.I.E. and the Fantasticar, crafted with the same hands-on ethos Kubrick employed for 2001’s spacecraft. By prioritizing physical sets over CGI, as seen in the Yancy Street and Baxter Building sequences, Shakman channels Kubrick’s tactile filmmaking.

Why Does Kubrick’s Influence Make the Trailer Stand Out in the MCU?

Unlike typical MCU films, the trailer’s Kubrick-inspired approach—emphasizing practical effects, vintage aesthetics, and a standalone universe—sets First Steps apart.

Shakman’s decision to avoid Easter eggs and focus on a self-contained story, as seen in the trailer’s isolated focus on the Fantastic Four, reflects Kubrick’s singular vision in films like Dr. Strangelove (1964).

The trailer’s blend of optimism and menace, paired with Michael Giacchino’s evocative score, captures Kubrick’s ability to merge emotional resonance with visual grandeur, promising a unique MCU experience.

How Does the Trailer Build Anticipation for Kubrick’s Legacy in the Film?

The trailer’s buzz, amplified by 202 million views for the first teaser and X posts praising its “Kubrick vibes,” underscores its impact. @KindaCulty noted the trailer’s cosmic visuals evoking 2001 and H.R. Giger’s Alien aesthetic, suggesting Shakman’s ambition to blend Kubrick’s precision with modern flair.

By showcasing Reed’s stretching, Sue’s force fields, and Galactus’ towering presence, the trailer promises a film that honors Kubrick’s legacy while delivering Marvel’s action-packed spectacle, setting high expectations for July 25, 2025.

Highlights of Stanley Kubrick’s Influence in ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Final Trailer  

• Visual Style: Vintage lenses and a 4:3 aspect ratio evoke 2001: A Space Odyssey’s 1960s sci-fi texture.

• Practical Effects: A 14-foot Excelsior miniature and real sets mirror Kubrick’s tangible approach.

• Grounded Sci-Fi: Apollo 11-inspired tech and no wormholes reflect 2001’s realistic space portrayal.

• Thematic Depth: Existential threats and family bonds echo Kubrick’s philosophical narratives.

• Production Design: Reed’s lab and practical props draw from 2001’s bold, functional sets.

• Unique MCU Tone: A standalone story and retro-optimism channel Kubrick’s singular vision.

Some Closing Thoughts:

‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Final Trailer reveals a Marvel film steeped in Stanley Kubrick’s cinematic legacy, blending practical effects, retro-futuristic visuals, and existential themes.

Matt Shakman’s Kubrick-inspired approach promises a fresh take on Marvel’s First Family, balancing cosmic spectacle with grounded storytelling. As anticipation builds for its July 25, 2025, release, join the buzz on X and prepare for an MCU adventure that pays homage to a filmmaking legend.

Ready for a Kubrick-esque Marvel epic? This trailer says it all.