Marvel Fans Celebrate “Comic-Accurate” Depiction of The Thing

Wednesday delighted Marvel enthusiasts with a surprising leak of new set photos from Fantastic Four: First Steps. These images offered a first look at one of the most eagerly awaited characters – Ben Grimm, also known as The Thing. Played by Ebon Moss-Bachrach, star of The Bear, the snapshots reveal an orange-hued team member who appears to be the most comic-accurate version seen in live-action so far, prompting excitement among fans.

The photos and a subsequent video show Moss-Bachrach being assisted into a mask representing The Thing. The actor is clad in what seems to be a full costume, complete with a Fantastic Four suit and briefly visible rocky orange hands. While it’s unclear if this is the final look for the character – as Moss-Bachrach has hinted that his performance may largely involve motion capture, relying on CGI – the appearance definitely suggests an effort toward comic accuracy. This possibility is driving fans’ enthusiasm online.

One fan, @WAVHistheMOC, exclaimed, “Comic book come to life!!!!!” Another, @whtbllnking, expressed excitement using two “thumbs up” emojis and The Thing’s iconic catchphrase: “It’s Clobberin’ Time!!!!!”

Some fans took a more measured approach, acknowledging the likely role of CGI in the final product. @oneofmanyryans commented, “While CG replacements are gonna be as inevitable as Thanos, I actually really like the design for Thing’s face! I just hope the CG design will be more or less the same.” Similarly, @MattBCTucker noted, “The Thing looks classic. Assume they are going to CGI on top of the physical mask. But I like that it’s a practical effect on set, as well. Size looks good.”

Currently, details about Fantastic Four: First Steps are sparse, but director Matt Shakman has previously shared some insights. Shakman explained that the film, set in a retro-futuristic version of the 1960s, won’t serve as an origin story for Marvel’s First Family. Instead, the narrative will begin at a point beyond the characters’ transformation and foundational tales.

“One of the things we decided early on was not to do an origin story,” Shakman said. “One of the ways we’re making it our own thing is we’re not telling the story of them going up and being changed and starting our story there. There’s a lot of well-known narratives that lead into that moment, right? And then you’re making up your new story starting basically at the end of the first act, and we thought, ‘Well, let’s just start this thing off on a completely new foot.’ So, we are beginning after that.”

The cast of Fantastic Four: First Steps is impressive, featuring Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us) as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby (The Crown) as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Bear) as Ben Grimm/The Thing, and Joseph Quinn (Stranger Things) as Johnny Storm/Human Torch. Julia Garner will appear as Shalla-Bal/Silver Surfer, with Ralph Ineson as Galactus. Additional roles, played by Paul Walter Hauser, John Malkovich, and Natasha Lyonne, remain undisclosed. Matt Shakman, known for WandaVision, will direct the film.

Fantastic Four: First Steps is scheduled to hit theaters on July 25, 2025.

Source: comicbook.com