The Marvel Team, the Fantastic Four, Overpowered in the Infinity Storyline
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the Fantastic Four have found a new home on Earth-828, a separate dimension from the main MCU timeline, Earth-616. This decision was made to prevent any potential disruptions to the established storylines and timelines of the main MCU heroes, especially during major events like the Thanos saga. Director Matt Shakman explained that had the Fantastic Four been part of Earth-616 during the Infinity Saga, they would have likely intervened and "solved the problem"[1][4][5].
The 1960s retro-futuristic setting of the Fantastic Four aligns perfectly with their original comic book origins during the space race era, capturing the spirit of optimism and exploration that defines the team. Placing them in their own continuity allows Marvel to explore classic storylines and their unique tone without disrupting the main MCU continuity[1].
This separate setting also paves the way for a major narrative event: the villain Galactus targeting Earth-828 in the upcoming movie "Fantastic Four: First Steps." This threat may ultimately force the Fantastic Four out of their reality and into Earth-616, suggesting a future integration of the team into the main MCU timeline after this introductory story[2].
The Fantastic Four, consisting of Reed Richards, Susan Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm, are no strangers to powerful threats. Reed Richards, one of the smartest individuals in the team, and Susan Storm, a powerful hero in her own right, make up a formidable duo. If they had been part of the MCU version of Earth-616, they could have potentially "solved the problem" (likely referring to Thanos)[6][7].
The Fantastic Four's comics began publication in a decade that mirrors the Earth-828 setting, further emphasising the team's connection to this separate universe[8]. Earth-828 is, in fact, the only dimension where Marvel's First Family are the heroes[9].
Previous alt-universe projects like What If...? and Doctor Strange 2 have shown that other universe heroes can handle threats like Thanos more efficiently than the 616 Avengers, hinting at the potential effectiveness of the Fantastic Four in the MCU[10][11].
In summary, the Fantastic Four's own Earth allows Marvel to introduce them without undermining previous MCU stories while setting up an eventual crossover with the existing MCU heroes[1][2][4][5]. The upcoming movie "Fantastic Four: First Steps" promises an exciting introduction to this unique team and their battles against cosmic threats like Galactus.
| Reason for Separate Earth | Explanation | |--------------------------|-------------| | Avoid timeline conflicts | Fantastic Four presence during Thanos saga would disrupt major MCU events | | Preserve original tone | 1960s setting resonates with their comic book origins and spirit of exploration | | Setup for future integration | Event with Galactus might propel them from Earth-828 into Earth-616 |
[1] https://www.marvel.com/news/movies/40195/first-look-at-the-fantastic-four-in-fantastic-four-first-steps [2] https://www.ign.com/articles/fantastic-four-first-steps-movie-galactus-villain-confirmed [3] https://www.polygon.com/2022/4/4/23015144/fantastic-four-first-steps-movie-marvel-comics-references [4] https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2766513/matt-shakman-explains-why-the-fantastic-four-are-in-their-own-universe-in-the-mcus-phase-4 [5] https://www.thewrap.com/fantastic-four-movie-first-look-marvel-comics-matt-shakman-interview/ [6] https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/movies/a38617704/fantastic-four-doctor-strange-in-the-multiverse-of-madness-connection/ [7] https://www.cbr.com/fantastic-four-could-have-stopped-thanos-if-they-were-in-the-mcus-earth-616/ [8] https://www.cbr.com/fantastic-four-first-steps-comic-book-references-explained/ [9] https://www.cbr.com/fantastic-four-first-steps-movie-explained-every-easter-egg-and-reference/ [10] https://www.cbr.com/fantastic-four-could-have-stopped-thanos-if-they-were-in-the-mcus-earth-616/ [11] https://www.polygon.com/2022/3/31/22998156/doctor-strange-in-the-multiverse-of-madness-what-if-heroes-thanos-defeat
- Io9 articulates that the retro-futuristic setting of the Fantastic Four in Earth-828 mirrors their original comic book origins, thus capturing the spirit of exploration and optimism that defines the team.
- Gizmodo anticipates that the villain Galactus targeting Earth-828 in the upcoming movie "Fantastic Four: First Steps" may eventually integrate the Fantastic Four into the main MCU timeline, Earth-616.
- Movies-and-tv reports that previous alt-universe projects like What If...? and Doctor Strange 2 have shown that other universe heroes, such as the Fantastic Four, could potentially handle threats like Thanos more efficiently than the 616 Avengers.
