MCUfans have quickly picked up on a Superman Comics reference hidden in the newest trailer forThe Fantastic Four: First Steps.The latest trailer forThe Fantastic Four: First Stepsfeatures a litany of surprising developments, including Sue Storm’s pregnancy and a first look atShalla-Bal, the Silver Surfer. It also gives fans a closer look atthe Fantastic Four using their powers, with Ben Grimm/The Thing demonstrating his incredible strength in a couple of scenes.
In one such scene, Grimm lifts a car to entertain a cohort of children, which X user@Sinestros_Mytepointed outmirrors the exact pose and car model from Superman’s first comic, “Action Comics #1.“The parallels are certainly convincing, although some comments are quick to point out the difference in tone as The Thing lifts the car in good nature, whereas Superman smashes one out of frustration. Although it isn’t entirely clear from whose head the idea came, the user congratulates Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige for the nod. The post can be seen below:
What The Fantastic Four: First Steps' Trailer Seeming To Homage Superman Means
The Parallels Are Obvious, But Nobody Official Has Confirmed It Is Inentional
It is difficult to ignore the obvious parallelsbetween The Thing’s stunt and the iconic “Action Comics #1” cover. If indeed intentional, the mind responsible for this shot has seemingly capitalized on the fact thatThe Fantastic Four: First Stepsis a quasi-period piece to ensure that the model of the car emulates that of the model featured on the 1938 comic cover. Even the shade of green is accurate, making an exceptionally convincing case that this was indeed supposed to tribute the original Superman comic.
It is widely reported that Kevin Feige draws significant inspiration from Richard Donner’sSuperman: The Movie, which lends further credence to this shot being an homage.
Nevertheless, without outright confirmation from a member of the cast or crew involved in the making ofThe Fantastic Four: First Steps,the similarities can only be left to speculation. While it would be an incredible coincidence for the shot to have been an unintentional mirror, it remains unclear if this was a purposeful homage. It is also interesting to note, however, thatThe Fantastic Four: First Stepsreleasestwo weeks after the DCU’s debut movie,Superman.
Our Take On The Fantastic Four: First Steps' Trailer Seeming To Homage Superman
The Fantastic Four And Superman Share A Special Connection
Although the two franchises are technically rivals, it would be heartening to learn that this homage is intentional, especially inThe Fantastic Four: First Steps. Although Superman isn’t technically the first ever superhero, he is widely regarded as the first “true” superhero in comics. The Fantastic Four, meanwhile, areMarvel’s first superhero team, meaning both they and Superman carry special legacies in their respective franchises. With both receiving enthusiastically anticipated movies this summer, I think it would be both fitting and heartwarming to have them acknowledge one another as a sign of goodwill.
