A Perfect World on “Earth 828”
Marvel’s Fantastic Four: First Steps transports viewers to “Earth 828”, an alternate universe where everything appears blissfully intact. This fictional world draws inspiration from a 1960s America that never truly existed—a pastel-hued dreamland filled with retro-futuristic designs, gleaming toasters, and boundless optimism about space travel. It’s a vision far removed from the real United States of that era, which was caught in the turmoil of the Vietnam War, civil rights unrest, political assassinations, and cultural division.
Nostalgia for an Idealised Past
“Earth 828” represents the America of The Jetsons—a nation driven by an unwavering belief in technological progress, where family unity and conservative values are the pillars of human advancement. It’s an aesthetic and ideological projection, a utopia designed to appeal to audiences longing for stability and simpler times.
This backdrop is no coincidence. It cleverly serves two functions: it fulfils the nostalgic fantasies of more conservative viewers while allowing the filmmakers to distance themselves through irony, claiming it’s all tongue-in-cheek. It’s a strategic balancing act, playing both sides of the ideological aisle without fully committing to either.
International Success vs. Chinese Market Struggles
Despite positive reception and promising international box office numbers, Fantastic Four: First Steps has stumbled in one of the world’s largest film markets—China. This echoes a familiar trend: Western superhero films often face challenges in capturing Chinese audiences. Even Superman, a widely recognised icon, failed to resonate, and now Marvel’s latest reboot seems to follow the same path.
The film, directed by Matt Shakman and featuring stars such as Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, earned $227 million globally according to Box Office Mojo. However, its Chinese debut was disappointing, generating only $4.3 million during its opening weekend (Variety reports). This figure places it 32% behind James Gunn’s recent Superman launch and leaves it trailing other Marvel titles like Captain America 4: Brave New World and Thunderbolts. The poor performance marks a new low for Marvel in the region.
A Classic Team Faces a Cosmic Threat
In Fantastic Four: First Steps, Reed Richards (Pascal), Sue Storm (Kirby), Johnny Storm (Quinn), and Ben Grimm (Moss-Bachrach) must combine their extraordinary powers to stop a cosmic catastrophe. The Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) brings a dire warning: Galactus (Ralph Ineson), the ultimate destroyer, is on the horizon. The showdown takes place within the stylised world of Earth 828—a 1960s retro-futuristic setting that blends nostalgia with science fiction.
Beginning a New Chapter for the MCU
This film marks the official start of Phase Six in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). It debuted in German cinemas on 24 July and is set to be followed by Spider-Man: Brand New Day and Avengers 5: Doomsday in 2026. Then, in 2027, Avengers 6: Secret Wars will bring back directors Anthony and Joe Russo for another epic superhero ensemble, reminiscent of Endgame.
DCU’s Counteroffensive
Meanwhile, over in the DC Universe, the competition is heating up. James Gunn has ambitious plans that include a new Supergirl film and darker, genre-blending titles centred on Clayface and Swamp Thing. As both Marvel and DC race to reinvigorate their cinematic universes, Fantastic Four: First Steps signals not only a creative reboot but also a cultural battleground—where nostalgia, ideology, and blockbuster spectacle collide.