'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' Cast and Character Guide

The Fantastic Four are known are Marvel’s “First Family” but this summer, they will technically be newbies to the MCU. Of course, we’re using that term very loosely.

As the nickname denotes, the characters are true Marvel icons and the actors playing the core four are anything but newbies, each starring in massive projects before now. But more on that momentarily. For now, we’re here to tell you that “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is starting to become a bit clearer, especially with the latest trailer.

Set to hit theaters on July 25, the film takes place “against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world” and follows the Fantastic Four as they take on the Devourer of Worlds: Galactus.

Here is who you need to know in the film.

Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards in Marvel's "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" (Marvel Studios) — Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards in Marvel’s “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” (Marvel Studios)

Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal)

Reed Richards is the world’s smartest man in Marvel canon, a gifted scientist who leads innovation and discovery — who also becomes Mister Fantastic. He’s played by “The Mandalorian” and “The Last of Us” star Pedro Pascal.

Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm in Marvel's "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" (Marvel Studios) — Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm in Marvel’s “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” (Marvel Studios)

Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby)

Sue Storm is Reed Richards’ longtime love and partner, who becomes The Invisible Woman after their fateful trip to space. She’s played by Vanessa Kirby, best known for her roles in the “Mission Impossible” franchise, “Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw” and “The Crown.”

Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm in Marvel's "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" (Marvel Studios) — Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm in Marvel’s “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” (Marvel Studios)

Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn)

Johnny Storm is Sue’s cocky, hot-headed younger brother. It’s only fitting that he becomes The Human Torch. He’s played by “Stranger Things” breakout Joseph Quinn, who played the beloved Eddie. He also starred in “Gladiator II” and “A Quiet Place: Day One.”

marvel-fantastic-four-first-steps — Ebon Moss-Bacharach as Ben Grimm in Marvel’s “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” (Marvel Studios)

Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach)

Ben Grimm is an astronaut and Reed Richards’ best friend, whose life is arguably most affected by the storm that gives him and his friends powers, as he becomes a rock creature known as The Thing. He’s played by Ebon Moss-Bachrach, best known for his role as cousin Richie on “The Bear,” as well as “The Punisher,” “Girls” and “Damages.”

Ralph Ineson as Galactus in Marvel's "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" (Marvel Studios) — Ralph Ineson as Galactus in Marvel’s “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” (Marvel Studios)

Galactus (Ralph Ineson)

We didn’t get a good look at Galactus’ face in the first trailer for “First Steps,” but we did get a sense of his overwhelming presence as the planet destroying villain. He’ll be played by Ralph Ineson, best known for roles in “The First Omen,” “The Creator,” “Game of Thrones” and “The Witch.”

fantastic-four-the-first-steps-julia-garner-silver-surfer — Julia Garner as Silver Surfer in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” (Marvel Studios)

Silver Surfer (Julia Garner)

The Silver Surfer was revealed in a later trailer for the film, and Julia Garner is playing her. Specifically, she will be Shalla-Bal. Garner is best known for her roles in Netflix’s “Ozark” and “Inventing Anna.”

John Malkovich

We got a glimpse of John Malkovich in the first trailer, but since then, he has been cut from “The Fantastic Four.” He was set to play Red Ghost. Malkovich has had a long career, from “Dangerous Liaisons” to “Being John Malkovich” and more.

Paul Walter Hauser attends Netflix's "Orion and the Dark" Premiere at TUDUM Theater on January 27, 2024 in Hollywood, California — Paul Walter Hauser attends Netflix’s “Orion and the Dark” Premiere at TUDUM Theater on January 27, 2024 in Hollywood, California (Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images for Netflix)

Mole Man (Paul Walter Hauser)

For a long time, audiences had no idea who Paul Walter Hauser would portray in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.” His casting was announced in May of 2024. The Emmy-winning actor is best known for roles in films like “I, Tonya” and “Cruella,” as well as TV shows like “Black Bird” and “The Afterparty.”

On July 9, 2025, Marvel Comics released “Fantastic Four: First Steps #1,” a prequel comic by Matt Fraction and Mark Buckingham set four years before the film. In the book, the character Harvey Elder (a.k.a. Mole Man) appears as the Fantastic Four’s first foe — just like in the original “Fantastic Four #1” from 1961.

Fans noted that the character in the comic bore a strong resemblance to Hauser, who was long rumored to be portraying the villain in “First Steps.” On July 17, USA Today published a photo of Hauser in the film, confirming that he will indeed play the ruler of Subterranea. While Marvel comics often portray Mole Man as an out-and-out villain, “First Steps #1” shows the character in a more sympathetic light as he quests to establish sovereignty for his underground people, building a rapport with Sue Storm by the story’s end.

Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Vanessa Kirby, Pedro Pascal and Joseph Quinn in "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" (Marvel Studios)

Natasha Lyonne

Lyonne also has a role that’s being kept tightly under wraps for now, but we know she’s in the cast. The actress is known for starring in “Orange Is the New Black,” “Russian Doll” and “Poker Face.”