Spoilers follow for The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

Fantastic Four: First Steps director Matt Shakman says becoming a parent influenced his approach to the material, and reveals that he even found a spot for his young daughter in the movie.

First Steps director Matt Shakman was discreet when questioned about Robert Downey Jr.’s role in the post-credits scene, choosing not to reveal any details and leaving the discussion to fans.

Pedro Pascal is the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, but he is not the new leader of the Avengers. At least that’s what the actor says… for now. An interview “Fantastic Four: First Steps” director Matt Shakman gave to Variety earlier this month went viral for seemingly revealing that Pascal’s superhero would be going

First Steps director Matt Shakman has reiterated that the movie is a standalone story that doesn't require any homework on Marvel fans' part. Speaking to TechRadar, Shakman says the forthcoming film isn't beholden to the same connective tissue that other Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) projects are because it exists in a parallel dimension.

First Steps director Matt Shakman addresses a big Sue Storm moment in the movie's final act and reveals original plans for Franklin Richards' Marvel Cinematic Universe's introduction.

At the core of First Steps are Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Reed Richards, Sue and Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm. Each slips easily into their role like a customized astronaut suit, but special praise has to go to Kirby and Moss-Bacharach for giving the ensemble its real heart.

Director Matt Shakman will take a more family-focused approach when it comes to the upcoming AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY

During the end credits of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, there is also another tribute, simply reading "For Inez Shakman". Inez Shakman is the mother of director Matt Shakman. She sadly passed away on April 3, 2025 at the age of 80.