Fantastic Four: First Steps – 9 Best Easter Eggs and Hidden References

Summary

The Fantastic Four’s unique approach as celebrities in the MCU contrasts with public doubt faced by the Avengers, marking them as pioneers.
The film references its 1994 adaptation, honoring Marvel’s legacy, expanding the universe, and acknowledging a chapter cherished by fans.
With easter eggs and deep references, the film ties to the MCU’s history, creator tributes, DC Comics, WandaVision, Future Foundation, and potential X-Men ties.

The Fab Four: Initial Strides introduces the audience to a fresh superhero squad within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), while subtly planting hints for upcoming Marvel ventures. The film’s distinctive characters and visually appealing backdrop make it an engaging treasure hunt for Marvel enthusiasts, searching for hidden links within this intricate universe. With its release schedule, this movie signifies the commencement of a grand and expansive saga in the MCU.

In the movie “Fantastic Four: First Steps,” the top-notch Easter eggs subtly hint at future potential, enriching the overall storyline. These hidden gems, sprinkled throughout the film, contribute to world-building by introducing characters and ideas that might reappear in other Marvel productions or even enhance the grandeur of this particular project, ensuring Marvel’s reputation for quality remains intact.

9. The Ted Gilbert Show

The Film Innovates By Presenting Its Heroes With A Unique Approach

By subtly referencing The Beatles and the Ed Sullivan Show, the superhero team’s visual nod solidifies their stardom, unlike the Avengers who initially faced skepticism and disapproval. Unlike the Avengers, the Fantastic Four are embraced as heroes due to their unique abilities. Therefore, they emerge as pioneers in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, celebrities whose influence on society is overwhelmingly positive.

The stage adorned with arrows indicating each band member symbolizes their groundbreaking debut on the Ed Sullivan Show, a platform that also showcased legends like Elvis Presley. In this manner, the scene harmoniously combines its thrilling space adventures with the significant cultural influence of the Fantastic Four within their own universe.

8. Fantastic Four 1994

The MCU Embraces Its History With One Of The Film’s Best Easter Eggs

Referencing the initial movie adaptation of the Fantastic Four, this stands out as one of the MCU’s most clever hidden references. In the opening scenes, the cast from the 1994 Marvel superhero team film can be spotted in the crowd, expressing gratitude towards the Fantastic Four: Alex Hyde-White (as Reed Richards), Rebecca Staab (Sue Storm), Jay Underwood (Johnny Storm), and Michael Bailey Smith (Ben Grimm).

Regardless of rebooting franchises, the Marvel Cinematic Universe respectfully carries forward its initiatives, upholds its history, and clearly demonstrates the impact the 1994 film has on an ever-growing universe. Consequently, the Easter egg resonates powerfully by referencing a lesser-known storyline that amassed a devoted fanbase who adore the 1990s superhero team adaptation.

7. Oog Lives Again

The Hero Team’s Creator Receives Touching Tributes In The MCU

In Earth-828’s version of New York, it serves as a living tribute to Jack Kirby’s legacy, where his artistic and storytelling influences shape the creation of the universe in “Fantastic Four: First Steps”. One of the significant nods to him can be seen on a movie poster in Times Square promoting the film “Oog Lives Again”, acknowledging the ominous creature conceptualized by the comic book giant.

Oog is recognized as an expert-level reference due to its initial appearance in Tales of Suspense #17 back in 1961. This character played a crucial role in Jack Kirby’s artistic development, which eventually resulted in the creation of the Fantastic Four. Herbie falls under the category of Kirby’s last inventions, and August 28, 1917, is specifically recognized as its birthdate, reflected in the numbering of Eath-828.

6. Superman’s Car

The Thing’s Strength Forms A Direct Link To DC Comics’ Superman

In a scene I’ll never forget from the upcoming Fantastic Four: First Steps, I, Ben Grimm, found myself in an intriguing encounter with a group of curious kids who asked for a demonstration of my strength. Channeling the legendary act in Action Comics #1 where Superman lifted a car, I reenacted this iconic moment by effortlessly hoisting a green Volkswagen Beetle, creating an impressive visual homage to one of comic history’s most revered images.

Moving beyond the Marvel-DC feud, this scene isn’t about provoking but rather paying a heartfelt tribute that played a significant role in bringing both the Fantastic Four and the MCU to life. The movie can be seen as a direct ode to the Golden and Silver eras of comic book superheroes, and this moment encapsulates this sentiment beautifully, standing out among the most memorable cameos in cinema history.

5. WandaVision

Marvel’s Series Gains Deeper Layers In The Fantastic Four Film

As a dedicated cinephile, I can’t help but appreciate the subtle Easter egg that director Matt Shakman cleverly tucked away in Fantastic Four: First Steps – a nod to his previous work on WandaVision! In one of the bustling street scenes set in New York City of Eath-828, the camera takes a moment to focus on a storefront sign reading “Westview Appliance”. This subtle detail is a delightful wink to fans who have followed the Marvel Cinematic Universe closely, connecting the scene to the town where Wanda Maximoff once held her enchantment.

In a subtle nod to the director’s past work and a hint of things to come within the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s multiverse storyline, the mention of New Jersey carries greater significance. This cameo underscores how family dynamics, power struggles, and altered realities are key elements in Shakman’s creative output, serving as a prelude to his future Marvel projects and establishing thematic pillars for upcoming stories within the cinematic universe.

4. Future Foundation

The Fantastic Four’s Institution Gains More Layers In The MCU Film

In the movie, the Future Foundation serves as a charitable organization run by Sue Storm, with a mission to promote global harmony and complete disarmament. On screen, it highlights the team’s commitment towards optimism and global accountability, suggesting that the Fantastic Four are primarily scientists and explorers before being known as superheroes.

The scene is one of the movie’s most subtle hints, pointing towards Jonathan Hickman’s idea of delving into the multiverse and impending incursions that will shape future MCU narratives. This emphasis on science fiction aligns well with a superhero team headed by a brilliant scientist and his astronaut crew, setting up their upcoming adventures as exploratory journeys instead of just visual spectacles.

3. Franklin Richards

The Character’s Presence Raises Expectations For The MCU’s Future

As a follower, I find myself immersed in the storyline where Sue Storm’s pregnancy and the birth of Franklin Richards take center stage. These pivotal moments significantly influence the story’s direction as Galactus sets his sights on the infant’s hidden power. During the climax, a glimpse of this extraordinary ability is unleashed when Franklin miraculously revives Sue. However, the post-credits scenes hint at a much larger role for the child in the broader narrative, leaving the audience astonished by the sheer magnitude of his potential within the overarching saga.

Franklin is more than just the offspring of the Fantastic Four; he plays a crucial role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with his presence reshaping the cosmic landscape. In the comic books, he’s known as a mutant, which could potentially lead to the introduction of the X-Men and tie him to events like Secret Wars due to his unique connection to the cosmos and the immense power he wields on an almost unfathomable level.

2. The Bridge

Reed’s Invention Intensifies The Multiverse’s Influence On The Narrative

In the movie “Fantastic Four: First Steps,” Reed Richards’ blackboard is frequently seen and plays a significant role in showcasing his creation of a crucial universal travel apparatus, one of the film’s subtle but impactful easter eggs. Originally designed to help them flee from Galactus, the plan fails due to Shalla-Bal’s intervention, yet it turns out to be essential during the climactic battle.

If fully developed, the Bridge might allow the Fantastic Four to transition into the main Marvel Cinematic Universe, offering a scientific method for connecting them with other storylines. This possibility becomes more intriguing following the post-credits scene, where Doctor Doom seems ready to serve as the trigger that propels the family to escape, driven by their desire to protect Franklin from impending dangers.

1. Doctor Doom

The Villain’s Presence Stands As The Film’s Greatest Hidden Reference

In the movie “Fantastic Four: First Steps”, Doctor Doom makes a significant appearance, acting as a key subtle reference that connects the film’s narrative to the heart of the Multiverse Saga. After a gap of four years, Doom is introduced alongside Franklin Richards, showing an intense interest in the boy’s immense potential and the uncharted possibilities his power holds.

As I follow along, it seems subtle preludes are being set: news flashes speak of Latveria, a country not yet marked on Future Foundation charts, hinting that Doom hasn’t yet gained worldwide prominence. The vacuum left by Galactus’s defeat could stir the monarch to step out from hiding, and his fascination with Franklin increases the possibility of a significant move across the multiverse.

2025-07-25 22:35