Joseph Quinn Reveals a More Self-Aware Johnny Storm in The Fantastic Four: First Steps

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Summary

  • The upcoming MCU film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, will introduce a new, modern version of the characters.
  • Actor Joseph Quinn, who plays Johnny Storm, hints that his portrayal will be less flirtatious and more self-aware.
  • Fans can expect Johnny to retain his humorous nature, loyalty, bravery, and emotional growth in the movie.

As a die-hard Marvel fan, I’ve been eagerly anticipating “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” – one of Marvel Studios’ exciting offerings this year! Recently, some of the cast members have been sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses and hints about their roles. Interestingly, it seems they’ll be bringing a fresh take on their characters in the movie, which has definitely piqued my curiosity!

Back in July 2019, Kevin Feige unveiled the upcoming film titled The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Six years later, this Matt Shakman-directed movie is finally set to debut. The star-studded cast includes Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm / Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm / Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm / The Thing. One of these actors recently disclosed a fresh detail about their character, suggesting that fans can anticipate a unique take on the classic characters.

In a chat with Entertainment Weekly, Pascal, Kirby, Quinn, Moss-Bachrach, and Shakman recently sat down together. During the interview, they talked about their roles in an upcoming MCU film and provided additional insights into their characters. According to Quinn, fans can expect a new take on the character Johnny in the movie. He described the character as being self-assured and humorous. Furthermore, he mentioned that he had discussions with the President of Marvel Studios regarding his interpretation of the character, as he wanted it to be distinct from its previous portrayals. They carefully considered what is culturally appropriate in today’s world before making their decisions and decided to proceed accordingly. Quinn shared:

As a cinema enthusiast, let me express my thoughts on the character transformation of Johnny. Initially, he was portrayed as a womanizer with a devil-may-care attitude, but such a persona doesn’t seem appealing nowadays to me. This updated version of Johnny appears more considerate towards others’ feelings, which I hope signals a newfound self-awareness and an end to his attention-seeking habits driven by superficial motives.

As a movie lover, I’ve noticed that the old Johnny was all about being a ladies’ man and not caring much about others. But nowadays, I feel like that kind of persona doesn’t have the same appeal. The new version seems more mindful of people’s feelings, which makes me hopeful that he’s finally becoming self-aware about his past actions driven by seeking attention for all the wrong reasons.

Hopefully They Don’t Go Too Far In Changing Johnny Storm’s Signature Characteristics

Previously, Chris Evans donned the role of Johnny in the 2005 and 2007 films titled Fantastic Four and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, respectively. Known for his outstanding portrayal of Captain America across various Marvel Cinematic Universe films, Evans surprisingly revisited his role as Johnny in the upcoming film, Deadpool & Wolverine (2024). Fans fondly remember Evans’ performance in Fantastic Four due to his convincing portrayal of Johnny’s cocky and adventure-loving personality. Many praised his casting as spot-on and his acting as true to the comic books. Critics also hailed him as the film’s most entertaining aspect. The upcoming movie seems to focus on Johnny’s intellect, with the director stating that the character is “really smart.” Given his intelligence, it makes sense for Johnny to be part of the space mission with the Fantastic Four, studying cosmic radiation and exploring unknown regions in space. Shakman notes that Johnny, being Sue’s brother, shares similar traits with her, adding humor to his heroism.

Quinn’s interpretation of Johnny Storm in “The First Family: First Steps” seems to indicate a contemporary and relatable portrayal. However, this doesn’t guarantee changes to the character itself, but rather a potential softening of some outdated characteristics such as his flirtatiousness, recklessness, and hot-headedness. Throughout the storyline, Johnny is frequently depicted as a charmer who courts multiple women, even during missions. Confident in his good looks and charm, he embraces this image. Additionally, Johnny is known for his impulsive nature and tendency to show off.

It’s acceptable to soften a few of Johnny’s undesirable traits, but let’s hope he maintains his comedic flair. However, his humor often stems from his self-assuredness, which he sometimes doesn’t realize, making it even more amusing. Johnny is deeply devoted to his family, courageous in the face of danger, and capable of personal development and emotional maturity. The movie could emphasize these aspects, but as long as they preserve Johnny’s humor because viewers find it entertaining, that works for me.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps hits theaters on July 25, 2025.

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2025-04-13 01:25