Why Ben Grimm Is the Undeniable Star of The Fantastic Four: First Steps Trailer!

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Summary

  • Ben Grimm steals the show in new trailer, capturing emotional core & iconic look.
  • Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s portrayal of The Thing is comic-accurate & deeply emotional.
  • The Thing’s journey of self-acceptance & CGI design are highlights of the trailer.

In the recently unveiled preview of “The Fantastic Four: First Steps“, there’s one character that particularly catches viewers’ attention amidst the general admiration. This upcoming Marvel film has already garnered widespread acclaim for its accurate portrayal of characters and its blend of a futuristic aesthetic with a retro feel.

It’s clear from the trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps that Ben Grimm, also known as The Thing, is likely to steal the show in this film. Although it may be premature to make such judgments based solely on a trailer, the indications are too strong to overlook. With Ebon Moss-Bachrach taking on the role of the rocky, transformed superhuman, his portrayal of The Thing could prove to be one of the most compelling aspects of the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe film.

Ben Grimm Steals The Show in The Fantastic Four: First Steps Trailer

Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s Thing Feels Instantly Iconic

In the latest trailer, Reed Richards, Sue Storm, and Johnny Storm each have their moments, but it’s Ben Grimm who truly shines. It’s not just his new appearance that catches the eye; the movie seems to have perfectly portrayed the character’s emotional essence, even in this brief sneak peek. The trailer provides a tantalizing first look at Ebon Moss-Bachrach as The Thing, and his introduction has an uncanny resemblance to his memorable role as Cousin Richie in FX’s “The Bear.

In the kitchen, Ben is accompanied by H.E.R.B.I.E., the robot ally of the Fantastic Four. They’ve cooked up a dish together, which Ben praises. Remarkably, even at home, Ben dons his distinctive blue and white Fantastic Four uniform, adding a touch of humanity to him. Shortly after, there’s a flashback showing the four characters in spacesuits, getting ready for a mission that alters their lives forever. In this memory, Ben is seen in his human form, contrasting with the rocky shape he had earlier.

The Thing’s Emotional Struggle Takes Center Stage

Ben Grimm’s Transformation Comes At A Cost

In the trailer, possibly the scene that deeply touches The Thing’s emotional essence comes next. On a television, Pedro Pascal portrays Reed Richards, who is shown affectionately hugging Ben Grimm, calling him “the world’s best pilot.” As Ben playfully retorts, “Best looking, he meant,” the TV goes dark. A poignant moment ensues as The Thing gazes at his reflection in a window, facing up to his current form.

The character development of The Thing (Ben Grimm) consistently revolves around this central theme, whether it’s in Marvel Comics or previous live-action adaptations. Unlike the other members of the Fantastic Four, Ben lacks the ability to turn off his mutant powers voluntarily. Instead, his extraordinary strength is accompanied by a permanent loss of human appearance. This constant battle to reconcile with his powers has been a significant element in every Fantastic Four narrative.

Ben Grimm Is More Than Just His Monstrous Appearance

Will Marvel Explore The Thing’s Self-Acceptance?

Undeniably, the Marvel Cinematic Universe will delve into narratives where my character, Ben Grimm, also known as The Thing, strives to revert back to his human form. Yet, in time, he may decide to accept and embrace his new form instead. The poignant aspect of The Thing’s story is the way society perceives his appearance, which is beautifully depicted in the trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps. However, this is just the beginning. Sue refers to me as “the rock,” hinting at my role as a steadfast pillar of support within our team – someone they can always depend on.

Additionally, there’s a brief scene showing a bunch of youngsters sporting merchandise related to “The Thing”. Their masks bear his face and their t-shirts display his picture. Despite Ben finding his recent look abhorrent, the world seems to be enamored by it. The movie will undoubtedly reveal an intriguing evolution of this concept for his character. Each of these elements perfectly captures his role in the forthcoming film.

The Thing’s MCU Design Stays True To Marvel Comics

CGI, Motion Capture & Natural Voice

I can’t wait to see Ebon Moss-Bachrach bring The Thing to life in Fantastic Four: First Steps! What makes his portrayal so intriguing is that it stays true to the comic book version, especially reminiscent of Jack Kirby’s early illustrations. Marvel Studios has chosen an innovative approach by abandoning bulky costumes and prosthetics. Instead, they’ve decided to use motion capture suits for a fully CGI character, similar to Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk in the same franchise. This decision promises a more authentic representation of The Thing!

By keeping Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s original voice and emphasizing realistic sound effects for his movements, such as the sound of shifting rocks, we aim to highlight his performance more vividly, much like the approach taken with the character Korg in Marvel productions. This choice avoids the deep, gravelly voice used in earlier portrayals, such as Michael Chiklis’s depiction from the 2000s.

At Comic-Con 2024, when interviewed by EW, director Matt Shakman disclosed that they made a concerted effort to remain faithful to the source material from the comics while also maintaining a sense of realism.

In our research, we consulted with various scientists, animal specialists, and numerous other individuals. To ensure the Thing was created perfectly, we ventured into the desert in search of the optimal rock.

In The Fantastic Four: First Steps trailer, it’s important to acknowledge that The Thing isn’t perfect – there are a couple of minor imperfections. For one, the lip-sync seems slightly out of sync, and secondly, the CGI could be improved for a more realistic appearance. Nevertheless, these problems are likely to be rectified during post-production, as Marvel has proven capable of doing with their other films.

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2025-02-08 02:26