The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which will release later this month, is set on another Earth. However, fans are eager to learn which Earth within the MCU multiverse this film is set in and why. The upcoming reboot is directed by Matt Shakman, who previously helmed episodes of WandaVision. In the movie, the titular team attempts to prevent their Earth from being destroyed by Galactus and the Silver Surfer.
So, which Earth is the Fantastic Four set in? Why is it set on a different Earth separate from the MCU? Here are your queries answered.
Which Earth is The Fantastic Four: First Steps set on?
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is set on Earth-828.
The name of the Earth where First Steps takes place is a reference to the date of birth of Fantastic Four co-creator Jack Kirby, who was born on August 8, 1917. In the American date and month format, this is written as 8/28.
The upcoming MCU film will be set in a 1960s-inspired world and have a retro-futuristic aesthetic. Moreover, this was a design and setting choice by Matt Shakman, who explained the same in a recent interview with BBC Radio 1’s Ali Plumb at the film’s BFI IMAX UK launch event.
“The answer is pretty simple, which is that these characters were created in the ’60s by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee,” Shakman said. “They were created in this time of optimism and the Space Race.”
He continued, “People were dreaming of the stars, imagining conquering the unknown, and that’s what the Fantastic Four is all about.”
Why is The Fantastic Four: First Steps set on Earth-828?
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is set on Earth-828, as Matt Shakman wished to avoid the question of why the team was unavailable during the Avengers’ fight against Thanos in Infinity War.
The It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia director told Plumb, “They would have helped out. They would have solved the problem then.” He further stated, “So, we put them on a different Earth – Earth-828 – a different part of the Marvel universe.” (via Dexerto)
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is set to hit theaters across the United States on July 25, 2025.
Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn headline the film. Supporting cast members include Ralph Ineson, Julia Garner, Paul Walter Hauser, and Natasha Lyonne.
