Curious about all the Easter eggs in The Fantastic Four: First Steps and how they connect to the wider MCU? The film layers deep-cut comic nods, retro cameos, and multiverse hints to honor Marvel history and set up future stories.
Here’s a full breakdown of every Marvel connection and hidden detail.
List of major easter eggs and Marvel references in The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Real Meaning of Earth-828
The movie opens with a title card stating it takes place on Earth-828. This designation is a direct tribute to Fantastic Four co-creator Jack Kirby, whose birthday is August 28 (8/28). In a later scene, Reed Richards remarks, “Parallel Earths exist on different dimensional planes,” referencing the multiverse’s broader structure.
The Mole Man and Giganto
Paul Walter Hauser plays Mole Man, who debuted in Fantastic Four #1. He wears his signature blue glasses due to underground living. In a montage, the team battles Giganto, a giant green monster from Monster Isle, previously linked to Mole Man in the comics.
WHIH and The Future Foundation
WHIH, the MCU’s recurring fictional news network, appears throughout the film. The Fantastic Four establish the Future Foundation, a science-based global coalition. Its origins stem from Jonathan Hickman’s FF comic run. A Latverian delegate seat is left empty at their summit, a clear nod to Doctor Doom’s country.
The Red Ghost and Super Apes
A TV montage mentions Red Ghost and his Super Apes. Though John Malkovich’s Red Ghost was cut from the final edit, his apes appear briefly. A second post-credits scene includes an animated cameo by the entire group.
Yancy Street and Stan & Jack
Yancy Street, Ben Grimm’s comic home, features King Dry Cleaners and Stanley’s Service Center, which are tributes to Jack Kirby (nicknamed The King) and Stan Lee. A cutaway shows two men drawing comics in an office, with the wall behind them displaying “Oog Lives Again!,” referencing Tales of Suspense #27.
1994 Fantastic Four Cast Cameo
Alex Hyde-White, Rebecca Staab, Jay Underwood, and Michael Bailey Smith, who played Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm respectively in the unreleased 1994 Fantastic Four film, appear in an early crowd scene. They are seen cheering, “Thank you, Fantastic Four!” as the MCU team makes a public appearance.
Back to the Future and Star Wars References
Johnny and Ben must reach 0.88 light speed, referencing Back to the Future. Thing calling Franklin “precious cargo” echoes Grogu’s nickname in The Mandalorian.
Westview and Storefront Tributes
Westview Appliance nods to WandaVision, directed by Matt Shakman. Other storefronts include Leighton’s Restaurant (Diamondback), Greenwood Hotel (Dawn Greenwood), and Dom’s Diner (Hex), referencing Marvel characters.
