Summary
The new characters introduced inThe Fantastic Four: First Stepswill help theMarvel Cinematic Universeto move past a trend they have been stuck in with the Spider-Man character. Based on everyactor cast inFantastic Fourso far, the new superhero team seems to feature a diverse and varied cast of characters of all ages. Despite taking place in another universe,the cast ofFantastic Fouris expected to crossover into Earth-616 by the film’s end, leading to an integration with the Avengers team. This can help lead to a new examination of team dynamics.
NewFantastic Fourset videossuggest thatSue Storm may have already given birth to her and Reed’s child, Franklin Richards.Though only a baby, Franklin generally has incredible psychic and telepathic powers. If this is correct, it seems likely that Franklin will one day soon be a candidate for the MCU’s younger hero stories - which may further help one of his older family members address a long-term franchise complaint.
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Spider-Man’s MCU Story Has Some Major Mentor Complaints
Too Many Characters Have Been Used As Father Figures To Peter Parker
Spider-Man has always had a mentor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and this is rumored to continue intheories that include Daredevil inSpider-Man 4. However,this is something the universe can move past by introducing new heroes like Johnny Storm.Spider-Man was assisted by Tony Stark inSpider-Man: Homecoming, then duped by his perceived mentor Mysterio inSpider-Man: Far From Home, then looked after by Doctor Strange inSpider-Man: No Way Home. The hero has been routinely treated like a child, and this has hampered his own development.
Granted, Spider-Man is much younger than these characters - having only just graduated from high school in the MCU - but he’s still been a hero for many years, andTom Holland is 28 years old and is certainly not a child.As such, it is important that Spider-Man, who has generally stood alone throughout his comic history, is given the chance to be treated as a hero unto himself and not a sidekick. MCU ties are important to keep the Sony franchise linked to the larger universe. However, this needs a new approach that allows the hero to stand on his own in the inevitableSpider-Man 4.
Spider-Man’s Mentor Problem Reflects The MCU’s Hero Roster
The Avengers Have Become A Team Of Older Heroes
Many of Marvel’s heroes have grown over the course of the franchise and are now a bit older. For example, Anthony Mackie is 45 years old, and Benedict Cumberbatch is 48. Younger Marvel heroes, like Miss Marvel and Cassie Lang, have generally been relegated to sidekick roles.Spider-Man, however, is still a marquee hero for the series, and this leads to a strange contrast when he is placed beside his allies.In a context where the hero needs support, it makes sense for many of these heroes, including Doctor Strange, to attempt to take the young hero under their wing.
The age contrast among the heroes of the MCU is not just an interesting reflection, but also a signpost for the series' future. As the performers age,they naturally grow out of their roles, necessitating a new generation of heroes for the franchise’s future.Marvel is actively addressing this need by introducing characters like Ironheart, Skaar, and America Chavez. However, the successful integration of these characters into the Avengers or the larger MCU is yet to be seen, thoug it is a development that fans are eagerly anticipating.
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The Fantastic Four’s MCU Debut Gives Spider-Man The Perfect Opportunity To Break His Mentor Trend
Peter Parker And Johnny Storm Have Been Friends In The Comics
Most notably,The Fantastic Fourwill introduce the young, hotheaded character of Johnny Storm to the MCU. This is a big deal for Spider-Man, and will give him a contemporary on the Avengers team.The two are of a similar age and are often depicted as friends in the comics.Building a relationship between Johnny Storm and Spider-Man would be an excellent way to integrate both into the team as heroes of a similar level.
Allowing Peter Parker the opportunity to develop a bond with another hero who is on the same level as he is would be such a wonderful way to allow the character to continue in the MCU. Peter Parker has suffered enough and has lost all of his friends and family. The character is seemingly also set to face a villainous version of his beloved mentor inAvengers: Doomsday, and as such, the hero really needs a break from suffering while allowing his character to grow.
As such, pairing Spider-man with Johnny Storm could lead to great onscreen chemistry while avoiding the need to give the hero another mentor. This prospective storyline would also ensure the Fantastic Four can be tied effectively into the MCU in little time, as Johnny’s story intertwining with such an integral hero would naturally benefit both characters.
The MCU’s Most Likely Young Avengers Lineup, Ranked By Power
While there are many characters who could join the MCU’s Young Avengers, the team will likely only comprise a few of the most powerful young heroes.
Marvel seems to have some difficulty in deciding which of its characters are heroes and which of its characters are young heroes.Exploring the developing dynamics between many of its characters would be a satisfying way forward that would allow the next generation of heroes to integrate better into the larger superhero team.While aYoung Avengersproject is in the works, relegating many of Marvel’s heroes to this status does them a disservice. What is needed, and what seems to be intended forThe Fantastic Four: First Steps, is to better integrate younger heroes into the existing Avengers team.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Cast
The Fantastic 4: First Steps features Marvel’s First Family navigating their dual roles as superheroes and family members in a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world. They defend Earth from a formidable space god, Galactus, and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer, testing their familial bonds and heroic resolve.
