I Just Found Out The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Final Battle Was Originally Going To Happen In Space. Why The ‘Super F—ed Up’ Scene Changed

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As a movie enthusiast, I am thrilled to report that Marvel’s iconic family, The Fantastic Four, made their long-awaited debut in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps”! This summer blockbuster, which hit theaters with much anticipation as part of the 2025 movie lineup, delivered an unforgettable finale that pitted our beloved superhero family against Galactus in a gritty, street-level battle.

Initially, according to co-writer Eric Pearson, the epic showdown was set to take place entirely in space. However, as creative and emotional considerations took precedence, the action was strategically moved to earthbound locales, offering a more relatable and impactful conclusion for audiences everywhere.

Eric Pearson, one of the five writers credited for “First Steps”, shared insights about this change in an extensive conversation with The Hollywood Reporter. In this discussion, Pearson detailed his evolution from Marvel’s Writers Program to a dependable screenwriter at the studio. Over the past 15 years, he’s contributed to several high-grossing superhero films, both those already released and future Marvel movies. However, for “First Steps”, Pearson was the one who decided to move the final battle with Galactus from outer space onto Earth.

In simpler terms, I wanted to see him in a more grandiose setting, like the Empire State Building or the Mets’ Stadium. I also wanted to witness some chaotic actions, such as him damaging buses. This led me to suggest bringing him down here. As it turned out, we needed Reed and Sue present for a confrontation. It made sense to use their child as a pawn in this situation, though it was certainly morally questionable. You see, this family is tasked with protecting the entire planet, but now they find themselves forced into a decision that could cause them great personal harm.

Listening to Pearson, I found it intriguing that the change wasn’t merely swapping starfields for cityscapes; it indeed seems logical because this transformation aimed to make the battle more personal. By introducing Galactus into a world filled with recognizable landmarks and everyday disorder, the stakes are significantly elevated. You can easily imagine the devastation, sense the smoke, and feel the turmoil. At the heart of the chaos, Reed and Sue’s heart-wrenching choice to use their own child as bait stands out. Although it’s undeniably “super messed up,” it demonstrates that the movie’s creators aren’t hesitant to delve deep into the grittiest, most ethically complex aspects of superhero narratives.

Eric Pearson, as depicted in his THR profile, is a writer who flourishes in dynamic, improvisational settings. He feels at ease revising a scene directly on set as much as he does mapping out a blockbuster franchise in a boardroom. His journey with Marvel started modestly with unaccredited ADR work on ‘Captain America: The First Avenger’, leading to his involvement in the ‘Agent Carter’ One Shot and the subsequent television series centered around Hayley Atwell’s character.

With “Thor: Ragnarok,” Pearson transitioned into blockbuster stardom. He seamlessly aligned with the Marvel groove in “Black Widow” and played a significant role in transforming “Thunderbolts” from an idea into a critical success.

*Note: Thunderbolts is a fictional team in the Marvel Universe, not yet confirmed for a movie adaptation.

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In the production of “First Steps,” the writer from “Godzilla vs. Kong” contributed to fulfilling a long-held fan dream by helping create a more comics-aligned depiction of Galactus, portrayed by Ralph Ineson. Previous sneak peeks of the Fantastic Four film already hinted at the terrifying scale of the “World Devourer,” which was clearly evident in the New York scenes, thus supporting Pearson’s rationale for New York serving as the final battlefield.

Eric Pearson’s comments suggest a writer deeply committed to striking a balance between spectacle and human emotion. He feels that this balance is what gives the ending of First Steps its realistic touch, as it’s not merely about saving the world; it’s also about the difficult decisions heroes must face afterward, which can deliver a profound emotional impact.

Right now, you can catch ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ in cinemas near you! Don’t forget to look up your local showtimes. And if you want more Marvel Cinematic Universe action, consider subscribing to Disney+ for streaming access.

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2025-08-10 21:09