Heroes return

Marvel superhero film The Fantastic Four: First Steps is out now in theatres.

Starring Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Joseph Quinn, the film tackles the titular team who must protect their 1960s-inspired retro-futuristic world Earth-828 from the planet-devouring cosmic Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his herald the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner).

Known for her role as Nadia Vulvokov in the Netflix series Russian Doll, actress Natasha Lyonne is also set to appear in the film.

“I think people are going to love it (the film), and I’m so proud to be a part of it,” she said in an interview.

Director Matt Shakman revealed that he cast the Marvel heroes without auditions, explaining that he had an instinct for who would be right for each part.

“Great actors create great chemistry. You bring people together, and you build a process that supports the building of that chemistry,” he said.

The director made sure to decorate the rehearsal room in a 1960s style and had the cast learn period dances.

He also included archival stills from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) launches to immerse the performers into the film’s atmosphere.

“We approached the story dramaturgically as you would a play, before we got on our feet with anything,” Pedro, who plays the role of Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, said.

“It was Matt setting up the circumstances to be together as a cast and flesh out a language that bonded each of us together as a family,” he added.

The film marks the comic heroes’ return to the big screen since the critical and commercial failure of 20th Century Fox’s Fantastic Four (2015).

It is expected to be received positively due to the new version’s vibrant retro aesthetic that better captures the illustrated books’ essence than its predecessor’s dark and edgy approach.