"This is awesome"— Fans react positively as The Fantastic Four set video showing off first look at The Thing leaks online

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is the next big Marvel Cinematic Universe film, and it certainly looks like Marvel is going big. Featuring the big cinematic return of Marvel's first superhero family, the film stars Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/The Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/The Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing.

With the filming of The Fantastic Four: First Steps underway, yesterday fans were treated to the first look at Ebon Moss-Bachrach's Ben Grimm/The Thing. In a set video that was leaked online, it looks like Marvel Studios might be going for a practical on-set The Thing, who will be touched up with VFX for the final product.

While this may still not be the final look for The Thing, the character looked like it was ripped straight out of the pages of Marvel comics. The fan reaction to the leak has been overwhelmingly positive, and fans haven't been able to hold back their praise for the look of the character.

"So, it’s a suit that they’re gonna touch up with CGI, especially on the face? This is AWESOME!!!," said a fan.

"He looks PERFECT !!! #TheThing #FantasticFour," exclaimed another.

"Practical Thing suit couldn’t be happier," said another fan.

Fans also noticed how Marvel Studios is taking the same approach with The Fantastic Four as they did with Werewolf by Night.

"So they’re doing a Werewolf by Night ‘Man-Thing’ approach. Practical Suit for lighting and texture reference and for the actors to better connect too and then will use that for the CGI model….," commented another fan.

"This isn't a costume or prop, they actually turned Ebon into the thing to film this movie," joked another fan.

However, given the nature of the leak, there were some fans who put on their conspiracy hats as well.

"Tinfoil hat time but I kinda feel like Marvel might’ve let this leak so that we all go, “oh The Thing is practical!” and therefore ignore the inevitable 100% CG replacement in the final movie," said another fan.

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When is The Fantastic Four: First Steps releasing?

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is set to release in theaters on July 25, 2025, and will be the third major live-action interpretation of the franchise. The film is being directed by Matt Shakman, who previously helmed WandaVision for Marvel Studios and also directed episodes for It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

The film will be starring Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm. Alongside them, Ralph Ineson will be portraying Galactus, who will be facing off against The Fantastic Four. Julia Garner will also be portraying Shalla-Bal, a female Silver Surfer from the comics.

While it's not confirmed so far, Robert Downey Jr.'s Victor Von Doom is rumored to make his first appearance in the film as well. The film is also said to be taking place in a retro-futuristic world that is set in the 1960s. However, as of now, it's unconfirmed exactly what the plot of the film might be.

Fans will be able to check out The Fantastic Four: First Steps next year in theaters.