The Fantastic Four: First Steps may kick off the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Phase 6, but it’s actually the fourth Fantastic Four movie released in the last 20 years. With various iterations, sequels, and reboots—plus the fact that this marks Marvel’s First Family’s official debut in the MCU—fans may be wondering if they need to watch the previous films to better understand what’s coming.
Since MCU films are interconnected, and with the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars set to tie the Multiverse Saga together, here’s your essential pre-viewing guide to The Fantastic Four.
Do Fans Need to Watch Any MCU Films to Understand The Fantastic Four: First Steps?
Despite being the 37th film in the MCU, The Fantastic Four holds a unique place in the Multiverse Saga, as it’s set in a universe where no other Marvel heroes exist.
It’s the first mainline MCU film for the first family after Disney’s acquisition of Fox and skips the traditional origin story told in previous versions.
Within the MCU, multiple universes exist simultaneously, each with its own heroes and villains. In The Fantastic Four, the team is already established in a vibrant, retro-futuristic 1960s-inspired alternate dimension known as Earth-828—distinct from the mainline MCU’s Earth-616.
This world is designed as a utopian, Space Age-inspired cityscape, complete with flying cars, gleaming diners, and high-tech gadgets. The aesthetic echoes both sci-fi classics and Silver Age comic books.
While no previous films directly tie into this story, it will eventually connect to the broader MCU narrative.
That said, The Fantastic Four works as a standalone film, and fans don’t need to rewatch any prior MCU movies to understand or enjoy it.
How Does The Fantastic Four: First Steps Connect to the MCU?
Despite being a standalone movie, The Fantastic Four officially launches the MCU’s Phase Six.
While it doesn’t include any crossovers, cameos, or references to iconic MCU heroes like Iron Man, Thor, or Spider-Man, it does lay the groundwork for future Marvel multiverse events.
In fact, the film hints at a sequel and a broader multiverse arc, with teasers and mid-credit scenes setting the stage for Avengers: Doomsday.
So, while no prior films are required watching, fans who want to dive deeper and enhance their understanding can check out the Fantastic Four animated series on Disney+ for some fun background.
For those interested in the comics, essential reading includes the classic run by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, John Byrne’s acclaimed 1980s stories, and Jonathan Hickman’s modern saga.
To better understand the cosmic threat teased in the film, fans can also read Fantastic Four #48–50, known as The Galactus Trilogy.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps premieres in the US on July 25.
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