Considering that the Marvel Cinematic Universe is an enormous amalgamation of superhero origin stories and timelines, where does Fantastic Four: The First Steps fit in it, exactly? We know they're set in the 1960s, but do they belong in the same timeline as the rest of the Avengers and the Thunderbolts? Here's what we know.
WARNING: This article contains MAJOR SPOILERS for Fantastic Four: The First Steps, so proceed with caution.
Does Fantastic Four Take Place in the MCU's Earth-616?
If there's one reason new fans are hesitant to see the latest MCU films, it's that new content often requires them to watch the previous movies to understand the next one. But fret not with the first family.
Fantastic Four: The First Steps is set in the 1960s, alright, but they're not on Earth-616, aka the same planet where the Avengers, the Thunderbolts, and other present heroes reside. Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and the Thing are in Earth-828, which is a different reality from the MCU's numerous timelines.
Director Matt Shakman previously confirmed this in an interview with ScreenRant. Apparently, it was all part of the plan to not include the first family where the heroes exist, to avoid timeline conflicts.
"Yeah, they're such public figures. The idea that they were just hanging out in the '60s during our regular MCU timeline wouldn't work," Shakman explained, "'Where were they when Thanos came? Where were they when Loki was attacking?' They would've done something. They would've been a part of that."
Remember the Thunderbolts*' post-credit scene? While we saw the titular team enter the main MCU universe, this doesn't connect with what happened in First Steps, as they were able to defeat Galactus and remained in Earth-828. It would likely be answered once Avengers: Doomsday comes out.
With that in mind, Shakman also wanted new and old fans to enjoy the entry to phase six without being pressured to watch the entire MCU thus far, "If you know nothing about Marvel, come on in. The water is warm. You'll get everything you need to know about them, and you can enjoy them."
What Does Earth-828 Mean for Fantastic Four?
Earth-828 goes beyond the MCU timeline—it's part of a direct tribute to Jack Kirby, Stan Lee's co-creator of the Fantastic Four in 1961. But how does the number indicate Kirby? It's his birthday. He was born on August 28, which the director confirmed in his interviews.
The number 828 specifically appears before the post-credits started rolling on the big screens, following a quote from Kirby: "If you look at my characters, you will find me. No matter what kind of character you create or assume, a little of yourself must remain there." Only when the quote finished did Kirby's birthdate get displayed.
Otherwise, Earth-828 is an alternative reality that the first family's enemy, Galactus, failed to destroy. If anything, the existence of their planet merely confirms that the MCU will continue to introduce other realities and realms we've yet to uncover.
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