Matt Shakman has delivered what many consider the definitive live-action Fantastic Four adaptation with “Fantastic Four: First Steps,” released recently in theaters. Drawing clear parallels to Christopher Nolan‘s distinctive style, Shakman admits that if Marvel Studios were to produce their own Christopher Nolan Marvel movie comparison, this film would be it.
Inspirations Behind the Film’s Narrative and Visual Style
Shakman openly credits iconic films like “Interstellar,” “2001: A Space Odyssey,” and “Apollo 13” as major influences on his work. This inspiration is evident through the movie’s elegant space scenes, retro-futuristic aesthetics, and a deeply emotional storyline centered on love, sacrifice, and parenthood. The plot follows Reed Richards, played by Pedro Pascal, and Sue Storm, portrayed by Vanessa Kirby, as they prepare for the birth of their child, Franklin, while confronting the cosmic threat of Galactus, played by Ralph Ineson.
T.S. Eliot said, ‘Good artists borrow, great artists steal,’ and I definitely am not ashamed of stealing from some of the folks that I love so much,
Shakman told The Hollywood Reporter.
So Interstellar was a huge reference, as well as 2001 and Apollo 13.
Shakman’s recent experience of becoming a father informed much of the film’s emotional core. The birth of the Richards’ son represents a pivotal narrative moment that mirrors the director’s own profound life change.
I brought so much of my own experience as a husband and as a father. The birth of my daughter was the most fantastic moment of my life. So the birth in this movie evokes all those feelings that I had on that day,
he shared.
My daughter [Maisie Shakman] really wanted to do this fun little cameo where she’s saved by Johnny Storm. I was so nervous that day, but she was just such a cool customer and she had such a great time.
Last-Minute Changes Highlight the Silver Surfer’s Emotional Conflict
In an effort to deepen the film’s emotional resonance, Shakman added scenes during post-production to explore the inner turmoil of the Silver Surfer, Shalla-Bal, played by Julia Garner. These sequences emphasize her sacrifice and the difficult choice she faces between loyalty to her family and planet versus her own survival.
It was during post that I felt like I really wanted to see this thing that we talked about, which is the idea of her sacrifice and the decision that she faced in choosing between her family, her planet and her own life,
Shakman explained.
It’s so evocative to the themes of the movie at large and reflective, no pun intended, of the Fantastic Four’s crisis and their conflict, so it felt like it was something we needed to see.
“Fantastic Four: First Steps” currently plays in theaters, marking a significant moment for the franchise and Marvel Studios’ expansion in cinematic storytelling inspired by Nolan’s visionary approach. The film’s exploration of personal stakes against a cosmic backdrop sets a new standard for future superhero narratives.
