The eagerly anticipated MCU reboot of Fantastic Four recently unveiled its first trailer, introducing fans to a fresh vision of Marvel’s iconic team. Central to this new rendition is actress Vanessa Kirby, who will portray Sue Storm, also known as the Invisible Woman. Following the controversial depictions of Sue by Jessica Alba and Kate Mara in previous films, the shift to Kirby brings a wave of hope and trepidation among the audience, particularly in light of Alba’s distressing experiences during her tenure in the franchise.
In an interview, Alba candidly shared her difficulties while filming Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, expressing her desire that Kirby’s portrayal avoids similar pitfalls. Alba, who played Sue Storm in the 2005 and 2007 adaptations, recalled uncomfortable moments, particularly during a scene that required her character to strip down inappropriately. This elicited both criticism and concern from fans, many of whom took to Reddit to reflect on the objectification that plagued Alba’s portrayal.
A user on Reddit highlighted that Sue Storm was often presented in ways that compromised her character’s integrity, reminding viewers of the excessive focus on her physical appearance rather than her abilities as a superhero. Concerns persist regarding whether Vanessa Kirby’s take on Sue Storm in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, set to release on July 25, 2025, will experience similar treatment. Fans are anxious that the franchise will squander such a compelling character for excessive and needless titillation.
Previewing Kirby’s role, the trailer suggests that director Matt Shakman is steering clear of past mistakes. Initial glimpses indicate that Sue Storm is being framed as a voice of reason, which could symbolize a shift towards developing her character beyond her appearance. This is a pivotal moment, as audience expectations for depth and authenticity in superhero portrayals continue to grow.
Alba’s reflections also encompassed the emotional toll of her role. She shared a poignant memory of being instructed to appear aesthetically pleasing while crying during a significant scene, prompting her to question her talent and instincts in a challenging industry. “Am I not good enough? Are my instincts and my emotions not good enough?” she recounted, revealing the moment’s profound impact on her confidence and career trajectory. After leaving blockbuster films behind, Alba has remained largely distanced from the genre, though she now offers encouragement to Kirby.
In her parting advice, Alba urged Kirby to savor the experience of embodying Sue Storm while cherishing the warmth of fan interactions. “Have fun with the role,” she implored, hoping Kirby’s journey would diverge from her own troubled path. With these insights into the past, there’s an overwhelming sense of urgency surrounding Kirby’s upcoming portrayal; it’s not just about stepping into the role but reshaping the legacy of a beloved character.
As anticipation builds for The Fantastic Four: First Steps, audiences are left to ponder the implications of Kirby’s portrayal. Will she rise above the shadows cast by earlier adaptations, or will history repeat itself? The stakes are high not only for Kirby but for the entire franchise as it seeks to navigate the complexities of character representation, ensuring that Sue Storm emerges not merely as a figure of visual appeal but as a fully realized, formidable hero.
