First Steps Trailer Shows The Thing's Rock Beard, Silver Surfer

Marvel Studios has unveiled a fresh trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps, showcasing exciting new footage.

The preview features The Thing with a rocky beard as the Human Torch carries him through the sky. We also see Mister Fantastic displaying his stretching abilities, the Invisible Woman employing more of her powers, and another brief look at Galactus—though a full reveal of the villain is still being withheld.

Additionally, the Silver Surfer appears more prominently than in earlier previews, her metallic voice announcing the arrival of Galactus. A recurring gag in the trailer is The Thing’s refusal to shout his iconic line, "It's clobberin' time!"

The inclusion of a beard on The Thing raises intriguing questions, especially since the hero has appeared clean-shaven in previous footage. This suggests the beard may grow later in the film. But why would Ben Grimm shave? Over what period does The Fantastic Four story unfold? Could there be a significant time jump? And perhaps more puzzling—can The Thing even shave? If so, how? The rocky beard leaves us with plenty to ponder.

Fans have speculated that The Fantastic Four spans several months, given scenes showing Sue Storm both before and after the birth of Franklin Richards.

While the trailer offers plenty of new glimpses, Marvel Studios is clearly keeping many details under wraps. Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards—complete with a mustache that has sparked online debate—is seen stretching his limbs as he leaps onto a platform and again when he appears to confront Galactus. Still, the full scope of his powers remains hidden.

Similarly, Galactus has yet to appear in full live-action form, though we’ve caught glimpses through other means. The trailer reveals his chest as he awakens, along with shots of him stomping through an alternate-history version of New York City.

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The Fantastic Four: First Steps is set to launch Phase Six of the MCU, introducing Marvel’s first family to icons like Captain America, Thor, and the X-Men ahead of next year’s Avengers: Doomsday. Earlier this month, director Matt Shakman addressed speculation about Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom appearing in the film, seemingly confirming the character won't show up—though his ambiguous wording left room for doubt. What we do know is that the events of The Fantastic Four: First Steps will lead directly into Avengers: Doomsday, scheduled for release in December 2026.