Marvel fans now have an exciting new look at what could have been. New concept art from The Fantastic Four: First Steps reveals an early design for Giganto. Surprisingly, this version turns the towering monster into a fully robotic threat. Although it never made it into the final cut, the design offers a fresh perspective. As a result, it highlights just how different the villain’s role in the film could have been.
A Robotic Twist on an Iconic Monster
In the theatrical version of the film, Giganto closely mirrors his comic book counterpart—massive, organic, and intimidating. Interestingly, The Art of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, an upcoming behind-the-scenes book, showcases a bold mechanical redesign of Giganto. This alternate Giganto wears full robotic armor. The design drastically changes his presence and sets up a very different kind of confrontation with Marvel’s First Family.
Although the book doesn’t explicitly explain why Marvel scrapped this design, the studio likely made the change to stay closer to the source material and preserve the classic feel of the 1960s-inspired setting. Nevertheless, the robotic version introduced a unique, tech-heavy aesthetic that, in contrast, might have pushed the film’s tone in a more futuristic direction.
Currently, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is playing in theaters. Meanwhile, Marvel Studios will officially publish the film’s concept art on November 18, 2025. Additionally, the art book—now available for preorder—offers fans a deeper glimpse into Marvel Studios’ creative process and design evolution.
Main and Supporting Cast
- Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic
- Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm / Invisible Woman
- Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm / Human Torch
- Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm / The Thing
In addition to the core cast, the film also features Ralph Ineson as Galactus, Julia Garner as Shalla-Bal / Silver Surfer, and Paul Walter Hauser, John Malkovich, and Natasha Lyonne in undisclosed roles.
The Retro-Futuristic World of the Fantastic Four
Set in a vivid, 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, The Fantastic Four: First Steps reintroduces Marvel’s First Family boldly and stylishly. Furthermore, according to the official synopsis, the team faces “their most daunting challenge yet”—a sentiment that now carries even more weight, especially considering what almost made it into the final battle scenes.
Moreover, the film is produced by Kevin Feige and supported by executive producers Louis D’Esposito, Grant Curtis, and Tim Lewis. It also features a powerful score by renowned composer Michael Giacchino.
Even though the robotic Giganto didn’t make it to the screen, its reveal still offers a fascinating look at the creative directions Marvel Studios explored. Meanwhile, as fans eagerly await the art book’s release, this behind-the-scenes glimpse further deepens the excitement for the franchise’s future.
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