Jessica Alba recently reflected on one of the toughest moments of her career while working on 2005’s Fantastic Four. She described her experience on the Fantastic: Four set as “humiliating.”
Tim Story’s pre-MCU Fantastic Four featured Alba as Sue Storm, alongside Ioan Gruffudd (Reed Richards), Chris Evans (Johnny Storm), and Michael Chiklis (Ben Grimm). The film was an early Marvel success, grossing over $330 million worldwide. Rise of the Silver Surfer followed the film in 2007. These early films helped pave the way for female superhero representation in mainstream cinema.
The Bridge Scene That Stood Out in Fantastic: Four
One of the most memorable sequences occurs during the bridge rescue scene. Sue Storm attempts to sneak past police officers by turning invisible. However, she begins removing her clothes mid-transformation, only to reappear due to her lack of control over her powers. In the sequel, a crowd photographs Sue before she disappears again, creating a similar dramatic scenario.
The scene was technically challenging for the production team, requiring complex visual effects to convincingly show invisibility while maintaining continuity. Despite the technical achievement, it was emotionally difficult for Alba, highlighting the personal challenges actors face behind the scenes.
Alba Reflects on the Emotional Impact
Speaking at the Red Sea Film Festival (via Variety), Alba admitted the scene was her “least favorite” and that she “thought it was awful.”
She explained:
“It was very humiliating in real life. I grew up in a conservative family and am a pretty modest person, so I dreaded that scene for weeks and still have a lot of whiplash from those days.”
Despite the discomfort, Alba expressed admiration for Sue Storm, highlighting her as a strong, moral, and independent female character who resisted the typical damsel-in-distress trope of early superhero films:
“She was maternal and kind, but not a pushover. She spoke her mind and had a strong moral compass. No matter who you are, you can look up to her.”
Alba also emphasized that playing Sue Storm allowed her to explore a female superhero identity in a way that balanced strength with vulnerability, making her portrayal memorable even years later.
The Evolution of Female Superheroes
Alba noted that superhero roles for women have evolved significantly since her time in Fantastic Four. Today, female characters drive their own storylines, pursue clear motivations, and show agency instead of being limited to sidekick or romantic roles. She said:
“It’s amazing to see how far female superhero roles have come. Women now have characters who are leaders, scientists, and heroes in their own right. It’s very inspiring.”
On a lighter note, Alba shared:
“I haven’t watched Marvel Studios’ new The Fantastic Four: First Steps yet because I usually watch movies with my kids — and my son is currently stuck watching Sonic the Hedgehog 85 times in a row.”
This personal insight shows how Alba balances her career with motherhood, bringing a relatable side to her fans.
Jessica Alba’s reflections on her time in Fantastic: Four shed light on the challenges faced by actors in early superhero films, especially women. While the nude scene was uncomfortable, it highlights the growth of female superhero roles in Hollywood over the years. Alba’s admiration for Sue Storm reminds fans that strong, independent female characters have always played a crucial role in shaping the MCU and inspiring audiences. As superhero storytelling continues to evolve, actors like Alba demonstrate how dedication, courage, and authenticity can make a lasting impact both on and off the screen.
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