A recently surfaced piece of concept art from The Fantastic Four: First Steps contains an unexpected reference to Spider-Man, potentially reshaping our understanding of the film’s setting and its place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Leaked artwork from The Fantastic Four: First Steps has made its way online, appearing alongside images reportedly from Avengers: Secret Wars rather than solely from Avengers: Doomsday, offering intriguing insights into Marvel Studios’ future projects. While much of the excitement has revolved around Secret Wars—especially glimpses of Doctor Doom and possible team formations—a small yet striking detail in the Fantastic Four concept art challenges previous assumptions about the movie’s timeline. A subtle nod to Spider-Man, cleverly tucked within the imagery, suggests a major revelation about how this version of the Fantastic Four fits into the broader Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, given the unofficial nature of these leaks, fans should remain cautious, as they may contain potential spoilers for both films and beyond.
WARNING: Potential spoilers ahead for The Fantastic Four: First Steps
The leaked concept art, reportedly created by Marvel artist Mushk Rizni, showcases Sue Storm (played by Vanessa Kirby) using her force-field abilities to protect her young son, Franklin, from an accidental fall. While Sue’s powers are on full display, the real surprise lies in Franklin’s attire—he is wearing Spider-Man-themed pajamas. Though seemingly minor, this detail contradicts earlier statements regarding the film’s setting within the Marvel multiverse.
Director Matt Shakman has consistently described The Fantastic Four: First Steps as unfolding in an alternate timeline with a distinctive “retro-future ’60s” aesthetic. “It’s not just a 1960s setting—it’s a version of the ’60s envisioned through a futuristic lens,” Shakman explained during Comic-Con 2024. This led many to believe the film was taking place in an alternate take on the actual 1960s, where the Fantastic Four emerged as Earth’s leading superheroes instead of the Avengers.
However, Franklin’s Spider-Man pajamas present an immediate contradiction. In the primary MCU timeline, Peter Parker was born in the early 2000s and didn’t adopt the Spider-Man mantle until his teenage years. If Spider-Man merchandise exists in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, it implies that this timeline is not a historical 1960s setting but rather a contemporary world that has evolved with a strong mid-century aesthetic.
Leaked Fantastic Four: First Steps Concept Art Suggests a Modernized Retro Setting
The presence of Spider-Man branding indicates that The Fantastic Four: First Steps may not be set in the past at all, but instead in a parallel universe where 1960s design elements have persisted into the present day. If Marvel Studios deliberately included this Easter egg, it suggests that the film isn’t a period piece but a modern timeline with technological and cultural influences drawn from the Space Age era.
This perspective aligns with footage from The Fantastic Four: First Steps trailer, which features architecture, fashion, and technology that blend vintage aesthetics with futuristic advancements. The buildings, gadgets, and overall design aren’t strictly accurate to the 1960s but rather present a stylized interpretation of the era. This also helps clarify other observed details, such as the resemblance between the Baxter Building and Avengers Tower. Instead of representing two separate periods in history, they could be contemporary structures in different versions of reality.
A Multiverse Full of Possibilities
The Spider-Man detail opens the door for other familiar heroes to exist within this alternate Fantastic Four universe. If Spider-Man is recognized to the point of having themed pajamas, it raises the possibility of other well-known characters appearing in new iterations unique to this world. This could pave the way for exciting cameos or supporting roles that further highlight how this timeline diverges from the main MCU.
While concept art doesn’t always translate directly to the final film, this hidden detail could be a significant clue about the world-building in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Fans won’t have to wait too long for answers, as the film is set to premiere in theaters on July 25, 2025.
