In the heart of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, anticipation surges as The Fantastic Four: First Steps prepares to introduce its iconic characters to a new generation. Notably, one cast member, Natasha Lyonne, has been particularly coy about her role, igniting curiosity among fans. While the titular team is set to make their mark, the film also welcomes a host of beloved Marvel characters, including Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer, Ralph Ineson’s Galactus, and Paul Walter Hauser’s Mole Man. Though it’s been a staggering seventeen years since fans last saw these heroes on the big screen, the prospects for their future in the MCU feel more promising than ever.
At a recent junket for ScreenRant, Lyonne addressed the speculation surrounding her mysterious character. When probed about the role, she artfully sidestepped the question, stating her intent to “honor the ways of the Marvel,” a nod to the studio’s notorious commitment to secrecy. Lyonne expressed her excitement and pride in being part of the project, describing it as “extraordinary.” Here’s an excerpt from her interview:
ScreenRant: Nobody knows who you’re playing. Is it super top secret, under wraps? Is there a reason?
Natasha Lyonne: “I guess so! I’m just trying to kind of honor the ways of the Marvel, but I’m very excited about it, and the movie is extraordinary. I think people are going to love it, and I’m so proud to be a part of it.”
The Fantastic Four: First Steps Offers a Unique Take on the Team’s Marvel Lore
Lyonne’s secretive role adds an air of intrigue, whether it’s due to her character’s significance in the plot or a mere adherence to Marvel’s protective protocol against leaks. Historically, actors like Andrew Garfield and Patrick Stewart have downplayed their roles to keep dramatic reveals under wraps. Yet, in Lyonne’s case, there’s an absence of intense fan theories that might force her to address her character directly.
For many, what makes The Fantastic Four: First Steps so engaging is its unique reinterpretation of the beloved team. Setting itself apart with a retrofuturistic aesthetic, the film emphasizes family dynamics within an alternate universe. Marvel’s first installment featuring the Fantastic Four doesn’t shy away from the more flamboyant elements of its source material. Whether she portrays a common human or an eccentric ally of the Fantastic Four, Lyonne’s character could range from the relatable to the downright bizarre.
There Are Multiple Questions Around Natasha Lyonne’s Mysterious MCU Character
Hints suggest that the Fantastic Four might venture to Earth-616 during or post their debut, as laid out in a recent Thunderbolts* post-credits scene. This snippet implies that characters like Mole Man, Silver Surfer, and Lyonne’s character may remain tied to their original universe for the moment. However, the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday‘s multiversal crossover could allow for them to resurface later, reflecting a long-standing comic book practice of reintroducing characters after major storyline upheavals.
Whether Lyonne plays a vital role in the narrative or serves as a bridge to future Marvel sagas, one thing is clear: The Fantastic Four: First Steps will likely be just the start of her journey in the MCU.