5 Shocking Ways The MCU’s Fantastic 4 Sue Storm Will Be The Team’s Most Powerful Member

The anticipation surrounding the Marvel Cinematic Universe's (MCU) introduction of the Fantastic Four has reached a fever pitch, and all eyes are on the team’s matriarch, Sue Storm. As of late 2024, the official casting has confirmed that the brilliant and versatile actress Vanessa Kirby will step into the role of the Invisible Woman in the upcoming film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps. This news has not only excited fans but has also ignited a fresh conversation about how the MCU will finally do justice to a character often sidelined in previous adaptations, positioning her not just as the emotional core, but as the most formidable powerhouse on the roster.

The new film, set to be directed by Matt Shakman, promises a fresh, unique, and powerful take on Marvel's First Family. The decision to cast an actress of Kirby’s caliber signals a clear intention to elevate Sue Storm-Richards beyond her historical 'Invisible Girl' moniker, focusing instead on the vast, cosmic-level potential of her abilities. From her devastating force fields to the potential introduction of her darkest comic book persona, the MCU is poised to reveal the true, terrifying strength of the Invisible Woman.

Vanessa Kirby: Biography and Major Roles of the MCU’s Invisible Woman

Vanessa Nuala Kirby, the actress officially cast as Sue Storm, is an English performer who has rapidly risen to international prominence through her compelling and intense roles across film and television. Her selection for the Invisible Woman role is a strong indicator of the gravitas and depth the MCU intends to bring to the character.

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• Full Name: Vanessa Nuala Kirby
• Date of Birth: April 18, 1988 (Note: Some sources list 1987)
• Nationality: British (English)
• MCU Role: Dr. Susan "Sue" Storm-Richards / Invisible Woman in The Fantastic Four: First Steps
• Breakout Role: Princess Margaret in the Netflix series The Crown (2016–2017), for which she won a BAFTA Award.
• Oscar Nomination: Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in the 2020 drama film Pieces of a Woman.
• Major Film Roles: The White Widow in the Mission: Impossible franchise (Fallout and Dead Reckoning Part One) and Hattie Shaw in Hobbs & Shaw.
• Stage Career: Extensive work in theatre, including performances at the National Theatre and winning the Biza Award for her stage work.

The Shocking Power Upgrade: Why Sue Storm is the Fantastic Four’s True Heavy Hitter

For decades, the Invisible Woman has been underestimated, often overshadowed by the genius of her husband, Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic), and the flashier powers of her brother, Johnny Storm (The Human Torch). However, the comic book history—and the latest casting decisions—confirm that Sue Storm's abilities are arguably the most powerful and versatile of the entire Fantastic Four team, which also includes Ben Grimm (The Thing). [cite: 15 from step 2]

1. Telekinetic Force Fields: Beyond Invisibility

Sue's primary power is not simply turning invisible. That is merely the most basic application of her real ability: generating and manipulating powerful, focused psionic force fields. These fields are a form of telekinesis that allows her to affect the world around her in devastating ways. [cite: 4 from step 3]

• Defensive Capability: She can create impenetrable shields to protect herself and her teammates from virtually any attack, including cosmic blasts and physical trauma. [cite: 4 from step 3]
• Offensive Capability: She can create solid, invisible constructs—such as battering rams, platforms, or cages—to attack enemies or restrain powerful beings like Hulk or Doctor Doom. This is often referred to as "hard-light" manipulation. [cite: 4 from step 3]
• Internal Attacks: Her most lethal move involves generating a force field *inside* an opponent's body, such as their brain or lungs, incapacitating them instantly. This move, which she rarely uses due to its lethal nature, demonstrates a power level far exceeding simple elasticity or fire.

2. The 'Moral Core' Approach: A New MCU Intention

Director Matt Shakman's approach, and the general critical discussion around the new film, suggests a deliberate effort to position Sue as the emotional and moral center of the team, which paradoxically makes her stronger. In a 2024 analysis, she is described as embodying the "Positive Feminine" archetype and being the "Moral Core" of the group. [cite: 11 from step 1, 13 from step 1]

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This focus on her empathy and leadership contrasts sharply with the often-cold logic of Reed Richards, giving her a strategic and ethical advantage in high-stakes conflicts. Her power is not just physical; it is the will to hold the family together, a theme that resonates deeply with the core of the Future Foundation concept, where she acts as a mentor and leader to the next generation, including her children, Franklin Richards and Valeria Richards.

3. Malice: The Dark Side Vanessa Kirby Wants to Play

One of the most exciting and fresh pieces of news surrounding the MCU's Sue Storm is Vanessa Kirby's own enthusiasm for exploring the character's darker side. Kirby has publicly stated she is "dying to play Malice," Sue Storm's evil, alternate personality. [cite: 9 from step 2, 6 from step 3]

What is Malice?

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Malice is a separate, malevolent persona that has, at various times in the comics, taken control of Sue Storm. This entity is the embodiment of Sue's repressed anger and negative emotions. When under the influence of Malice, Sue's powers—the force fields and invisibility—become exponentially more powerful and violent. She becomes the "Mistress of Hate," a terrifying force capable of challenging even the most powerful cosmic entities. [cite: 6 from step 3]

The potential introduction of Malice in a future MCU film would not only provide a high-stakes, internal conflict but would also definitively establish Sue Storm as a character with world-breaking potential, moving far beyond the simple "Invisible Girl" label she was given during the early years of the team. [cite: 3 from step 3]

4. Comic Book Evolution: The Invincible Woman

Recent comic book storylines, such as those from 2024, have continued to evolve Sue's power set, cementing her status as a powerhouse. In one story arc, Sue Storm is stranded in the future by Doctor Doom, forcing her to search for the Forever Gate. This isolation and extreme pressure often lead to an "overhaul" of her powers, demonstrating new levels of strength and control. [cite: 14 from step 1]

Another recent comic arc introduced "The Invincible Woman," a cold-hearted and immensely powerful alternate universe version of Sue Storm. This constant exploration in the source material—of a Sue who can survive an avalanche, defeat the manipulative Psycho-Man, or even strike a deal with the Devil—is a clear blueprint for the MCU to follow, showing her as a character who is emotionally resilient and cosmically powerful. [cite: 10 from step 1, 3 from step 3]

5. The Contrast with Previous Portrayals

The MCU’s decision to cast an Oscar-nominated actress like Vanessa Kirby is a clear course correction from previous cinematic attempts. This is highlighted by recent news where actress Jessica Alba, who played Sue Storm in the 2005 film, spoke candidly about a "humiliating" scene she was forced to shoot, where the director told her to cry "prettier." [cite: 7, 8, 9 from step 1]

This historical context of minimizing the character—reducing her to a damsel or a love interest—makes the current, highly-anticipated portrayal all the more significant. The new Sue Storm will be a scientist, a mother, a leader, and a hero whose control over telekinetic energy makes her a match for any threat in the Negative Zone or across the Microverse. By focusing on the depth and power of Dr. Susan Storm-Richards, the MCU is finally ready to unleash the Invisible Woman as the most essential and powerful member of the Fantastic Four.