The Invisible Force: 5 Shocking Ways Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm Redefines The MCU’s Fantastic Four

The Fantastic Four: First Steps has finally launched a new era for Marvel’s First Family, and as of today, December 11, 2025, the biggest talking point isn't Reed Richards' stretching or The Thing's rocky exterior—it's the revolutionary portrayal of Susan "Sue" Storm. The film, which kicked off Phase 6 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), positions Sue Storm, the Invisible Woman, not just as a member of the team, but as its undisputed intellectual and emotional core. British actress Vanessa Kirby has delivered a performance that completely redefines the character for a new generation, moving far beyond previous cinematic iterations to explore the true depth of her comic book lore, including her role as a leader, a scientist, and a mother.

The decision to cast the Emmy-winning star was met with universal acclaim, and her deep dive into the character’s complex history—even studying quantum physics in preparation—has paid off. This article breaks down the most significant, and in some cases, shocking, ways Vanessa Kirby has made Sue Storm the most fascinating Fantastic Four member in the MCU.

Vanessa Kirby: Full Biography and Career Profile

Vanessa Nuala Kirby, the actress tasked with bringing the Invisible Woman to life, is one of Britain’s most celebrated talents. Her career is marked by a seamless transition between acclaimed stage work and high-profile cinematic roles, setting a new standard for the caliber of actors joining the MCU.

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• Full Name: Vanessa Nuala Kirby
• Date of Birth: April 18, 1988
• Place of Birth: Wimbledon, London, England
• Parents: Jane (former editor of *Country Living* magazine) and Roger Kirby (a prominent retired prostate surgeon)
• Early Career: Began her career in theatre, gaining recognition for performances in plays like *A Midsummer Night's Dream* and *Three Sisters*.
• Breakthrough Role: Princess Margaret in the Netflix historical drama series *The Crown* (2016–2017).
• Major Film Roles: *Mission: Impossible – Fallout* (2018) and *Hobbs & Shaw* (2019) as Alanna Mitsopolis/White Widow, and *Pieces of a Woman* (2020), for which she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
• Key Awards: BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actress (for *The Crown*) and Volpi Cup for Best Actress (for *Pieces of a Woman*).
• MCU Role: Sue Storm / Invisible Woman in *The Fantastic Four: First Steps* (2025).

1. The Shocking 'First Mother of Marvel' Plot

One of the most talked-about and unexpected plot points in *The Fantastic Four: First Steps* is the revelation that Sue Storm is pregnant. This detail is not merely a background note; it fundamentally shapes her character arc and the team’s dynamics. The film embraces this unique challenge, showcasing a superhero who is not only dealing with the immediate dangers of the cosmic storm exposure but also the profound responsibility of impending motherhood.

This storyline establishes Sue as "the first mother of Marvel" within the MCU's main timeline, a title that adds immense weight to her actions. It forces the entire team—Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic), Johnny Storm (Human Torch), and Ben Grimm (The Thing) —to consider the stakes beyond their own lives. This maternal role, often a key but sometimes sidelined aspect of the comic book character, is brought to the forefront, making her diplomatic grace and protective nature the central theme of her heroism.

2. Sue Storm is the Unofficial 'Girl-Boss Leader'

Previous cinematic versions of the Fantastic Four often defaulted to Reed Richards as the primary leader, focusing on his genius. However, the 2025 film dramatically shifts this dynamic, confirming that Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm is the true leader of the team. While Reed may be the scientific mind (Mr. Fantastic) who figures out the problems, Sue is consistently shown to be the one who makes the strategic, ethical, and emotional calls.

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Her leadership is a blend of intellect and fierce protection. She is the one who holds the family together, a crucial role given the volatile personalities of her brother, Johnny Storm, and the perpetually frustrated Ben Grimm. This "girl-boss" portrayal is a deliberate choice by director Matt Shakman and Marvel Studios to reflect a more modern and accurate interpretation of the character, who in many comic runs is recognized as the most powerful and psychologically stable member of the quartet. This makes her the diplomatic anchor, a vital necessity when facing a threat like Galactus, who is confirmed to appear in the film.

3. Her Force Fields Gain a New, Offensive Twist

The Invisible Woman's powers are traditionally invisibility and the projection of powerful, invisible force fields. *The Fantastic Four: First Steps* gives these abilities a significant, and highly offensive, upgrade. While her force fields are shown to be incredibly durable—capable of deflecting attacks from the colossal Galactus—the film introduces a surprising new application that expands the scope of her Invisible Woman powers.

In a climactic sequence, Sue uses her force fields to interact with her brother’s power. She is able to convert Johnny Storm’s intense heat and flame into a focused beam of light and energy, essentially creating a laser cannon. This innovative use of her powers demonstrates an advanced understanding of energy manipulation and teamwork, proving that her abilities are not just defensive. This technical prowess is a direct nod to Kirby’s preparation, as she publicly mentioned studying quantum physics to better understand how Sue's powers might work in a realistic, scientific context.

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4. The Exploration of Darker Comic Lore

In interviews discussing her role as Sue Storm, Vanessa Kirby expressed a keen interest in exploring the "darker aspects" of the Invisible Woman’s comic book history. This includes the possibility of introducing her evil alter-ego, Malice, in a future installment of the MCU.

Malice is a personality that emerges when Sue's psychological barriers break down, often fueled by external manipulation or deep-seated trauma. This alter-ego is far more ruthless and aggressive, using her force fields as weapons of pure destruction. The film *First Steps*, while generally optimistic, hints at the immense emotional and mental strain the cosmic rays and her new life as a superhero are taking on Sue. The potential for the emergence of Malice in a sequel or major crossover event, perhaps tied to a villain like Doctor Doom or the psychological trauma of facing Galactus, is a thrilling prospect for MCU Phase 6 and beyond, adding a necessary layer of complexity to the character.

5. The Retro-Futuristic Aesthetic and The First Steps Title

The film’s title, *The Fantastic Four: First Steps*, is a thematic clue that points to the team’s origin and their place in the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe. The aesthetic of the movie, as revealed through promotional art and set design, is distinctly retro-futuristic, leaning into a 1960s space-age vibe. This choice positions the Fantastic Four as pioneers—the very "First Steps" of the superhero age, possibly operating in a different time period than the current MCU timeline, or simply being the first to explore deep space in this way.

This retro setting emphasizes Sue Storm’s role as a brilliant scientist in her own right, not just Reed's partner. The film portrays her as an equal to Reed Richards, a crucial element of the team’s foundation. This focus on the "First Family" as explorers and scientists, rather than just super-powered individuals, solidifies Sue Storm's importance as the team's chief strategist and moral compass, ensuring that Vanessa Kirby's iteration will be remembered as the definitive Invisible Woman of the MCU.