The Invisible Woman Revealed: 7 Shocking New Details About Vanessa Kirby's Sue Storm In The MCU's Fantastic Four

The search for the next Invisible Woman has officially ended, and the details surrounding Vanessa Kirby's portrayal of the iconic hero are far more complex and intriguing than any fan could have predicted. As of December 11, 2025, the buzz around Marvel Studios' upcoming Phase Six film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, is reaching a fever pitch, largely due to the fresh, intellectual, and surprisingly dark direction the studio is taking with its first family of superheroes. Kirby is not just playing a wife and mother; she is embodying a character with a deep, nuanced comic book history, a new academic background, and a potential dark future.

The latest updates confirm that the MCU is placing Sue Storm, a.k.a. the Invisible Woman, front and center, positioning her as a leader with a formidable intellect and a deep-cut comic book alter-ego. From studying quantum physics to inspire her performance to drawing inspiration from the villainous Malice, Vanessa Kirby is set to deliver a version of the Fantastic Four actress that is both a scientific powerhouse and an emotional anchor for the team. This article dives deep into the biography of the star and the seven most shocking details about her role that will redefine the character for a new generation.

Vanessa Kirby: Biography, Filmography, and Major Awards

Vanessa Nuala Kirby is a highly acclaimed English actress known for her powerful performances across stage, television, and film. Her casting as the Invisible Woman solidifies her position as one of Hollywood's most versatile and respected talents.

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• Full Name: Vanessa Nuala Kirby
• Born: April 18, 1988 (or 1987, sources vary)
• Birthplace: Wimbledon, London, England
• Education: Studied English at the University of Exeter.
• Breakthrough Role: Princess Margaret in the Netflix series The Crown.

Key Filmography Highlights

Kirby's career is marked by a blend of critically praised dramatic roles and major blockbuster appearances, showcasing her range.

• Television:
  • The Crown (2016–2017) as Princess Margaret
  • Great Expectations (2011) as Estella
• Film:
  • Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018) as Alanna Mitsopolis / White Widow
  • Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023) as White Widow
  • Pieces of a Woman (2020) as Martha Weiss
  • Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (2019) as Hattie Shaw
  • The Fantastic Four: First Steps (Upcoming) as Sue Storm / Invisible Woman

Major Awards and Nominations

Her dramatic work, particularly in Pieces of a Woman and The Crown, has earned her significant recognition.

• Academy Award Nomination: Best Actress (for Pieces of a Woman)
• Golden Globe Award Nomination: Best Actress – Motion Picture Drama (for Pieces of a Woman)
• British Academy Film Award (BAFTA) Nomination: Best Actress in a Leading Role (for Pieces of a Woman)
• Primetime Emmy Award Nomination: Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (for The Crown)
• BAFTA TV Award: Best Supporting Actress (for The Crown)

The New Invisible Woman: 7 Unique Details About Vanessa Kirby's Sue Storm

The MCU’s approach to Sue Storm is a radical departure from previous film versions, focusing on her intellectual prowess and complex emotional landscape. These are the most significant and newest details about the character in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which is part of the MCU's Phase Six lineup.

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1. She is a Doctor of Archaeology

The new Sue Storm is officially Doctor Susan Storm, holding a PhD in archaeology. This is a major update from her traditional background as a scientist or teacher, positioning her as an intellectual leader and explorer right alongside Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic), who is played by Pedro Pascal. This academic focus gives her a unique perspective on the team’s adventures, blending science with historical exploration.

2. Her Performance is Inspired by "Malice"

One of the most shocking revelations is that Vanessa Kirby drew inspiration from Malice, a deep-cut Marvel Comics villain and a dark reflection of Sue Storm’s psyche. Malice is the physical manifestation of Sue’s suppressed rage, frustration, and dark side. Kirby's commitment to exploring this sinister alter-ego suggests that the film, or a future sequel, may delve into the Invisible Woman's emotional control and the potential for her powers to be corrupted, providing a high-stakes psychological element to her character arc.

3. Kirby Studied Quantum Physics for the Role

To prepare for the role of a scientist with reality-bending powers, Kirby "out-nerded everyone" by studying quantum physics. This level of dedication ensures that her performance is grounded in a genuine understanding of the theoretical science behind her abilities, making her invisible force fields and energy manipulation feel more authentic within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

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4. Sue Storm is Reportedly Pregnant in the Film

Reports and comments from Kirby herself have strongly hinted that Sue Storm will be pregnant and expecting a baby in the upcoming film, a plot point that has massive implications for the MCU. This echoes a major storyline from the comics where Sue gives birth to Franklin Richards, one of the most powerful mutants in the Marvel universe. This twist immediately raises the stakes, adding a layer of vulnerability and immense power to the Invisible Woman.

5. She is the Confirmed Emotional and Narrative Lead

While the team is composed of four heavy hitters—Mister Fantastic, The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), and Human Torch (Joseph Quinn)—Kirby’s interviews suggest Sue Storm is the central emotional and narrative anchor. Her character is described as the most "compelling" to watch, implying that her journey and internal conflict (potentially related to Malice) will drive the main plot of *The Fantastic Four: First Steps*.

6. The Film is Set in a Retro-Futuristic 1960s Aesthetic

The official cast announcement poster, shared on Valentine's Day, depicted the team in a retro-futuristic, 1960s-inspired setting. This vintage aesthetic suggests the team may have been operating outside the main MCU timeline for decades or that their origin story is deeply rooted in the space-race era, giving Sue Storm a unique look and feel distinct from other contemporary MCU heroes.

7. Her Powers Go Beyond Invisibility

As the Invisible Woman, Sue Storm's powers are often underestimated. The film is expected to showcase her true potential, which includes generating powerful, invisible force fields, manipulating objects telekinetically via those fields, and projecting powerful concussive blasts. The mention of the Malice inspiration suggests a mastery of her powers that could turn her into a formidable threat if her emotions are compromised, making her one of the most powerful heroes in the new MCU lineup.

Topical Authority: The Fantastic Four MCU Roster

The casting of the new Fantastic Four team is arguably one of the most anticipated announcements in recent Marvel Studios history. The full main roster for *The Fantastic Four: First Steps* includes a group of critically acclaimed actors ready to bring these iconic Marvel Comics characters to life.

• Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic: Played by Pedro Pascal
• Sue Storm / Invisible Woman: Played by Vanessa Kirby
• Johnny Storm / Human Torch: Played by Joseph Quinn
• Ben Grimm / The Thing: Played by Ebon Moss-Bachrach

The combination of Kirby's intense preparation and the high-caliber talent of her co-stars sets the stage for a dramatic and intellectually stimulating entry into the MCU. With the film's release date set for July 25, 2025, fans eagerly await the debut of this new, complex, and highly-anticipated version of the Fantastic Four, led by the dynamic and deeply studied Vanessa Kirby as the Invisible Woman.