7 Shocking 'First Steps' Sue Storm Takes In The MCU's Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025)

The landscape of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has been irrevocably changed as of December 12, 2025, following the release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps. This film, which promised to redefine Marvel’s First Family, delivered on its pledge by placing a surprising character at the center of the cosmic chaos: Dr. Susan "Sue" Storm. Far from the often-sidelined "Invisible Girl" of early comic lore, the MCU’s Invisible Woman emerges as the strategic and emotional core of the team, facing challenges that go far beyond mere villainy—they strike at the very heart of her new family.

The title, First Steps, is a brilliant double-entendre, referring not only to the team's earliest adventures after gaining their powers but also, more profoundly, to the first steps of a new life. The film’s narrative is heavily anchored by Sue Storm’s perspective, a huge shift from previous cinematic iterations. This deep dive into her early life, her scientific genius, and her foundational role in the team’s dynamic gives the character the long-overdue spotlight she deserves, setting a powerful new trajectory for the entire franchise.

The Invisible Woman: MCU Incarnation Profile (Vanessa Kirby)

The character of Sue Storm, a founding member of the Fantastic Four, has been a cornerstone of Marvel Comics since her debut in Fantastic Four #1 in November 1961. However, the MCU's interpretation, as seen in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, is a fresh, modern take, brought to life by actress Vanessa Kirby.

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• Character Name: Dr. Susan "Sue" Storm-Richards / Invisible Woman
• MCU Incarnation: The primary emotional anchor and strategic lead of the Fantastic Four.
• Actress: Vanessa Kirby (Known for The Crown, Mission: Impossible – Fallout).
• First MCU Appearance: The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025).
• Powers: Invisibility and the ability to generate powerful, invisible psionic force fields.
• Relationship Status: Partnered with Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic), played by Pedro Pascal.
• Key Role in First Steps: The film's narrative revolves around her and Reed’s new baby, Franklin Richards.
• Comic Origin: She was the first female superhero created by Marvel during the Silver Age.

The True 'First Steps': Invisible Woman's MCU Revolution

The most compelling element of The Fantastic Four: First Steps is its commitment to elevating Sue Storm's character arc, positioning her as the undisputed heart and, arguably, the mind of the team. This is a massive "first step" for the character on the big screen, moving past the passive portrayals of the past.

1. Sue Storm is the Unofficial Team Lead

While Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic) is the celebrated genius, the narrative of the 2025 film strongly suggests that Sue is the strategic and emotional anchor. Reports indicated that Marvel focused on casting her first, signaling her importance. She is the one who "listens, feels, and responds," contrasting Reed's tendency to "calculate probabilities". This dynamic makes her choices the most pivotal in the film’s major conflicts, establishing her as the de facto leader when the team needs moral clarity.

2. The Birth of Franklin Richards is Her Defining Moment

A central plot point, and perhaps the most literal "first steps" in the film, is the birth of Sue and Reed’s son, Franklin Richards. This event is not a quiet domestic moment; it's a cosmic event. The movie canon comic tie-in depicts their earliest adventures after gaining powers, but the main film focuses on the fallout of this new life. Sue is forced to deal with public outrage over keeping the baby and a new foe who seeks to take the child for their own aims. This immediately puts Sue in a powerful, protective role, tying her superhero identity to her maternal one.

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3. She Challenges Reed Richards’ Pessimism

The relationship between Sue Storm and Reed Richards is often depicted as perfect, but First Steps introduces necessary friction. Sue is shown to be the one who calls out Reed for his pessimism and scientific detachment, pushing him toward faith and hope. This active role in shaping Reed's character arc is a significant departure from older comic versions where she was sometimes written as "unpleasant and unlikable," constantly pointing out his faults. The MCU version uses her empathy to drive the team forward, making her the essential balancing force to Reed’s scientific hubris.

Beyond Invisibility: The Terrifying Power of Sue Storm's Force Fields

Sue Storm’s powers, initially limited to simply turning invisible, evolved dramatically in the comics to include the creation of powerful, invisible psionic force fields. The MCU film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, seems to embrace the full scope of this power set, setting the stage for even darker developments in the future.

4. Mastering the Art of the Invisible Barrier

The film showcases the versatility of her force fields. No longer just defensive shields, Sue utilizes them as offensive weapons, internal pressure devices, and even platforms for transport, fully realizing the potential of her abilities following exposure to the cosmic storm. Her mastery is portrayed as innate and intuitive, contrasting with the more physical, trial-and-error development of Johnny Storm’s (Human Torch) and Ben Grimm’s (The Thing) powers.

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5. The Tease of a Dark Alter Ego

Perhaps the most intriguing "first step" is the hint at a darker future. Actress Vanessa Kirby has openly voiced interest in exploring the Invisible Woman's dark alter ego following The Fantastic Four: First Steps. In the comics, the character has had moments of intense emotional instability that manifest as terrifyingly powerful and destructive force fields. This foreshadowing suggests the MCU is willing to delve into the psychological toll of her powers, moving beyond the simple "Invisible Girl" trope and into the complexity of a hero with god-like defensive capabilities.

Establishing Topical Authority and Future Trajectories

The film’s focus on Sue Storm as the emotional core is an intelligent move for the MCU, which often grounds its cosmic narratives in personal stakes. By making the central conflict about her baby, Franklin Richards, and the public's reaction, the film establishes a deep, immediate connection for the audience.

6. The MCU’s First Family vs. Public Opinion

The plot revolving around the public’s "outrage over keeping the baby" is a powerful commentary on the scrutiny faced by super-powered individuals, echoing themes from other major MCU franchises. Sue Storm’s decision to "walk alone with the child" in the face of this backlash highlights her strength and independence, cementing her as a formidable figure who prioritizes family and moral conviction over public appeasement. This is a crucial "first step" in defining the Fantastic Four's relationship with the wider world, a dynamic that will surely be explored in subsequent films.

7. A New Standard for Female Superhero Leads

The MCU’s Fantastic Four: First Steps finally does justice to the team's matriarch. Unlike previous iterations where she struggled to find her place, the MCU Sue Storm is portrayed as completely comfortable and confident in her role. She is a formidable scientist, a loving partner, a protective mother, and a powerful superhero, all without sacrificing any facet of her identity. This multifaceted portrayal sets a new standard for how one of Marvel’s oldest and most important female characters will be viewed by a new generation of fans, ensuring that the Invisible Woman is invisible in name only, but central to the entire narrative.