5 Shocking Details About Vanessa Kirby's Sue Storm Role That Will Change The MCU

Vanessa Kirby's highly anticipated debut as Sue Storm, the Invisible Woman, is poised to redefine one of Marvel's most iconic characters, moving far beyond previous cinematic portrayals. The British actress, best known for her Emmy-nominated role as Princess Margaret in *The Crown*, is confirmed to be the centerpiece of Marvel Studios’ *The Fantastic Four: First Steps*, which is currently set for a theatrical release on July 25, 2025. The latest news, as of December 13, 2025, suggests that Kirby’s interpretation will not only anchor the new team but will also introduce several deep, complex comic book storylines that are completely fresh to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The new film is already generating massive buzz due to its stellar cast and a surprising plot detail that places Sue Storm at the heart of the narrative. Kirby herself has revealed that the movie will explore themes of "feminine energy" and that her character is the undeniable lead of the new team, suggesting a significant power shift from the traditional focus on Reed Richards, Mr. Fantastic. This is a deliberate, modern approach by director Matt Shakman and Marvel Studios to elevate the Invisible Woman and establish her as the emotional and scientific core of the Fantastic Four.

Vanessa Kirby: Biography and Notable Filmography

Vanessa Nuala Kirby, the actress tasked with bringing the formidable Sue Storm to life, has an impressive background spanning theater, television, and film, establishing her as one of the most versatile performers of her generation. Her confirmed casting as the Invisible Woman is a landmark moment, following in the footsteps of previous Sue Storm actresses like Jessica Alba and Kate Mara.

• Full Name: Vanessa Nuala Kirby
• Born: April 18, 1988
• Place of Birth: Wimbledon, London, England
• Parents: Jane Kirby (former magazine editor) and Roger Kirby (prominent retired prostate surgeon)
• Education: Studied English at the University of Exeter
• Breakthrough Role: Princess Margaret in the Netflix series *The Crown* (2016–2017)
• Oscar Nomination: Best Actress for her performance in *Pieces of a Woman* (2020)
• Key Film Roles: White Widow in *Mission: Impossible – Fallout* (2018) and *Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One* (2023), Hattie Shaw in *Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw* (2019).
• MCU Role: Sue Storm / Invisible Woman in *The Fantastic Four: First Steps* (2025)

Kirby joins a powerhouse ensemble cast for the MCU's *Fantastic Four* reboot, which includes Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic), Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm (Human Torch), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm (The Thing).

The Invisible Woman’s Unexpected Pregnancy Plot

One of the most surprising and unique details confirmed about *The Fantastic Four: First Steps* is that Vanessa Kirby's Sue Storm will be pregnant. This revelation, which was hinted at in concept art and has been discussed by Kirby, immediately connects the film to one of the most significant and beloved storylines in Marvel Comics history: the birth of Franklin Richards.

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Franklin Richards, the first child of Reed and Sue, is not a typical baby. In the comics, he is revealed to be an Omega-level mutant with vast reality-warping and psionic powers, often considered one of the most powerful beings in the Marvel Universe. The decision to introduce the pregnancy plot in the very first film—subtitled *First Steps*—suggests that the MCU is fast-tracking the family dynamic and the complex challenges that come with raising a super-powered child. Kirby has spoken about how portraying a pregnant Sue Storm, who is also a genius scientist and a superhero, allowed the film to explore themes of motherhood and the unique pressures placed on a woman who is "the first mother of Marvel."

From Quantum Physics Prep to the Malice Alter-Ego

Kirby's dedication to the role goes beyond typical acting preparation. To authentically embody Sue Storm's scientific genius—a crucial element of the character often overshadowed by her powers—Kirby revealed that she studied quantum physics. This deep dive into the theoretical science behind Sue's force fields and invisibility will likely lend a new layer of credibility and complexity to her performance, ensuring that her character is seen as a brilliant scientist first and a powerful hero second.

Furthermore, Kirby has expressed a strong desire to explore one of the darkest and most compelling arcs in the Invisible Woman's comic book history: the villainous alter-ego known as Malice. Malice is a separate, evil personality—the "Mistress of Hate"—that was forcibly extracted from Sue Storm by the villain Psycho-Man using his Hate-Monger technology.

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The Malice storyline is a fan-favorite because it allows Sue to break free from her traditionally reserved demeanor and unleash a terrifying, unrestrained version of her power. Kirby’s enthusiasm for this darker side of the character suggests that the MCU is planning a multi-film arc for Sue, potentially introducing Malice in a later installment as a formidable internal and external threat. This exploration of a character's "dark side" is a narrative tool that has proven successful in the MCU, and it offers a rich opportunity for Kirby to showcase her dramatic range.

How Kirby’s Sue Storm Will Anchor the MCU's Cosmic Future

The casting of Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm is not just about the *Fantastic Four* film; it's a foundational piece for the future of the entire MCU. As the team's release date is set for 2025, they are poised to become central figures in the ongoing Multiverse Saga. The inclusion of the pregnancy plot and the potential for Franklin Richards—a character with cosmic-level power—immediately raises the stakes for the entire franchise.

Sue Storm’s powers—the ability to generate powerful, invisible force fields and render herself unseen—are inherently defensive and protective, aligning perfectly with the themes of motherhood and leadership that Kirby has highlighted. This "feminine energy" is not a weakness but the ultimate source of strength and stability for the volatile team, which includes the hot-headed Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) and the perpetually stressed Mr. Fantastic (Pedro Pascal).

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By making Sue Storm the lead, Marvel Studios is signaling a shift toward more complex, emotionally driven superhero narratives. Vanessa Kirby’s proven ability to portray characters with immense internal strength, quiet authority, and deep vulnerability makes her the ideal choice to reinvent the Invisible Woman for a new generation. Her Sue Storm is not just a wife or a sister; she is the gravitational center, the scientific mind, and the protective shield of the Fantastic Four, ready to face threats from Galactus to her own inner darkness as Malice.