Marvel’s first teaser for The Fantastic Four: First Steps has fans buzzing, not just about the iconic superhero team, but about the film’s decision to root itself firmly in the 1960s. The 20-second clip, devoid of the main cast, offers a glimpse into a bygone era, with a group of children rushing to a storefront to watch the Fantastic Four’s space shuttle launch on a vintage television. This period-piece approach sets the stage for a fresh take on Marvel’s first family, blending retro aesthetics with the cosmic origins of the team.
The teaser’s 1960s setting is a deliberate departure from previous adaptations, which have struggled to capture the essence of the original comics. By anchoring the story in the decade of the Fantastic Four’s creation, Marvel seems to be paying homage to Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s groundbreaking work. The choice also opens up intriguing narrative possibilities, such as exploring how the team’s emergence impacts a world on the brink of the space race and cultural revolution.
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While the teaser avoids showing the titular heroes, it introduces British actor Ralph Ineson as the iconic villain Galactus, hinting at a cosmic threat that could span time and space. The absence of the main cast including Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn, has left fans speculating about how their characters will be integrated into this retro-futuristic world.
The decision to set the film in the 1960s also raises some questions about its connection to the broader MCU timeline. Will the Fantastic Four’s story remain in the past, or will it bridge into the present? Marvel’s choice to keep details under wraps has only fuelled anticipation.
As the teaser continues to spark debates, one thing is clear: The Fantastic Four: First Steps is aiming to redefine the team’s legacy by embracing its roots. With its nostalgic setting and cosmic ambitions, the film promises to be a bold new chapter in the MCU. Fans will have to wait until July 2025 to see if Marvel’s gamble pays off.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.