MCU Characters ‘The Fantastic Four’ Could Meet in The 1960s
Marvel Studios’ forthcoming reboot of ‘The Fantastic Four’ holds the promise of intertwining with iconic characters from the MCU, should the speculated timeline theories prove accurate. Recently, the studio unveiled the ensemble cast for Phase 6’s ‘The Fantastic Four,’ featuring Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm, respectively, putting an end to years of fervent fan-casting and anticipation.
Despite the storyline details remaining undisclosed, Marvel Studios hinted at potential narrative, character, and timeline revelations. Notably, the Valentine’s Day poster not only introduced the cast but also hinted at a 1960s setting for ‘The Fantastic Four.’ The image, showcasing Ben Grimm’s Thing perusing a December 13, 1963 issue of LIFE Magazine featuring President Lyndon B. Johnson, strongly suggests the film’s temporal backdrop.
With this setting, the titular team may encounter MCU figures active during that era, delving deeper into the MCU’s historical narrative established in projects like ‘Captain America: The First Avenger’ and ‘Eternals.’
Eternals
Marvel Studios’ Eternals delved deep into the MCU’s history, unveiling the arrival of the titular team on Earth approximately 7000 years ago. Integrating into human society by the 1520s, they may have encountered the Fantastic Four in the 1960s, although their presence might have remained concealed.
Despite being one of the MCU’s most divisive endeavours, ‘Eternals’ may need a comeback to elucidate their intricate narrative. The possibility of their return, possibly in Marvel Studios’ upcoming ‘The Fantastic Four,’ offers hope for further exploration, though their future in the MCU remains uncertain.
Thor and Loki
While Thor and Loki’s regular visits to Earth began with the 2011 film ‘Thor,’ historical records indicate numerous prior encounters. Often, these visits were marked by mischievous pranks and settling wagers, as exemplified by Loki’s portrayal as D.B. Cooper in 1971.
Speculation arises about potential interactions with the Fantastic Four during the 1960s by earlier incarnations of Chris Hemsworth’s Thor and Tom Hiddleston’s Loki. Despite no explicit mentions, given their enduring presence in the MCU, future appearances cannot be discounted.
Isaiah Bradley
In response to Steve Rogers’ perceived demise, the US government sought to replicate Captain America, leading to the transformation of Isaiah Bradley into a super soldier during the 1950s. Engaging the Winter Soldier in combat during that era, Bradley faced wrongful imprisonment and experimentation following the Korean War in 1953.
Considering the historical context, flashbacks may feature Isaiah Bradley as a version of Captain America in ‘The Fantastic Four.’ Given that members of the Fantastic Four have military backgrounds, it’s conceivable that characters like Ben Grimm or Reed Richards could have crossed paths with Carl Lumbly’s Isaiah Bradley.
The Winter Soldier
Sebastian Stan’s portrayal of Bucky Barnes, Steve Rogers’ loyal comrade turned HYDRA puppet in ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ has left an indelible mark since his debut in 2011’s ‘Captain America: The First Avenger.’
Operating as the Winter Soldier from the 1940s onward, his adventures in the 1960s remain untold on screen. Given his intriguing backstory and recent hero’s return in 2025’s ‘Thunderbolts film, the ‘Fantastic Four’ in Phase 6 presents an exciting opportunity to delve deeper into the Winter Soldier’s past and potential encounters with the iconic superhero team.
Agatha Harkness
Born in the 1670s, Kathryn Hahn’s portrayal of Agatha Harkness in Marvel’s universe hints at a potential link to the iconic First Family, The Fantastic Four. Known as a trusted mentor to the Scarlet Witch in Marvel Comics, Harkness’s backstory includes serving as the governess to Franklin Richards, the son of Reed Richards and Sue Storm.
As Marvel expands its cinematic universe with ‘The Fantastic Four,’ the inclusion of Franklin and Valeria, Richards and Storm’s children, remains uncertain. However, the possibility of Harkness being depicted as their enigmatic caregiver predates her encounters with the Scarlet Witch in Westview.
Howard Stark
As a founding member of SHIELD, Howard Stark played a significant role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe from the 1940s until his demise at the hands of the Winter Soldier in 1991. With the potential introduction of the Fantastic Four into SHIELD’s orbit, actors Dominic Cooper or a de-aged John Slattery could reprise their roles, especially following the 1970-set scenes in ‘Avengers: Endgame.’
This narrative thread could weave the First Family seamlessly into the broader MCU, although it might raise questions regarding Tony Stark’s previous mentions of his father’s encounters, possibly opening avenues for intriguing connections within the Marvel universe.
Peggy Carter
Hayley Atwell made her debut as Peggy Carter in 2011’s ‘Captain America: The First Avenger.’ Recently, she portrayed the Captain Carter variant in Marvel Studios’ ‘What If…?.’ Peggy Carter, a founding member of SHIELD in the 1950s, played a pivotal role in MCU history, serving the global organization in the 1960s.
With the potential introduction of SHIELD in the Fantastic Four’s MCU debut, Atwell may reprise her role as the original Peggy Carter, enriching her character’s backstory in the MCU.
