The Thing's Rock Beard Revealed in Fantastic Four Trailer

Marvel Studios has unveiled a new trailer for 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps,' featuring substantial new footage.

The preview offers a look at The Thing with a rocky beard, carried aloft by the Human Torch. It also showcases Mister Fantastic's stretching abilities, Invisible Woman employing more of her powers, and another fleeting glimpse of Galactus, though a full reveal of the cosmic entity is still withheld.

Furthermore, the Silver Surfer is shown more prominently than in past teasers, her metallic voice announcing Galactus's arrival. A recurring gag throughout the trailer is The Thing pointedly refusing to utter his famous catchphrase, "It's clobberin' time!"

The appearance of The Thing's beard in the film is noteworthy, as the superhero has been seen clean-shaven in all prior material, hinting it may not appear until the third act. This raises questions: Why wouldn't Ben Grimm shave? Over how long a period does the film's story unfold? Is there a significant time jump? And crucially, can The Thing even shave? If so, how? The rocky beard has certainly sparked a lot of curiosity.

Fans have previously speculated that 'The Fantastic Four' spans several months, not days, a theory supported by scenes showing Sue Storm both before and after the birth of her son, Franklin Richards.

While the trailer includes numerous new shots, Marvel Studios is evidently keeping much under wraps. Pedro Pascal's Reed Richards, complete with a mustache that has sparked its own online debate, is seen stretching his limbs to leap onto a platform and again while seemingly inserting an object into Galactus's leg. However, the full scope of his powers remains a mystery.

Similarly, Galactus's face has yet to be shown in live-action detail, though the character has been glimpsed through other means. The trailer does reveal his chest as he appears to awaken and, of course, his massive presence in an alternate-history New York City.

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'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' is poised to launch Phase Six of the MCU, introducing Marvel's First Family and setting the stage for their eventual encounters with Captain America, Thor, and the X-Men in next year's 'Avengers: Doomsday.' Earlier this month, director Matt Shakman addressed the major fan question regarding Robert Downey Jr.'s potential appearance as Doctor Doom, seemingly confirming the character will not be in the film. However, the director's awkwardly phrased response left some fans unconvinced. What is clear is that the events of 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' lead directly into 'Avengers: Doomsday,' scheduled for release in December 2026.