Marvel Just Dropped The Fantastic Four: First Steps—And All Anyone Can Talk About is Jessica Alba!

Marvel Studios’ highly anticipated reboot, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, has reignited conversations about past adaptations of the superhero team, particularly Jessica Alba’s portrayal of Susan Storm in Fantastic Four (2005) and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007).

Following the release of the official trailer, fans took to social media to compare Alba’s Invisible Woman to Vanessa Kirby, who is set to play the role in the upcoming film.

Jessica Alba’s Legacy as Susan Storm

Jessica Alba starred as Susan Storm, also known as the Invisible Woman, in Fox’s 2005 adaptation of Fantastic Four. Starring alongside Ioan Gruffudd (Reed Richards), Chris Evans (Johnny Storm), and Michael Chiklis (Ben Grimm), Alba’s portrayal of the intelligent and powerful heroine became a defining role in her career.

Two years later, she reprised the role in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007), further solidifying her place in comic book movie history. Though the films received mixed critical reviews, Alba’s portrayal of Sue Storm became iconic for many fans, and in the years since her interpretation has gained a cult following.

Jessica Alba as Susan Storm in the ‘Fantastic Four’ (2005) pic.twitter.com/gaghDf82yO

— cinesthetic. (@TheCinesthetic) February 1, 2025

Box Office Success of the Original Films

Despite mixed reviews from critics, both Fantastic Four films performed well at the box office. The 2005 film grossed $333.5 million worldwide against a budget of approximately $100 million, proving to be a commercial success. The sequel, Rise of the Silver Surfer, followed in 2007 and earned $301.9 million worldwide on a budget of $120-130 million. While the sequel underperformed slightly compared to its predecessor, it still made a strong impression on audiences and contributed to the growing popularity of superhero films in the mid-2000s.

Social Media Reacts: Jessica Alba vs. Vanessa Kirby

With Marvel Studios officially unveiling the cast of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, the internet quickly erupted into debate over Vanessa Kirby’s casting as Sue Storm. Some fans were hesitant about the change, while others embraced Kirby’s selection for the role.

Fans Calling for Jessica Alba’s Return

A number of fans took to social media to express their preference for Jessica Alba’s version of Sue Storm:

• “Not feeling Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm… Bring back Jessica Alba!!”
• “I feel bad for Vanessa Kirby because Jessica Alba was actually a perfect hire and devoured the role in the film.”
• “Jessica Alba will always be my GOAT Sue Storm, but I will not tolerate the Vanessa Kirby disrespect!”
• “Nah, them switching a 24-year-old Jessica Alba for a 37-year-old, worn-out Vanessa Kirby is crazy work.”

Others Defend Vanessa Kirby

Not all fans were against the new casting. Many defended Vanessa Kirby, pointing out the unfair comparisons and the double standards often applied to female actors in major franchises:

• “Aaaah sexist Twitter again. Now that the new Fantastic Four trailer is out, everyone compares Vanessa Kirby to Jessica Alba, yet somehow nobody bothers to compare the male characters to their previous actors…”
• “Jessica Alba or Vanessa Kirby—both are so mother. Leave the comparisons alone.”

What We Know About The Fantastic Four: First Steps

The upcoming Marvel Studios film, set to release on July 25, 2025, will introduce a brand-new take on the beloved superhero team. Directed by Matt Shakman (WandaVision), the movie stars:

• Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic)
• Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm (Invisible Woman)
• Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm (Human Torch)
• Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm (The Thing)

Marvel has remained tight-lipped about the plot, but the first trailer hints at a fresh, potentially retro-inspired take on the team’s origin. The film is expected to be a major cornerstone of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s future, setting the stage for the next phase of storytelling.

The Everlasting Impact of Jessica Alba’s Susan Storm

Despite Vanessa Kirby stepping into the role, it’s clear that Jessica Alba’s version of Susan Storm has left a lasting mark on superhero movie fans. While some remain skeptical about the recasting, others are willing to give the new Fantastic Four a chance.

As the countdown to The Fantastic Four: First Steps continues, the debate will likely rage on. But one thing is certain—Jessica Alba’s portrayal of Sue Storm will always be a significant part of Fantastic Four history.

What do you think? Are you excited to see Vanessa Kirby take on the role, or do you prefer Jessica Alba’s portrayal? Let us know your thoughts!