MCU fans have quickly picked up on a Superman Comics reference hidden in the newest trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps. The latest trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps features a litany of surprising developments, including Sue Storm’s pregnancy and a first look at Shalla-Bal, the Silver Surfer. It also gives fans a closer look at the Fantastic Four using their powers, with Ben Grimm/The Thing demonstrating his incredible strength in a couple of scenes.

In one such scene, Grimm lifts a car to entertain a cohort of children, which X user @Sinestros_Myte pointed out mirrors the exact pose and car model from Superman’s first comic, “Action Comics #1.” The parallels are certainly convincing, although some comments are quick to point out the difference in tone as The Thing lifts the car in good nature, whereas Superman smashes one out of frustration. Although it isn’t entirely clear from whose head the idea came, the user congratulates Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige for the nod. The post can be seen below:

\n”‘};

window.arrayOfEmbedScripts[“twitter”] = “”””;

What The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Trailer Seeming To Homage Superman Means

The Parallels Are Obvious, But Nobody Official Has Confirmed It Is Inentional

It is difficult to ignore the obvious parallels between The Thing’s stunt and the iconic “Action Comics #1” cover. If indeed intentional, the mind responsible for this sH๏τ has seemingly capitalized on the fact that The Fantastic Four: First Steps is a quasi-period piece to ensure that the model of the car emulates that of the model featured on the 1938 comic cover. Even the shade of green is accurate, making an exceptionally convincing case that this was indeed supposed to tribute the original Superman comic.

Nevertheless, without outright confirmation from a member of the cast or crew involved in the making of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, the similarities can only be left to speculation. While it would be an incredible coincidence for the sH๏τ to have been an unintentional mirror, it remains unclear if this was a purposeful homage. It is also interesting to note, however, that The Fantastic Four: First Steps releases two weeks after the DCU’s debut movie, Superman.

Our Take On The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Trailer Seeming To Homage Superman

The Fantastic Four And Superman Share A Special Connection

Although the two franchises are technically rivals, it would be heartening to learn that this homage is intentional, especially in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Although Superman isn’t technically the first ever superhero, he is widely regarded as the first “true” superhero in comics. The Fantastic Four, meanwhile, are Marvel’s first superhero team, meaning both they and Superman carry special legacies in their respective franchises. With both receiving enthusiastically anticipated movies this summer, I think it would be both fitting and heartwarming to have them acknowledge one another as a sign of goodwill.

Upcoming MCU Movies

• 
  

  
  

  Thunderbolts*

  Release Date

  
  May 2, 2025
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

  Powered by

  
  

  
  Expand
  Collapse
  

• 
  

  
  

  The Fantastic Four: First Steps

  Release Date

  
  July 25, 2025
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

  Powered by

  
  

  
  Expand
  Collapse
  

• 
  

  
  

  Avengers: Doomsday

  Release Date

  
  May 1, 2026
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

  Powered by

  
  

  
  Expand
  Collapse
  

• 
  

  
  

  Spider-Man: Brand New Day

  Release Date

  
  July 31, 2026
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

  Powered by

  
  

  
  Expand
  Collapse
  

• 
  

  
  

  Avengers: Secret Wars

  Release Date

  
  May 7, 2027
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

  Powered by

  
  

  
  Expand
  Collapse
  

Source: X/Sinestros_Myte