A leaked photo from the set of The Fantastic Four: First Steps has revealed a behind-the-scenes look at what Ben Grimm a.k.a. The Thing will look like in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
The image, posted by @CosmicMMedia on X/Twitter, shows The Thing suited up in his retro blue-and-white suit, while members of the film’s crew ensure his rocky head fits just right. He’s sporting the large, bulky eyebrows comic book readers will remember from other stories the character has appeared in. It’s also somewhat of a departure from the rounder look Ben Grimm was given in the Fantastic Four movies from the 2000s and 2015’s Fantastic Four.
— Cosmic Media (@CosmicMMedia) August 28, 2024
We’ve seen concept art for this new Thing before, but today’s leaked set photo shows how the classic Marvel character will transition to live-action when Fantastic Four: First Steps premieres next summer.
Ben Grimm will be played by The Bear and Andor actor Ebon Moss-Bachrach. It’s unclear if the star is actually piloting the boulder-like suit seen in the image above, but we will likely see him without his powers at least in some form during the film, too.
The rest of the Fantastic Four: First Steps cast includes Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, and Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm. While we’ve not seen an official look at the remaining cast of heroes in their suits, San Diego Comic-Con 2024 attendees did get to see behind-closed-doors footage for the movie that included first looks at each hero as well as their planet-eating enemy, Galactus.
As for The Thing, today’s image suggests Marvel may be using a combination of practical and CG effects to bring him to life when Fantastic Four: First Steps lands in theaters July 25, 2025. Shooting began late last month, so while we keep an eye out for more sneak peeks at the latest entry in the MCU, you can read about why we think it’s the perfect way to introduce Marvel’s next phase of movies. If you’re still confused about where its subtitle comes from, you check out our breakdown here.
Michael Cripe is a freelance writer at IGN
