Exploring the Timeline: When Does Fantastic Four Fit into the MCU?

Marvel’s beloved superhero team, the Fantastic Four, is set to make its long-awaited debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).However, their integration into this expansive franchise presents a more nuanced scenario regarding their timeline and universe placement.

In 2019, Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox brought numerous superhero properties under its umbrella, including iconic franchises such as the X-Men, Deadpool, and of course, the Fantastic Four. Renowned as Marvel’s “first family, ”the Fantastic Four hold a significant historical value within the comic book realm. Yet, their cinematic history has been marred with disappointment, culminating in particularly poor receptions for films like the 2015 reboot.

But fans can finally look forward to a cinematic rendition that does justice to these iconic characters. The film titled The Fantastic Four: First Steps is scheduled to serve as a launchpad for Phase Six of the MCU. For those who are unsure about its chronological positioning, this article will clarify its timeline within the broader universe.

Timeline of the Fantastic Four in the MCU

While the Fantastic Four is set in the 1960s, specific details regarding the exact year remain vague, adding complexity to its integration into the multiverse. Kevin Feige, Marvel’s chief creative officer, confirmed this period setting early in the film’s marketing campaign.“Yes, yes, very much so. It is a period, ” he mentioned during a Marvel podcast episode.

Interestingly, the film will not take place in the same universe as Earth-616—the main MCU universe. Director Matt Shakman revealed that a distinctive aesthetic inspired by the ’60s was chosen to honor the characters’ origins.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAsmrKyMqaA

The Fantastic Four: First Steps | Official Trailer | Only in Theaters July 25 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAsmrKyMqaA)

Shakman elaborated: “These characters were created in the ’60s by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee during a time marked by optimism and the Space Race, where the world was ready to dream big.” By situating the Fantastic Four in the ’60s, the film aims to capture the essence of their inception. Moreover, Shakman was clear that the characters would not appear in Earth-616, as their absence from significant events like the Infinity Saga raises questions about their role in the greater narrative. For this reason, the Fantastic Four will reside in Earth-828, an alternate universe within the Marvel multiverse, creating a unique distinction from the main storyline.

A fascinating detail is that Kirby was born on August 28; thus, Earth-828 symbolizes a tribute to one of the team’s creators.

Placement of the Fantastic Four within the MCU Timeline

The cast of The Fantastic Four: First Steps — Marvel Studios

Understanding the chronological sequence in the MCU can indeed be challenging, particularly with the added complexity of the multiverse. However, inserting the Fantastic Four into the timeline is straightforward:

Captain America: The First Avenger — 1942-1945
Fantastic Four – 1960s
Captain Marvel — 1995
Iron Man — 2010
Iron Man 2 — 2011
The Incredible Hulk — 2011
Thor — 2011
The Avengers — 2012
Iron Man 3 — 2012
Thor: The Dark World — 2013
Captain America: The Winter Soldier — 2014
Daredevil Season 1 – 2014
Guardians of the Galaxy — 2014
Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2 — 2014
Avengers: Age of Ultron — 2015
Ant-Man — 2015
Daredevil Season 2 – 2015
Captain America: Civil War — 2016
Black Widow — 2016
Black Panther — 2016
Spider-Man: Homecoming — 2016
The Punisher Season 1 – 2016
Doctor Strange — 2016
Thor: Ragnarok — 2017
Daredevil Season 3 – 2017
The Punisher Season 2 – 2017
Ant-Man and the Wasp — 2018
Avengers: Infinity War — 2018
Avengers: Endgame — 2023
What If…? — 2023, with multiple timelines featured
Wandavision — 2023
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier — 2023
Spider-Man: Far From Home — 2023
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings — 2023
Eternals — 2023
Spider-Man: No Way Home — 2024
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness — 2024
Hawkeye — 2024
Moon Knight — 2025
She-Hulk — 2025
Echo – 2025
Ms Marvel — 2025
The Marvels – 2025
Thor: Love and Thunder — 2025
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever — 2025
Werewolf By Night — 2025
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special — 2025
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania — 2025
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3 — 2025
Secret Invasion — 2025
Loki Seasons 1-2 — 2025, depicting various timelines including past events
Daredevil: Born Again – 2025-2026
Agatha All Along – 2026
Captain America: Brave New World – 2026-2027
Thunderbolts* – 2027

It’s important to note that the Fantastic Four will eventually crossover into Earth-616, as hinted at the end of the Thunderbolts film. Therefore, while set in the 1960s on Earth-828, their storyline could occur simultaneously with more modern events in the primary MCU timeline.

Source & Images