Matt Shakman Explains Which Christopher Nolan Film Inspired ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’

After launching the Marvel Cinematic Universe without the film rights to many of their most popular characters, Marvel Studios is ready to begin a new chapter with The Fantastic Four: First Steps. In addition to bringing Marvel’s first family back to the big screen, director Matt Shakman is also charged with launching the Fantastic Four back into stardom ahead of their appearance in Avengers: Doomsday.

However, despite The Fantastic Four: First Steps being part of the MCU canon, the film doesn’t take place in the universe’s Sacred Timeline. Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) rise to stardom as heroes on Earth-828, a futuristic, alternate version of 1960s New York City.

As the director of WandaVision and The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Shakman is no stranger to working with unique set designs that transport audiences to a different time. He recently joined Agents of Fandom to discuss which other films inspired the look of the Fantastic Four’s universe.

‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Director Credits Christopher Nolan as Inspiration

When speaking to AoF editor-in-chief, TJ Zwarych, Matt Shakman revealed that Christopher Nolan‘s Interstellar is among the films that influenced the aesthetic of The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

“We were looking at movies about space like Apollo 13, The Right Stuff, Interstellar. We were looking at movies from the ’60s because we really wanted it to look authentic. So we were looking at The Graduate, The French Connection, and James Bond movies. We basically did as much research as we could to create a world that felt both authentic and inspired by the futurists of that era.”

—Matt Shakman on what movies inspired The Fantastic Four: First Steps

Shakman also described the film as being “Kirby meets Kubrick.” In theory, combining the works of legendary filmmaker Stanley Kubrick with comic book pioneer and Fantastic Four co-creator Jack Kirby sounds like a can’t-miss coupling. Additionally, drawing inspiration from classic films like Nolan’s Interstellar and action-packed epics like the James Bond franchise could be key ingredients in a recipe for success.

Matt Shakman Has Earned the Benefit of the Doubt After ‘WandaVision’

WandaVision explores the boundaries of magic, while The Fantastic Four: First Steps is a movie that explores technological advancement. On the surface, they may appear vastly different. However, upon closer examination, their overarching themes share a plethora of similarities.

Both of these projects explore familial connection, while also taking Marvel heroes through different eras in time. Each of the decades explored throughout WandaVision is filled with generational easter eggs and delightful costume and set design. Shakman’s experience throughout WandaVision makes him the perfect candidate to bring the 1960s technological utopia to life in the first Fantastic Four film from Marvel Studios.

Check out the full interview with Matt Shakman below.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is now in theaters. Follow the Agents of Fandom podcast and on socials for all the latest entertainment news and reviews.