Official Release of ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Test Footage Highlights Ben Grimm

The Fantastic Four: First Steps hit theaters worldwide just a few days ago, and it’s already making a strong impression both at the box office and with critics. Fans are excited about this fresh new addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, enjoying the blend of classic superhero action with a 1960s vibe.

The movie stars Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach playing Ben Grimm, also known as the Thing. Leading the team is Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards.

Recently, Marvel Studios released some early test footage that was filmed even before the main production started. This footage shows Ben Grimm participating in a dating reality show called Let’s Make a Match. These scenes didn’t make it into the final version of the movie, although they were included in some promotional materials.

First deleted scene from ‘THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS’ featuring The Thing on a dating show. pic.twitter.com/CuwvVAjGVU

— Cosmic Marvel (@cosmic_marvel) July 27, 2025

While the final film doesn’t dive deeply into Ben’s love life struggles, it does hint at a possible romance. Ben meets Rachel Rozman, played by Natasha Lyonne, and they share a meaningful connection. She is expected to be his love interest in upcoming movies.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps premiered at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles on July 21, 2025, and opened in U.S. theaters on July 25. This film is the first installment of Phase Six of the MCU.

It has earned $218 million worldwide so far and received mostly positive reviews. Critics especially liked the 1960s setting, the chemistry among the main cast, and the choice to skip the team’s origin story. A sequel is already in development.

The story takes place on Earth-828 in 1960. Astronauts Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Ben Grimm, and Johnny Storm embark on a space mission where they are exposed to cosmic rays that give them superpowers. After returning to Earth, they become the superhero team known as the Fantastic Four.

Four years later, they are famous heroes protecting the world. During a family dinner, Reed and Sue share the news that they are expecting a child. Not long after, the Silver Surfer arrives on Earth with a dire warning: the planet is marked for destruction by a giant cosmic being named Galactus. After investigating the strange disappearances of planets, the Fantastic Four decide to head back into space to try and save Earth by negotiating with Galactus.

According to reports from June 2025, the sequel to First Steps is already underway.

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