Set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, Marvel Studios' "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" introduces Marvel's First Family--Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) and Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) as they face their most daunting challenge yet. Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, they must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). And if Galactus' plan to devour the entire planet and everyone on it weren't bad enough, it suddenly gets very personal.

otsoNY Comments: As with so many of the Super Hero films, much of the filming is done with blue screen technology adding the background, i.e. New York City in post production. The Fantastic Four: First Steps is no exception to this rule with much of the filming shot at Pinewood Studios in England.

otsoNY Comments: Several large-scale sets were built on Pinewood’s backlot, including a full Times Square and a fictionalised version of Yancy Street, modelled on the Jewish neighbourhoods of New York from Fantastic Four co-creator Jack Kirby’s childhood, complete with kosher shops and a synagogue. Practical effects played a major role, including a 14-foot scale model of the Fantastic Four’s spaceship, the Excelsior, to achieve a miniature look. H.E.R.B.I.E. was brought to life through a mix of a wooden puppet, a remote-controlled animatronic with a moving head and arms, and visual effects.