Marvel’s Fantastic Four: First Steps is stirring up a STORM! 😱 Fans are freaking out over rumors that Sue Storm, not Reed Richards, is the LEADER of the team, with X posts slamming Marvel for “going woke again.” Is this a bold new take on the Invisible Woman or another DEI misstep?
Get curious and dig into the truth yourself!
Marvel Studios’ Fantastic Four: First Steps, slated for release on July 25, 2025, is poised to introduce the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) iconic 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). Directed by Matt Shakman, the film promises a 1960s-inspired cosmic adventure, pitting the team against Galactus and a female Silver Surfer, Shalla-Bal (Julia Garner). Yet, a new rumor has ignited a firestorm among fans: Sue Storm, not Reed Richards, is reportedly the leader of the Fantastic Four, prompting accusations on X and web outlets that Marvel has “gone woke again.” With the film already facing scrutiny over test screenings and casting choices, this controversy raises questions about Marvel’s creative direction. Is Sue Storm’s leadership a bold reimagining or a misstep driven by a diversity agenda? Let’s explore the rumor, its roots, and what it means for the MCU.
The Sue Storm Leadership Rumor: What’s the Buzz?
The claim that Sue Storm is the leader in Fantastic Four: First Steps emerged in June 2025, fueled by posts on X and reports from fan-driven sites like Cosmic Book News and Bounding Into Comics. According to these sources, early test screenings revealed that Sue, traditionally portrayed as the team’s emotional core, takes a commanding role, making strategic decisions and driving the narrative. One X user posted, “Sue Storm as the leader? Marvel’s shoving feminism in our faces!” Others echoed the sentiment, labeling the choice a “DEI-driven” move to elevate a female character at the expense of Reed Richards, the comics’ established leader.
No official confirmation from Marvel or Shakman has verified the rumor, and details remain scarce. Test screening feedback, which surfaced in May 2025, described the film as “mid” with weak character development, but didn’t explicitly mention Sue’s leadership. However, the rumor aligns with broader speculation about the film’s modernized approach, including its diverse cast and gender-swapped Silver Surfer. Fans on X have pointed to Vanessa Kirby’s prominent billing and her reputation for strong roles in Mission: Impossible and The Crown as evidence that Marvel is positioning Sue as the team’s anchor.
In the comics, Reed Richards is typically the Fantastic Four’s leader, leveraging his genius intellect to guide the team through scientific and cosmic challenges. Sue, while powerful with her invisibility and force fields, has often been depicted as the team’s heart, balancing family dynamics and supporting Reed’s decisions. However, recent comics, such as the 2018 Fantastic Four run by Dan Slott, have showcased Sue’s leadership potential, with her taking charge in key moments. The rumor suggests the film may draw from these modern interpretations, redefining Sue for a contemporary audience.
The “Woke” Accusation: DEI or Creative Evolution?
The backlash to Sue’s rumored leadership centers on the term “woke,” a catch-all used by critics to describe perceived overreaches in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). On X, fans have accused Marvel of pandering to feminist audiences, arguing that making Sue the leader undermines Reed’s canonical role and alienates traditional fans. One post read, “Reed’s the brain, not Sue. This is just Marvel’s DEI agenda ruining another classic.” Outlets like The Quartering have framed the move as part of a pattern, citing examples like the female-led Captain Marvel and She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, which faced similar criticism for prioritizing female empowerment.
The “woke” label taps into broader tensions within the MCU fandom. Marvel’s push for inclusivity—seen in diverse casting like Simu Liu in Shang-Chi and Iman Vellani in Ms. Marvel—has been both celebrated and vilified. The Fantastic Four controversy follows backlash to Julia Garner’s female Silver Surfer, which critics also branded a DEI-driven choice. Fans argue that elevating Sue over Reed reflects a trend of diminishing male characters to promote female ones, pointing to The Marvels and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania as examples where male leads were overshadowed. The sentiment is amplified by Pedro Pascal’s own controversies, with his progressive comments fueling perceptions of a politicized MCU.
However, defenders of the rumored change see it as a natural evolution. Sue Storm has long been a complex character, evolving from a passive “Invisible Girl” in the 1960s comics to a formidable hero in modern runs. Her powers, which include creating force fields capable of containing explosions, make her a tactical asset, and her emotional intelligence often stabilizes the team. Fans on Reddit and Bluesky have praised the potential shift, with one user noting, “Sue’s always been the glue holding the Four together. Making her the leader feels right.” The 1960s setting, with its historical gender dynamics, could provide a compelling backdrop for Sue to assert her authority, challenging stereotypes while staying true to her comic roots.
Marvel’s history supports such reinventions. Characters like Carol Danvers and Natasha Romanoff have been reimagined as central figures, reflecting changing cultural norms. The Fantastic Four comics themselves have experimented with leadership dynamics, with Sue occasionally taking charge when Reed’s arrogance or indecision falters. If the film emphasizes Sue’s leadership, it could draw from these precedents, offering a fresh perspective without discarding canon.
The Role of Test Screenings and Fan Expectations
The Sue Storm rumor is intertwined with reports of Fantastic Four’s mixed test screenings, which surfaced in May 2025. Audiences praised the film’s cosmic horror elements and Ralph Ineson’s Galactus but criticized its pacing, CGI, and character development. Some X posts speculated that Sue’s prominent role contributed to the “mid” feedback, with fans feeling her leadership overshadowed Reed and Ben. Reshoots, reportedly underway to refine the film’s ending, suggest Marvel is addressing these concerns, but the tight timeline before the July premiere raises questions about the extent of changes possible.
Test screenings are a double-edged sword for Marvel. They provide valuable feedback but can fuel leaks and speculation, as seen with Captain America: Brave New World, which struggled after similar issues. The Fantastic Four screenings have amplified fan skepticism, particularly among those already wary of Marvel’s recent output. Films like The Marvels and Eternals faced criticism for uneven storytelling, and Fantastic Four carries added pressure as the first film in Phase Six, setting the tone for Avengers: Doomsday. A misstep could undermine confidence in the MCU’s Multiverse Saga, making the Sue Storm rumor a flashpoint for broader anxieties.
Fan expectations for Fantastic Four are shaped by the franchise’s troubled history. The 2005 and 2007 films, while profitable, were panned for their campy tone, and the 2015 reboot was a critical and commercial disaster. Marvel Studios has a chance to redeem the property, but choices like Sue’s leadership and the female Silver Surfer signal a departure from traditional adaptations, testing fans’ tolerance for change. The backlash on X reflects a vocal minority, but it underscores the challenge of balancing innovation with nostalgia.
The Bigger Picture: Gender, Leadership, and the MCU
The Sue Storm controversy highlights broader questions about gender and leadership in the MCU. Female-led projects like WandaVision and Captain Marvel have been commercial and critical successes, proving audiences embrace strong female characters. However, they’ve also faced disproportionate scrutiny, with terms like “woke” and “DEI” weaponizing legitimate critiques. The Fantastic Four rumor suggests Sue’s leadership could be a lightning rod, regardless of its execution. If poorly handled, it risks reinforcing perceptions of forced empowerment; if done well, it could redefine Sue as a trailblazing hero.
Vanessa Kirby’s casting adds weight to the rumor’s potential. Known for portraying complex, authoritative women, Kirby is well-suited to a leadership role. Her dynamic with Pascal’s Reed, traditionally the team’s intellectual leader, will be key. The comics often depict Reed as flawed—his hubris leads to mistakes like the team’s cosmic ray exposure—while Sue’s pragmatism grounds the group. A film that highlights this balance could enrich the team’s dynamic, portraying leadership as collaborative rather than hierarchical.
The “woke” accusation also reflects cultural polarization. The MCU operates in a divided landscape, where diversity initiatives are both demanded and derided. Marvel’s challenge is to tell stories that resonate universally while addressing modern sensibilities. Sue’s leadership, if true, could be a step toward this, provided the script justifies her role organically. The alternative—ignoring her potential to appease critics—would undermine the character’s growth and the franchise’s relevance.
Can Fantastic Four Rise Above the Noise?
Despite the controversy, Fantastic Four: First Steps has significant potential. Its cosmic scope, talented cast, and Shakman’s vision offer a chance to redefine the Fantastic Four for a new generation. Sue Storm’s rumored leadership, while divisive, aligns with her comic evolution and could elevate her from a supporting player to a central figure. Marvel’s ability to refine the film through reshoots—addressing pacing and character issues—will be crucial, as will its marketing, which must emphasize the team’s unity to counter “woke” narratives.
The backlash on X, while loud, represents a fraction of the MCU’s audience. Marvel’s track record of navigating fan skepticism, seen with Iron Man 3 and Guardians of the Galaxy, suggests it can weather the storm. The studio’s focus on quality over quantity, as outlined by Kevin Feige, bodes well for Fantastic Four’s execution. Sue Storm’s leadership, if handled with care, could be a defining moment, proving the MCU can evolve without losing its core appeal.
As the film nears release, the debate over Sue Storm and Marvel’s direction will continue. For fans, the Fantastic Four remains a symbol of family and resilience—qualities that may yet shine through the controversy. The real test lies in the story Marvel tells, and whether it can unite a divided fandom under the banner of its First Family.
