Excitement is building as Marvel's legendary superhero team, the Fantastic Four, is set to make their grand return to the big screen in just four months with "The Fantastic Four: First Steps."

This film marks the culmination of Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige's long-standing ambition to integrate the First Family into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). But here’s the twist: rather than diving into the present, this narrative catapults us back to an alternate mid-20th century, blending art deco aesthetics with sci-fi elements in a retro-futurist multiverse.

In an exclusive look shared by Empire, we learn that before they donned their iconic super suits, the four protagonists—Reed Richards (played by Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), and Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn)—began their journey as brilliant astronauts.

This daring team embarks on an ambitious space mission where things go awry, leading to their extraordinary transformation and the superpowers that await them.

Director Matt Shakman, known for his work on the retro-infused "WandaVision," aims to capture the optimism of the 1950s and 60s—a period characterized by the thrilling Space Race and figures like JFK.

Shakman describes the narrative as an alternate reality where the Fantastic Four become America’s most celebrated adventurers, not through superhuman feats but by exploring the cosmos. "They come back as superheroes," he states. "But primarily, they're astronauts and family."

To authentically reflect this bygone era, Shakman has taken a meticulous approach, striving to assemble a film that feels reminiscent of 1965 filmmaking, much like the visionary Stanley Kubrick would have done.

There’s a remarkable focus on practical props and sets, including a striking 14-foot-tall spaceship miniature that pays homage to Kubrick's renowned use of miniatures in "2001: A Space Odyssey." While the film will utilize CGI, Shakman emphasizes a grounded feel, opting for retro-futuristic tech inspired by Apollo 11 missions, steering clear of fantastical elements like wormholes.

A standout feature of "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" is its distinctive stance within the MCU.

Shakman asserts, "We are our own universe," highlighting that this narrative doesn't intertwine with the established superhero landscape of the franchise. “There are no Easter eggs or cameos from familiar heroes like Iron Man. They’re the stars of their own show," he notes. This creative freedom, according to the director, allows the film to offer a fresh perspective on the superhero genre.

Fans can look forward to future connections as Shakman hints at a crossover potential with the forthcoming "Avengers: Doomsday," where the Fantastic Four are expected to make their mark in the MCU's larger narrative.

However, for now, audiences are invited to explore the rich backstory of Marvel’s First Family in a setting that captures the spirit of exploration and innovation of the past.

As anticipation builds, the air is thick with excitement for a story that promises not just superhero action, but a heartfelt journey of family, adventure, and the essence of exploration.

Mark your calendars—the return of the Fantastic Four is just around the corner, and you won't want to miss this thrilling retro adventure!