The Incredibles Effect: Why Marvel’s Fantastic Four is Chasing a 20-Year-Old Ghost
Superhero fatigue is real, and it’s not just about saturation. It’s about a loss of the feeling that made superhero stories resonate in the first place. Marvel’s latest attempt to launch the Fantastic Four, First Steps, isn’t failing because it’s a bad movie – it’s struggling because it’s constantly measured against a film that wasn’t even trying to be a superhero movie: Pixar’s 2004 masterpiece, The Incredibles.
The Unintentional Benchmark
For years, fans have pointed out the striking similarities between the two franchises. A family of four with extraordinary abilities – elasticity, invisibility, super strength, and superspeed – facing both external threats and internal struggles. But the connection goes deeper than powers and plot points. The Incredibles tapped into a universal desire for a simpler time, a nostalgic aesthetic, and a relatable family dynamic that resonated with audiences on a profound level. It wasn’t burdened by decades of comic book lore or the pressure of building a sprawling cinematic universe.
Why *First Steps* Feels…Sweaty
Fantastic Four: First Steps, despite its attempts at a standalone narrative within the increasingly complex Marvel Cinematic Universe, feels precisely the opposite. It’s a 37th installment, acutely aware of its place in a larger machine, and tasked with revitalizing a franchise showing signs of strain. The film’s retro-futuristic aesthetic, while visually appealing, feels less organic and more like a deliberate attempt to recapture the magic of The Incredibles. Even composer Michael Giacchino acknowledged the challenge of differentiating the scores for the two films, highlighting the subconscious influence at play.
Beyond Powers and Plots: The Core of the Connection
Brad Bird, the director of The Incredibles, didn’t set out to adapt the Fantastic Four. However, the film’s exploration of themes like the burden of responsibility, the challenges of maintaining a family life while living a double life, and the societal anxieties surrounding superpowers, are all central to the Fantastic Four’s enduring appeal. The Incredibles isn’t just a superhero movie; it’s a story about family, identity, and the search for purpose. This depth is what sets it apart and makes it a difficult act to follow.
The MCU’s Continuity Conundrum
The MCU’s strength – its interconnectedness – has become a weakness. Each new film carries the weight of expectation, requiring intricate tie-ins and explanations that can alienate casual viewers. First Steps’ attempt to sidestep this by existing in an alternate reality is a clever strategy, but it also creates a sense of detachment. The film feels like it’s trying too hard to be something it’s not: a breezy, self-contained adventure, rather than a crucial piece of a larger puzzle. This is a direct contrast to The Incredibles, which existed in its own world, free from the constraints of established canon.
The Future of Superhero Storytelling: Less Universe, More Heart
The success of The Incredibles, and its continued relevance today, suggests a shift in what audiences want from superhero stories. They’re craving narratives that prioritize character development, emotional resonance, and relatable themes over spectacle and world-building. The focus needs to return to the human element, to the struggles and triumphs of the individuals behind the masks. This isn’t to say that shared universes are inherently flawed, but they require a delicate balance. Too much emphasis on connectivity can dilute the emotional core of the story.
Disney, owning both Marvel and Pixar, has a unique opportunity to learn from this dynamic. The challenge for Marvel Studios isn’t simply to create another successful superhero movie; it’s to recapture the magic that made audiences fall in love with these characters in the first place. That magic, as it turns out, may lie in embracing the lessons of a 20-year-old animated film that wasn’t even trying to be a superhero story. The future of the genre may depend on it.
What are your thoughts on the comparison between The Incredibles and the new Fantastic Four? Share your opinions in the comments below!
