While none of the previous onscreen adaptations of the Fantastic Four included the super-powered baby, director Matt Shakman tells Entertainment Weekly that it was always his plan to debut Franklin into the MCU.

Shakman's film, which is set for worldwide release on Friday, stars Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, also known as the stretchy Mr Fantastic; Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm-Richards, the Invisible Woman; Joseph Quinn as the fiery Johnny Storm aka the Human Torch; and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as the rock-skinned powerhouse Ben Grimm, also called The Thing.

FANTASTIC FOUR: THE FIRST STEPS brings the team to us in a new and refreshing way. Matt Shakman's vision of their NYC is gorgeous and intoxicating and Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach are perfect. It's about family!!!! 💙 pic.twitter.com/ISdfduL6Su

First Steps director Matt Shakman has reiterated that the movie is a standalone story that doesn't require any homework on Marvel fans' part. Speaking to TechRadar, Shakman says the forthcoming film isn't beholden to the same connective tissue that other Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) projects are because it exists in a parallel dimension.

First Steps is right around the corner and IGN is here with an interview with director Matt Shakman and the film’s cast including Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Mass-Bachrach, Ralph Ineson, and Julia Garner.

Working with then-unknown filmmaker Robert Eggers on 'The Witch' supercharged the actor's career, eventually allowing him to play one of the biggest characters in the Marvel mythos.

The 'Green Knight and 'Willow' actor talks about bringing the planet-eating Galactus to life for 'Fantastic Four: First Steps.'

With the fourth attempt to immortalize Marvel’s First Family on the silver screen and the official launch of the MCU’s Phase Six, The Fantastic Four: First Steps helmer Matt Shakman said the latest entry serves to tee up further exciting releases from the juggernaut studio.

First Steps, has revealed who directed the post-credits scene of the highly anticipated MCU feature. The scenes play an important role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as they tease future projects in the franchise.

Fantastic Four: First Steps director Matt Shakman says becoming a parent influenced his approach to the material, and reveals that he even found a spot for his young daughter in the movie.