Director Matt Shakman didn’t flood the film with MCU cameos or crossovers — but he did carefully place a few meaningful Easter eggs. Most of them honor the legacy of Jack Kirby and the comics that started it all. Here are six details to watch for.
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- Earth-828 = Jack Kirby’s Birthday
The universe where The Fantastic Four: First Steps takes place is called Earth-828 — a quiet but clear tribute to comic legend Jack Kirby, who was born on August 28.
“He’s a visionary,” Shakman says. “We would have no Marvel Studios today without Jack Kirby.” Naming the universe after him is one of the film’s many ways of acknowledging his influence on Marvel history. - Westview Appliance in Times Square
There’s a small nod to WandaVision hidden in Times Square — a storefront called Westview Appliance, referencing the fictional town from Shakman’s first MCU project.
“There is one nod to WandaVision with the Westview Appliance store in Times Square,” he says. “I love Vision and Wanda and wanted to nod to that.” It’s subtle, but fans of the show will spot it. - Tribute Plaque to the Giganto Battle
In an early scene, you can spot a plaque in Times Square commemorating the Fantastic Four’s battle with a giant monster named Giganto.
“That’s important to me because the comic came out on my birthday, Aug. 8,” Shakman shares. It’s a personal Easter egg that also ties into comic book history, referencing a classic issue from the team’s early days. - Yancy Street: A Piece of Kirby’s Past
Yancy Street, the gritty home turf of Ben Grimm, is featured in the film — and it’s more than just a fictional setting.
“He was drawing from his experience on the Lower East Side to build Yancy Street,” says Shakman. Kirby used real memories to create these worlds, which gives the film’s environment a grounded, lived-in feel. - Sue and Ben: Real Names, Real Meaning
Sue Storm and Ben Grimm have always been key parts of the Fantastic Four — and their names weren’t random choices.
“He had a daughter named Sue. He had a relative named Ben,” Shakman reveals. These characters were deeply personal to Kirby, and that connection adds emotional depth to the movie’s version of the team. - Kirby’s Signature Style Lives On
From costumes to tech to visual tone, the film channels the look and spirit of Jack Kirby’s artwork.
“We wanted to honor his distinctive style,” says Shakman. “So many of our heroes launched from his mind and his pen.” The movie blends retro design with bold sci-fi elements — a clear nod to Kirby’s unique visual legacy.
These aren’t just hidden references — they’re layered tributes to the creator who helped define Marvel’s foundation. Keep your eyes open, because The Fantastic Four: First Steps is filled with quiet moments that celebrate where it all began.
This article is based on the original interview with director Matt Shakman, conducted by Devan Coggan for Marvel.com. All quotes and insights are taken directly from that conversation.
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