Movie Review: The Villains—and the Vision—Shine in ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’
Marvel’s eagerly anticipated reboot, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, has added a notable new character portrayed by Natasha Lyonne—introducing Rachel Rozman, a warm-hearted teacher from Yancy Street. The character is portrayed as a caring figure who forms a meaningful bond with Ben Grimm/The Thing (played by Ebon Moss‑Bachrach) .
Character & Role Insights
Rachel Rozman is a brand-new character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, not directly adapted from comic lore. She is introduced as a teacher residing in Ben Grimm’s Yancy Street neighborhood, bringing emotional depth and a humanizing presence to the storyline .
In a tender moment highlighted by The Independent, Ben attends a visit to his synagogue where he reconnects with Rachel Rozman, illustrating the relational texture of her role .
Cast & Creative Context
The film boasts an ensemble cast featuring:
- Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic
- Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman
- Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch
- Ebon Moss‑Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing
- Ralph Ineson as Galactus
- Julia Garner as Shalla‑Bal/Silver Surfer
- Natasha Lyonne as Rachel Rozman .
Directed by Matt Shakman, the film is set in a stylish, 1960s-inspired retro-futuristic world and is scheduled to premiere in theaters on July 25, 2025, kicking off Phase Six of the MCU .
Narrative Role & Audience Impact
Rachel Rozman’s inclusion notably amplifies the human side of Ben Grimm’s arc, offering a softer, more intimate dimension to his superhero journey. This emotional subplot—developed through his interactions with Rachel—adds a level of relational authenticity that resonates with audiences, especially within the third act’s quieter sequences .
Why This Role Matters
- Character Depth: Introducing Rachel Rozman marks a deliberate shift to more relatable storytelling in superhero franchises.
- Spotlight on Natasha Lyonne: Known for her compelling performances, especially in series like Russian Doll, Lyonne brings gravitas to a role that anchors Ben’s narrative with emotional resonance.
- Creative Innovation: With many newly created characters, the film continues Marvel’s trend of original storytelling, pushing boundaries beyond established comic arcs.
Upcoming: The Big Reveal
With the film debut just days away and early reviews landing, Rachel Rozman’s full impact and on-screen chemistry with The Thing will become clearer. It’s a role to watch as audiences experience this fresh take on the Fantastic Four’s world.
