SPOILER ALERT: This article reveals major plot details about “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” currently in theaters.
Vanessa Kirby might seem worn out, and for good reason. She just portrayed Sue Storm in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” battled a cosmic monster to save humanity, filmed “Avengers: Doomsday,” and participated in a worldwide press tour with co-stars Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach—all while expecting her first child.
“I’m lying flat today! It’s unbelievable that I managed to lie down during the day,” she shares enthusiastically over the phone. “I’m actually in bed talking to you!”
Rising to fame through her BAFTA-winning role as Princess Margaret in “The Crown” and her Oscar-nominated performance in “Pieces of a Woman,” Kirby appreciates the opportunity to portray a more complex version of the Invisible Woman, finding parallels in her own journey toward motherhood.
The film begins with Sue’s pregnancy, showcasing her and Reed Richards grappling with concerns about their future child’s health due to their extraordinary powers. When Galactus threatens Earth, Sue and her team venture into space to confront him. She gives birth to her son, Franklin, and fiercely protects him even at the cost of her own life—until Franklin’s powers help revive her.
Kirby delves into Sue’s defining moments, from her dramatic birth scene in space to her courageous stand for her child’s safety. She emphasizes how the character’s portrayal moves beyond conventional depictions of invisibility, showcasing her as a strong, maternal leader.
Addressing the childbirth scene, Kirby expressed her excitement about portraying such a grounded moment for a superhero. She felt honored to highlight the primal act of giving birth in an extraordinary setting while emphasizing both fierce maternal love and vulnerability.
