
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 27: Joseph Quinn attends the Los Angeles premiere of A24's "Warfare" at DGA Theater Complex on March 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Savion Washington/FilmMagic)
Joseph Quinn, famously known for his role as Eddie Munson in « Stranger Things, » is set to bring a refreshing take to the iconic character of Johnny Storm, also known as the Human Torch, in the upcoming movie « The Fantastic Four: First Steps. » The new interpretation of Johnny Storm promises to diverge from past portrayals in the Fantastic Four franchise, offering a nuanced and culturally relevant version of the character.
Redefining Johnny Storm’s Persona
Historically, Johnny Storm has been depicted as a brash and flamboyant playboy, characterized by his witty one-liners and devil-may-care attitude. Chris Evans first introduced this version of Johnny in the 2000s, followed by Michael B. Jordan in the 2015 reboot—though the latter iteration faced significant critical and commercial challenges.
In a recent conversation with Entertainment Weekly, Joseph Quinn discussed this shift in Johnny Storm’s character. He clarified that while Storm’s bravado remains a core aspect of his personality, this new version will be less dismissive of others’ feelings and more self-aware of his attention-seeking behaviors. Quinn proposed that the notion of charm in today’s world has evolved, and that attitudes previously considered alluring might now be outdated or unfitting.
Inclusion in the Marvel Cinematic Universe
« The Fantastic Four: First Steps » is a significant milestone for Marvel as it signifies the first integration of the Fantastic Four into the expansive Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Under the direction of Matt Shakman, known for his work on « WandaVision, » the film aims to blend retro-futuristic aesthetics with Marvel’s modern cinematic flair. The storyline pits the Fantastic Four against the cosmic entity Galactus, set against a backdrop reminiscent of 1960s futurism.
Quinn is joined by a stellar cast, including Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, each bringing their strengths to this reimagined team of superheroes. The film is highly anticipated, not just for its star-studded cast but also for its approach to storytelling, promising a mixture of nostalgia and new-age superhero dynamics.
Joseph Quinn’s Broader Artistic Ventures
Outside of his role in « The Fantastic Four, » Joseph Quinn’s career continues to expand in exciting directions. He has been cast as George Harrison in an upcoming biopic series about The Beatles, directed by Sam Mendes. This series aims to delve into the lives of the Fab Four, providing a lens into their unprecedented journey to fame, with each film offering perspectives from different band members. Scheduled for release in 2028, these films feature Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, and Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr.
Quinn’s diversification into roles that explore real-world figures as well as fantastical characters highlights his versatility as an actor and his ability to navigate complex personas. By taking on a character like Johnny Storm, he is given the platform to redefine a beloved superhero within a contemporary context, potentially influencing future portrayals of similar characters in the genre.
This new chapter for Johnny Storm, as crafted by Quinn and Marvel, reflects the broader cultural shifts in how characters with bravado are perceived and represented on screen. It embodies a move towards deeper character exploration, embracing complexities rather than conforming to traditional stereotypes. As the release date of « The Fantastic Four: First Steps » approaches, audiences eagerly anticipate how these changes will resonate within the Marvel fanbase and beyond, potentially setting a new standard for superhero adaptations.