Summary

The Fantastic Four
film breaks new ground with CGI & motion capture for The Thing character, ditching traditional prosthetic suits.
Ebon Moss-Bachrach expresses relief at avoiding uncomfortable physical suits, excited to use technology for more authentic performance capture.
With a star-studded cast and modern approach to character portrayal,
The Fantastic Four
is set to be a visually striking addition to the MCU.

The upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film, The Fantastic Four, is getting buzz not only for its star-studded cast but also for its modern approach to character portrayal. Ebon Moss-Bachrach, who plays Ben Grimm, also known as The Thing, recently shared insights into how his character will be brought to life on the big screen.

In a departure from previous adaptations, The Fantastic Four will utilize motion capture and CGI to depict The Thing. This marks a significant shift from the prosthetic suit used by Michael Chiklis in the 2005 and 2007 films. Speaking on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Moss-Bachrach expressed his relief at avoiding the discomfort of a physical suit. Moss-Bachrach shared:

“I don’t think it’s the suit. Michael Chiklis wore a suit. Apparently, the suit was really uncomfortable,” he said. “We’re past that I think. It’s a little cosplay and amateur now with the technology.
It’s mostly performance capture.
”

The use of CGI for The Thing is not entirely new to the franchise. The 2015 reboot also employed visual effects for the character, with Jamie Bell providing the performance capture. However, the upcoming film’s adoption of this technology aligns with the broader trend in the MCU of utilizing CGI and motion capture to create more dynamic and visually striking characters.

Moss-Bachrach’s casting as Ben Grimm was only recently confirmed, but the actor revealed that he has been attached to the project since the summer of 2023.

“I found out a long time [ago],” he shared. “I think I found out in the beginning of August… So, I got a call from my agents… and they said, ‘They asked you to play The Thing.’ […] I was so shocked.”

Related Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s Best Performances, Ranked From complicated, morally dark characters to good-for-nothing boyfriends, Ebon Moss-Bachrach has portrayed a variety of characters.

The Fantastic Four Brings Fresh Faces and Retro Flair to the Marvel Cinematic Universe

The Fantastic Four is directed by Matt Shakman and features an ensemble cast, including Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, and Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch. There’s talk that the movie might be set in the 1960s, providing a distinctive setting for the beginning tale of this legendary superhero group.

The Fantastic Four is scheduled to premiere on July 25, 2025.

The decision to use CGI and motion capture for The Thing reflects the film industry’s ongoing embrace of technology to enhance storytelling and character development. The anticipation is high among fans to see how The Fantastic Four will enhance the evolving storyline of the MCU. With its innovative approach to character portrayal and a talented cast, the film promises to be a fresh and exciting addition to the Marvel universe.