The Fantastic Four: First Steps, released on July 25, 2025, has captivated audiences as the latest chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), reintroducing Marvel’s First Family with a vibrant 1960s-inspired aesthetic. A recent Hollywood Reporter feature delves into the film’s development, spotlighting the dynamic between Johnny Storm/Human Torch, portrayed by Joseph Quinn, and the Silver Surfer, a pivotal character whose role was a late addition to the script. Screenwriter Eric Pearson, a Marvel veteran with credits on Thor: Ragnarok, Black Widow, and Thunderbolts, revealed that his early drafts featured a far more extensive flirtation between Johnny and the Silver Surfer, a dynamic that, while scaled back in the final cut, remains central to the film’s emotional resonance.
Pearson, who polished the script originally written by Josh Friedman, Jeff Kaplan, and Ian Springer, leaned heavily into the interplay between Johnny Storm and the Silver Surfer. “In my drafts, there’s a lot more Johnny-Surfer flirtation, or one-way flirtation. It was all him, but endearing,” Pearson told The Hollywood Reporter. “And it’s such an interesting thing when you put the cuts together. There’s so much less of it. Perhaps that’s all you needed for her to be touched by his affection for her and how far he was going to go to save the planet. That emotional gamut is a cool thing. You can’t solve everything with science.” This quote underscores the emotional weight of their relationship, which serves as a cornerstone of the film’s narrative, blending humor, heart, and heroism in a way that sets The Fantastic Four: First Steps apart.
The flirtatious dynamic, described as one-sided and driven by Johnny’s charm, was crafted to highlight his charismatic yet earnest personality. In Pearson’s drafts, Johnny’s affection for the Silver Surfer was a central thread, showcasing his willingness to go to great lengths—not just for personal connection but to protect the planet from a looming cosmic threat. While the final version of the film, directed by Matt Shakman, pares down these moments, the essence of Johnny’s feelings remains, subtly influencing the Silver Surfer’s arc. This emotional connection, as Pearson notes, emphasizes that science alone cannot resolve every challenge, a theme that resonates deeply in a story about a family of scientists and heroes.
Set in a 1960s-inspired aesthetic, The Fantastic Four: First Steps stars Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing, and Quinn as the fiery Johnny Storm. The inclusion of the Silver Surfer, a character steeped in cosmic lore, adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. Pearson’s work focused on grounding this otherworldly figure through Johnny’s humanizing affection, creating a dynamic that balances the film’s high-stakes action with intimate character moments. The decision to reduce the flirtation in the final cut was a deliberate choice to maintain narrative focus, but Pearson’s initial vision leaned heavily into Johnny’s charm as a catalyst for the Surfer’s emotional evolution.
Pearson’s approach to the Johnny-Silver Surfer dynamic reflects his broader storytelling philosophy, honed over 15 years with Marvel. Starting in the Marvel Writers Program in 2010, he worked on projects like Agent Carter and contributed uncredited work to Spider-Man: Homecoming and Ant-Man and the Wasp before taking on major roles in Thor: Ragnarok and Black Widow. His ability to infuse humor and emotional stakes, as praised by Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige, is evident in how he shaped Johnny’s interactions with the Silver Surfer. “You can’t solve everything with science” is not just a line but a guiding principle for Pearson, who uses character relationships to anchor fantastical narratives.
The development of The Fantastic Four: First Steps required Pearson to collaborate closely with Shakman and the original writers to ensure the film fit within the MCU’s Phase Six. His focus on the Johnny-Silver Surfer dynamic added a fresh layer to the team’s chemistry, distinguishing this iteration of the Fantastic Four from previous adaptations. While the film’s final cut may feature less of the flirtation, its impact lingers, with Johnny’s affection serving as a touchstone for the Surfer’s journey and the team’s mission to confront a global threat. This narrative choice highlights Pearson’s skill in crafting moments that resonate emotionally, even in a universe filled with superpowers and cosmic beings.
As The Fantastic Four: First Steps prepares to launch, the Johnny-Silver Surfer dynamic stands as a testament to Pearson’s ability to blend humor, heart, and high stakes. The film, already hailed as the most positively reviewed in the Fantastic Four series, positions Marvel’s First Family as a cornerstone of the MCU’s future. Pearson’s work on this dynamic, paired with his contributions to other MCU projects like Blade and Thunderbolts, underscores his role as a vital creative force. By emphasizing that not all problems can be solved with science, Pearson ensures that The Fantastic Four: First Steps delivers a story where human connection is as powerful as any superpower.
