When Vanessa Kirby was announced as the new Sue Storm, aka the Invisible Woman, for the upcoming movie The Fantastic Four: First Steps, expectations soared. Known for her gripping performances in Mission: Impossible and Pieces of a Woman, Kirby seemed poised to breathe new life into the role. However, following the recent teaser release, a vocal segment of the Marvel fanbase has reignited discussions about the iconic portrayal by Jessica Alba in the earlier 2000s films.
A Look Back at Jessica Alba’s Sue Storm
Jessica Alba’s interpretation of Sue Storm in Fantastic Four (2005) and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007) has been etched into the minds of many fans as a defining version. These films presented the character as the glue holding the team together, though not without critique. Critics often pointed out that Sue was underutilized, her powers serving more as visual appeal than a serious part of the narrative. While some view Alba’s portrayal as formative, others argue that it leaned too heavily on her physical appearance rather than substantive character development.
Vanessa Kirby: A New Dawn for Invisible Woman
Contrasting with past portrayals, Vanessa Kirby’s brief but impactful appearance in the The Fantastic Four: First Steps teaser suggests a more nuanced and powerful Sue Storm. Early footage shows Kirby portraying Sue with a depth that promises to explore the full range of the character’s abilities and leadership within the team.
Fans on social media have expressed mixed feelings. Some defend Kirby’s fresh take, excited to see a more robust portrayal of Sue Storm’s powers and leadership. Others remain loyal to Alba, viewing her performance as iconic regardless of its flaws. Tweets from fans like La Meryl Striptease and Aaron Lassiter highlight a split in community sentiment, with some harshly criticizing Alba’s acting chops while others call for a deeper, more capable portrayal that Kirby might deliver.
Revisiting Sue Storm’s Legacy
As The Fantastic Four: First Steps approaches its release, it’s clear that both Kirby and Alba have left significant marks on the legacy of Sue Storm. This ongoing debate among fans underscores a broader conversation about character development and representation in superhero films. Kirby’s upcoming performance is not only a testament to her acting prowess but also a moment for Marvel to redefine what the Invisible Woman represents in modern cinema.
Ultimately, whether Kirby’s Sue Storm will surpass the mixed reception of Alba’s portrayal remains to be seen. But if the teaser is anything to go by, Kirby may well be on her way to defining Sue Storm for a new generation of Marvel fans, bringing depth and strength to a character that has long deserved more than just a supporting role in a male-dominated team. As Marvel continues to evolve, the Invisible Woman is finally stepping into the spotlight, promising an era where her powers and personality are not just seen but felt.