The Fantastic Four: First Stepsis heading in a bold new direction for theMCU’s live-action adaptation of Ben Grimm as the iconic character is somehow sporting a beard for the first time. This development was revealed in the latest (and final)trailer forThe Fantastic Four: First Steps, which also hones in on the Thing’s catchphrase.
Ben Grimm’s physiology after being exposed to cosmic rays is a fascinating topic. Although he is often described as being composed of rocks, his distinctive skin is actually a biological, inorganic hide that does not preclude him from bleeding or flesh wounds if struck with enough force or with the right weapon.
Nevertheless, it does make him extremely durable, at the expense of his self-esteem. The Thing is one ofMarvel’s most tragic characters, whose distinctive appearance sets him apart from his teammates as he is the only one who can’t hide his powers and must instead constantly live with the repercussions of their fateful spaceflight.
Most Fantastic Four adaptationsdeal with this facet of Ben Grimm for good reason. What they haven’t done so far, though, is adapt a lesser-known eventuality that is tied to both his unique physiology and his perceived loss of humanity - something thatThe Fantastic Four: First Stepsmay be about to delve into.
He Is Implied To Be Entirely Hairless
The Fantastic Four: First Stepswill technically be the fourth time thatthe Thing has been adapted into live-action. Although it was never released,the 1994 movie,The Fantastic Four, was the first and delivered a pretty comics-accurate depiction of the Thing, portrayed by Carl Ciarfalio, though it was sadly never officially released.
As much as he may like to, the Thing’s rocky skin seemingly prevents him from growing hair or hair-like growths, such as what has been seen in the final trailer forThe Fantastic Four: First Steps.
The more well-known subsequent adaptations of the Fantastic Four are 2005’sFantastic Four(and its sequel), and 2015’sFantastic Four, where Ben Grimm was portrayed by Michael Chiklis and Jamie Bell, respectively.In all adaptations, Ben Grimm is distinctly devoid of any rock-like formation that could be considered a beard, with each instead maintaining the same appearance.
This is a comics-accurate portrayal of the Thing, who maintains the same appearance throughout his appearances in Marvel Comics. As much as he may like to, the Thing’s rocky skin seemingly prevents him from growing hair or hair-like growths, such as what has been seen in the final trailer forThe Fantastic Four: First Steps.
Instead,it is implied in both the comics and Ben Grimm’s live-action movie appearances that he is distinctly hairless. With that being said, there is one notable occasion in Marvel Comics where this was not the case.
The Thing Has Grown A Beard In Marvel Comics Before
Ben Grimm Is Given The Ability To Relinquish His Powers One Week Per Year
Jonathan Hickman’sFantastic Four #605isan installment in the comics run leading up to 2015’sSecret Wars,and features the Thing with a growing beard. Given thatThe Fantastic Four: First Stepsis in a similar narrative position, setting upAvengers: Secret Wars, this is most likely the issue that inspired Ben Grimm’s beard in the final trailer.
In this run of comics, the genius daughter of Reed Richards and Sue Storm,Valeria Richards, develops a formula that allows Ben Grimm to return to his human form for one week each year. The touching gesture exemplifies Ben Grimm’s distress over his condition as those closest to him strive to find a “cure.”
Fantastic Four #605then reveals that Ben Grimm only ages while in human form. As such, he lives for thousands of years, which Reed Richards witnesses while traveling to the future in 1000-year increments.Throughout the millennia, Grimm’s rocky beard also growsto an impressive length before he finally dies of old age.
Michael Chiklis' Thing also reverts to his human form in 2007’sFantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, although this is because the Silver Surfer causes the team’s powers to switch.
The implication here is thatGrimm’s beard only grows during his week-long intervals as a human, during the same period that he ages. Consequently, the fact that Grimm is seen sporting a beard inThe Fantastic Four: First Stepscarries some significant implications.
How The Thing Growing A Beard In First Steps Could Be A Big Deal For MCU Ben Grimm
Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s Thing Might Revert To His Human Form
The Fantastic Four: First Stepscould depict one of the most pivotal developments in Ben Grimm’s character arc.The presence of a beard suggests that he might receive, or have already received, the formula that suppresses his powers, though it is safe to assume that this version wouldn’t have been developed by Valeria.
The Fantastic Four: First Stepstakes place at a time when the titular team are already well-established heroes, which means thatBen Grimm might have been transforming into a human one week per year for some time already. It is also clear that at least 7-9 months will transpire within the movie thanks to the stages of Sue’s pregnancy.
Alternatively,The Fantastic Four: First Stepsmight fly in the face of convention and introduce a brand-new facet of the Thing wherein he can grow facial hairin his typical form. Short of any further story details aboutThe Fantastic Four: First Steps, there is little to suggest his hair isn’t part of a bit designed to tribute Marvel Comics.
