Joseph Quinn is joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the Human Torch in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and his version of Johnny Storm promises to feel very different from past portrayals.
In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Quinn explained how this Johnny is less of a swaggering womanizer and more emotionally aware.
"He leads with a lot of bravado, which can be an affront sometimes. But also he’s funny. He was branded as this womanizing, devil-may-care guy, but is that sexy these days? I don’t think so." He added, "This version of Johnny is less callous with other people’s feelings, and hopefully there’s a self-awareness about what’s driving that attention-seeking behavior."
Chris Evans and Michael B. Jordan have previously portrayed the character, but director Matt Shakman agrees it’s time to show a deeper side. "He’s really smart," Shakman said. "He’s on that spaceship for a reason… he’s been one of the most heroic of them, even if he undercuts it with humor."
Set to premiere July 25, The Fantastic Four: First Steps brings together a powerful ensemble. Joining Quinn are Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic), Vanessa Kirby as Susan Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm (The Thing). The film also features Julia Garner, John Malkovich, Natasha Lyonne, and Paul Walter Hauser.
This time around, the fire burns with more than just bravado — there’s reflection, too.
