Marvel Studios' most recent film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, has arrived in movie theaters all around the world. The 37th installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it's already looking like it's going to be one of this year's biggest movies, which isn't surprising when you consider the franchise, star-power, and the fact that Marvel's First Family are well-known in their own right.
The film brings the iconic quartet of superheroes back to the silver screen for their third big-budget kick-off, but this is the first time their adventures have taken place within the MCU. Clearly, they are all the better off for it, as the film has quickly become the best-reviewed Fantastic Four movie yet.
Director Matt Shakman accomplished something of beauty with this one. He also took some time to feature some important dedications during the end credits of the film - including a nod to comic book legend Jack Kirby within the movie, too.
Jamie Christopher dedication explained
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is dedicated to Jamie Christopher. An assistant director and film producer, he worked on a long list of legendary movies over the years before working with Marvel Stusios on Thor: The Dark World in 2013. Since then, he has collaborated with the studio on Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), Black Widow (2021), Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022), Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023), and The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025).
He also worked on the Harry Potter movies, Alien 3, Justice League, The Fifth Element, The Mummy and The Mummy Returns, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and GoldenEye. Marvel Studios' The Fantastic Four: First Steps wasn't even the first movie featuring the iconic heroes that he worked on, as he was also first assistant director (second unit) on 2007's Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer.
Jamie Christopher sadly passed away from heart complications on August 29, 2023 as he was working as a producer on First Steps. The Marvel community took to social media to mourn the loss of the beloved member of their family, honoring his work while also paying tribute to him as a person. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige and Louis D'Esposito said in a statement:
"We are incredibly saddened by Jamie’s passing. He has been a part of the Marvel Studios team for over a decade. He was a calm presence behind the camera, and a wonderful, supportive crew member on set... Jamie was a beloved member of our Marvel Studios family, and he will be dearly missed.”
The dedication that he received during the end credits of The Fantastic Four: First Steps was a lovely tribute to a man whose talent helped Marvel ascend to where it is today. May he Rest In Peace.
Fantastic Four also pays tribute to Inez Shakman
During the end credits of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, there is also another tribute, simply reading "For Inez Shakman". Inez Shakman is the mother of director Matt Shakman. She sadly passed away on April 3, 2025 at the age of 80.
Dedicating the film to his mother was undoubtedly a moment of great importance for the director, and it was a lovely tribute to see included on the end credits. Although she passed away just a few months before the film's release, Inez's memory lives on in her son's acclaimed work.
The ultimate tribute to Marvel's Jack Kirby
The third person that The Fantastic Four: First Steps honors is Jack Kirby. One of the most well-known and legendary names in the comic book industry, Jack Kirby helped co-create a number of major Marvel Comics characters throughout his career, including Spider-Man, Ant-Man, the Hulk, the Avengers, Black Panther, and of course, the Fantastic Four. He died on February 6, 1994, from heart failure.
First Steps' tribute to Kirby is a creative one. Before the second post-credits scene, a legendary quotation from the comic book creator appeared, saying: "If you look at my characters, you will find me. No matter what kind of character you create or assume, a little of yourself must remain there."
It's a touching nod to the fact that Kirby and Stan Lee's presence can be felt in the colorful MCU movie. However, Marvel Studios took that one step further, showcasing Kirby's birthday as being August 28, 1917 - or 8/28/1917. With that, the 8 and 28 come together after the credits roll to confirm that Earth-828 - the earth that The Fantastic Four: First Steps takes place on - is indeed named after the legend's date of birth.
A very thoughtful, very creative way of honoring a man who helped bring the magic of Marvel Comics to life so many years ago.
May Jamie Christopher, Inez Shakman, and Jack Kirby all Rest In Peace.
More from Bam Smack Pow: