Considering that the MCU is an enormous amalgamation of timelines, where does Fantastic Four: The First Steps fit in it, exactly?

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is no stranger to experimentation. Despite this, ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ marks one of its boldest creative choices yet. Directed by Matt Shakman, the highly anticipated reboot of Marvel’s First Family doesn’t take place on the familiar Earth-616,

Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has revealed the strategic game plan behind setting The Fantastic Four: First Steps on an alternate Earth, providing the clearest road map yet for the conclusion of the Multiverse Saga.

Fantastic Four has a much different place in the Marvel timeline compared to other projects – here’s how it fits in.

Matt Shakman recently explained the decision to set The Fantastic Four: First Steps on Earth-828, within the MCU multiverse and outside the main timeline. In a new interview, the director revealed how placing Marvel’s First Family on another Earth avoids major continuity issues.

First Steps is now playing in theaters, but how does the movie tie into the wider Multiverse Saga, other MCU TV shows and movies, and next year's Avengers: Doomsday? Find out

All but one of these villains appeared in the FF’s first four years, so it matches their MCU timeline. These are the classic Fantastic Four villains who got a post-credits shout-out in cartoon form after the credits rolled.

So yes, Doctor Doom does appear in First Steps. In the mid-credits scene, we jump four years into the future and see Sue Storm and her son Franklin reading together in their home in the Baxter Building.

Earth-828 isn't just a number plucked out of thin air by director Matt Shakman. It is actually a perfect nod to August 28, which is the birthday of Jack Kirby, co-creator of The Fantastic Four (alongside Stan Lee) and outright creator of the Silver Surfer, among countless others.

The debut characters from the creative minds of Jack Kirby and Stan Lee return home to Marvel in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.” It’s a movie that sets itself apart in both story setting and storytelling.