Marvel fans have a reason to mark their calendars this December. The Fantastic Four: First Steps, one of the most acclaimed superhero films in recent memory, is set to make its broadcast television premiere on ABC. The airing comes at a strategic time, just days before the highly anticipated Avengers: Doomsday lands in theaters.
According to TV Insider, The Fantastic Four: First Steps will air on ABC on December 13, 2026, from 8:33 to 11:00 p.m. ET. That places it less than a week before Avengers: Doomsday hits the big screen on December 18, 2026. The timing is no coincidence, as Marvel president Kevin Feige has previously teased that the Fantastic Four's story directly sets up the events of Doomsday.
A Fresh Take on Marvel's First Family
Released in July 2025, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is the second reboot of the franchise, featuring a star-studded cast: Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing. The film is set in a retro-futuristic world inspired by the 1960s, giving it a unique visual and tonal identity within the MCU.
The plot follows the team as they confront Galactus (voiced by Ralph Ineson), a cosmic entity that devours planets, and his herald, the Silver Surfer (played by Julia Garner). It's a story that blends family dynamics with high-stakes cosmic adventure, earning praise from critics and audiences alike.
Critical and Commercial Success
Directed by Matt Shakman from a screenplay by Josh Friedman, Eric Pearson, Jeff Kaplan, and Ian Springer, The Fantastic Four: First Steps quickly became a fan favorite. It holds a Certified Fresh 86% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with an even higher Verified Hot audience score of 90%. The film also performed well at the box office, grossing $521.9 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing Fantastic Four movie to date. Its success continued on streaming, where it ranked among Disney+'s Top 10 globally and topped digital charts.
The ABC broadcast will give viewers who missed it in theaters a chance to catch up before Doomsday. For those eager to dive deeper into the MCU's multiverse saga, Marvel's upcoming crossover plans are already generating buzz.
What to Expect from Doomsday
Avengers: Doomsday is part of MCU Phase Six and features Robert Downey Jr. in the role of Doctor Doom. The film will bring together heroes from multiple universes, including the Fantastic Four from Earth-828, the Avengers and Wakandans from Earth-616, and the original X-Men from Earth-10005. With such a massive ensemble, the movie promises to be a monumental event.
For fans who want to revisit the Fantastic Four's journey before the big showdown, the ABC airing is the perfect opportunity. And if you're looking for more superhero content, check out how DC's Clayface is making waves in the genre.
Mark your calendars for December 13, 2026, and get ready for an epic holiday treat. The Fantastic Four: First Steps on ABC is a must-watch for any Marvel enthusiast.
