‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ filming locations: how Marvel’s retro-futuristic 1960s was created

Described as the MCU’s adopted homeland for this production, this major studio complex outside London hosted a big chunk of the 85‑day shoot, beginning in late July 2024. The vast majority of the film’s 1960s New York locations – including Yancy Street in the Lower East Side, Times Square, and Reed Richards’ lab in the Baxter Building – were created across 30 sets on eight sound stages on its two backlots. The alternative 1960s Times Square, complete with recreated period premises like Horn & Hardart, Whelan’s, Leighton’s, RKO Palace, Embassy Theatre and Forum Cinema, was built here at 22 percent smaller than the real location, with Julia Garner calling the combination of set design, the scale of the set, and simply shooting at Pinewood “really magical.” Specific stages like S Stage and W Stage were used for Reed Richards’ lab and the Reeds’ penthouse, highlighting the studio’s flexibility and scale. - Phil de Semlyen