Atomic Daydream

The Fantastic Four: First Steps brought to screen a unique design for its alternate New York City, visualizing a vintage-future aesthetic that felt refreshing for the franchise.

Most of the superhero movies made today feel derivative, which makes this visual departure especially welcome.

Kasra Farahani, the award‑winning production designer behind Loki, spearheaded the creation of Earth‑828’s unique look. It’s a retro-futuristic version of 1960s Manhattan.

Think sleek Eero Saarinen‑style architecture infused with Tomorrowland whimsy. It features vivid colors, futuristic talking robots, and soaring flying cars, but all in the style of the 1960s.

Farahani set out to make the Fantastic Four’s penthouse feel warm and lived‑in, even though it sits at the top of a sleek skyscraper.

Designers combined cozy mid‑century materials, including wood paneling, flagstone, indoor plants, and a sunken conversation pit.

The kitchen balances futuristic gadgetry (a domed barbecue, motorized cake platter) with familiar, homey design cues inspired by the ’64 World’s Fair “Kitchen of Tomorrow.”

Overall, the film’s name is reflected in the set design, something that feels rooted in mid-century optimism and sci-fi wonder.

The overhead shots show an alternate-Manhattan with retro-futuristic cars, helicopters, and more.

Images © Copyright 20th Century Studios / Marvel Studios / Disney.