In ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’, the exploration of Ben Grimm’s Jewish heritage adds depth to his character and the overall narrative, making it a significant aspect of the film.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps Explores Ben Grimm’s Jewish Heritage
Editor’s note: The following contains spoilers for ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’. One of the best parts of The Fantastic Four: First Steps was how it felt like a comic book, with characters inhabiting a fully formed world that already contained so much history. Thanks to the multiple montages at the beginning of the film, we never felt like we were missing any information. Simply put, Matt Shakman got so much right about this adaptation, but one of the best details was a subtle yet significant aspect of Ben Grimm’s (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) backstory: his Jewish heritage. In most other versions of on-screen Grimms, we don’t see this specificity, yet it was key to First Steps‘ narrative. For both him and the team, there are multiple benefits to the personal aspects of Ben’s arcs, from helping him connect with a romantic interest to the team’s understanding of their status with the city and its population.
Character Arcs and Community Connection
In the film, all members of the team go through separate arcs related to the main dilemma surrounding Galactus (Ralph Ineson). This structure is one of the strongest aspects of the film, as it maintains high momentum as each scene progresses each journey. Our first introduction to Ben Grimm’s personal life shows him walking down Yancy Street, the neighborhood he grew up in. There, he meets Natasha Lyonne’s character, Rachel Rozman, after teasing her school kids. While Ben is normally insightful and confident, he stumbles over his words in front of her. However, during a community meeting at a synagogue, where the Star of David stands proudly, he delivers the perfect line.
Rather than saying anything smooth like Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn) or analytical like Reed (Pedro Pascal), he simply states that he came there to see her. The mise-en-scène of a space that invites people to come together emphasizes the sincere nature of the scene, making his emotional bond with Rachel feel far stronger. If it had simply been the same street or a café, the sense of how faith provides spheres for connection would be far less clear.
Impact of Jewish Heritage on the Narrative
This story is rooted in Jack Kirby’s Jewish background, the creator of The Fantastic Four, with Yancy Street named after his own neighborhood, Delancey Street. However, it transcends being merely an Easter egg. It’s a commitment to the history and core identity of the comics, which other adaptations failed to capture. The world Shakman created felt lived-in, and having Ben maintain such a deep-rooted relationship with his heritage contributed heavily to this by not giving us Ben’s entire personal history, but allowing us to envision it through glimpses of his life experiences.
Ben’s Role in the Team’s Dynamics
While it is always a plus to see a character’s backstory and how their cultural roots influence them, these elements become significant when they impact the wider plot meaningfully. Ben’s connection to his Jewish heritage is crucial not only to his character arc but also to the film’s overall narrative. Through scenes of him walking his street, buying cookies, and being cheered, it is Ben who gauges the public’s sentiment regarding the team. The Fantastic Four are so focused on protecting people that it is Ben’s insights that reveal they are losing favor, prompting Sue’s (Vanessa Kirby) decision to confront the public. This demonstrates their concern for the emotional well-being of the city as much as for their own survival.
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Overall, while it may seem small and easily overlooked, the inclusion of Ben Grimm’s Jewish heritage in Fantastic Four: First Steps was very touching. Not only did it mean a lot to Ben and the crew, but it was seamlessly integrated to expand the world and make it feel more realistic. Ultimately, this increased the stakes of the film for the team, risking not just the planet but also their support.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is now playing in theaters.
