On Saturday, March 8, 2025, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro and Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman spoke at SXSW. There were multiple segments included in the approximately hour-long panel that focused on world-building at Disney. The idea was that world-building happens with collaboration between the Disney Experiences segment and the Disney Entertainment segment at Disney. Together, they create experiences in the parks, on screen, and beyond where guests can experience the worlds and stories that Disney creates and shares.
Throughout the panel, the focus shifted from Star Wars to Pixar, and then Marvel. During the Marvel portion of the panel, President of Marvel Studios, Kevin Feige, and President and Chief Creative Officer for Walt Disney Imagineering Bruce Vaughn shared about some of the future Marvel-ous offerings coming to Disney Parks, particularly the Disneyland Resort. While a lot of the focus of their discussion was on Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure, a few moments were taken to talk about Tomorrowland in Disneyland.
In speaking about Tomorrowland, Feige revealed that this opening-day land at Disneyland was an inspiration for the upcoming film The Fantastic Four: First Steps. As the discussion continued, it was revealed that The Fantastic Four will be appearing this summer in Tomorrowland. Guests will be able to meet Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm in conjunction with the arrival of The Fantastic Four: First Steps in theaters.
It was also teased that H.E.R.B.I.E. could eventually be appearing in the parks in the future. Vaughn acknowledged that there are some challenges to making this happen still saying there were some issues with balance for the robot but they’ll figure it out.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps Official Description
Set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, Marvel Studios’ ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ introduces Marvel’s First Family—Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Johnny Storm/Human Torch and Ben Grimm/The Thing as they face their most daunting challenge yet.
Last year at the Hollywood Bowl, the main theme for The Fantastic Four: First Steps was premiered live by composer Michael Giacchino. Friends of Daps Magic were at the concert and shared a video of the moment:
There are plenty of other announcements that came out of the SXSW panel on Saturday morning. This included updates from the worlds of Star Wars, Marvel, and also Pixar. Daps Magic is covering them all so be sure to subscribe to the mailing list, social media, and YouTube to not miss any of them!
What do you think of The Fantastic Four coming to Tomorrowland this summer? Which member of the family is your favorite?
