In Fantastic Four: First Steps, Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby) breaks new ground as the first pregnant superhero in a major Marvel movie. But pregnancy doesn’t hold her back; it powers her forward. She’s saving the world and preparing for motherhood, proving that women can do it all.
In May, Sue Storm actress Vanessa Kirby arrived at a fan event in Mexico, sporting her newest superpower: her baby bump. Kirby discusses pregnancy in the new film and how Sue Storm inspired her to be a mom and pursue her career without slowing down.
Vanessa Kirby Is Pregnant—And So Is Her Character in Fantastic Four
When the teaser trailers for Fantastic Four: First Steps dropped earlier this year, fans quickly noticed that Sue Storm, played by the incredible Vanessa Kirby, might be expecting more than just an action-packed storyline.
In a later trailer, it was confirmed: Sue is pregnant, and the news is revealed in a moment shared with her on-screen husband, Mr. Fantastic (played by Pedro Pascal), and the rest of Marvel’s iconic foursome: Joseph Quinn as the Human Torch and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as The Thing.
Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzMo-FgRp64
A Superhero First: Sue Storm Is Pregnant in a Marvel Movie
Fantastic Four: First Steps makes history by featuring the first pregnant superhero in a major live-action superhero movie with Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm. Kirby was excited to take on the challenge, “Matt and I were aware that there hasn’t really been a mother with a baby in these superhero archetypes women have been getting.”
Kirby attacked the role with the goal of bringing depth to Sue Storm’s character so “that she wasn’t just the stereotype of a goody, sweet mother,” says Kirby.
Breaking Stereotypes: Kirby on Motherhood and Power
For Kirby, this role was about breaking down the cultural stereotypes that often surround femininity and motherhood. She added:
“I’ve always been really interested in the mess of femininity… How can you be both? How can you be all the things? Not just the tough, invincible, powerful woman, but also a mother who gives birth, which is itself a superhero act.”
Women and mothers are often the masters of juggling it all and now Vanessa Kirby is experiencing that for herself as she prepares for motherhood.
Kirby’s Real-Life Pregnancy Debut
You might recognize Vanessa Kirby from her influential roles in Mission: Impossible or The Crown, but this year, she’s stepping into her most important role yet—motherhood. Kirby announced her pregnancy in May at the CCXP Mexico event by sporting her bump on the carpet.
As a first-time mom, she’s taking lessons from embodying Sue Storm in the film and applying them to real life.
What Sue Storm Taught Vanessa Kirby About Being a Mom
As Vanessa Kirby enters this new stage of life, she’s drawing inspiration from her Fantastic Four character, Sue Storm, and learning what it means to balance motherhood and a career.
“I learnt so much from Sue Storm about being a first-time mother in the film,” Kirby said. “Very grateful and surreal to be on this journey with her.”
Kirby gained experience preparing for motherhood as she went through each stage with Sue Storm. “I was pregnant for half the movie, and then Sue gives birth, then we have a baby,” she shared. “So I learned about all the stages of motherhood, and it was just the most amazing life experience.”
Reflecting on it all, Kirby added, “It not only gave me a massive appreciation for my mum but also taught me that you can have a baby and you can work. So here I am at work.”
Her story is a reminder that motherhood isn’t the end of a woman’s dreams; it’s often a beautiful new beginning.
Choosing Motherhood and a Career
While actresses like Vanessa Kirby are fortunate to have support that allows them to balance motherhood and career, many women face this choice alone, feeling forced to choose between being a mom and pursuing work. At Save the Storks, we believe that no mother should ever have to make a choice.
With the proper care and resources, moms can do it all and choose life confidently.
Do you want to help moms choose life and thrive?
Donate today or become a monthly Life Society member to provide the healthcare and support moms need to be the superheroes they are, no matter their circumstances.
We’re inspired by moms, both fictional, like Sue Storm, and real, like Vanessa Kirby, who prove that being a mom and pursuing your dreams is the ultimate superpower.
