Celebrity Fan Web – Over the years, several actors have taken on the role of The Thing, also known as Ben Grimm, in Fantastic Four adaptations. Unlike his team members with powers like invisibility, stretching, or fire, The Thing transforms into an orange, rock-like figure. This physical change is permanent and results from the cosmic event that gave the Fantastic Four their powers. Michael Chiklis played The Thing in Tim Story’s movies, while Jamie Bell took on the role in Josh Trank’s reboot. The newest portrayal is by Ebon Moss-Bachrach in Matt Shakman’s “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.” Each actor brings a unique interpretation, yet all face the challenge of embodying a character who is physically and emotionally transformed.
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A Multi-Layered Approach to Bringing The Thing to Life
In “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” the character of The Thing is primarily a CGI creation. Ebon Moss-Bachrach performed the scenes using motion capture technology to capture his movements and expressions. To aid this process, the production also used a physical stand-in wearing a practical costume of The Thing. Adding to this complex setup was a rock named ‘Jennifer’ used as a physical reference on set. Director Matt Shakman explained that the team went to the desert to find a rock that visually matched their idea of The Thing. They filmed ‘Jennifer’ in every shot featuring The Thing, under all lighting conditions, to help animators accurately reflect the character’s texture and appearance.
Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s Connection to Ben Grimm
Moss-Bachrach’s performance forms the emotional core of The Thing in the new film. He was the first member of the Fantastic Four cast and feels a strong connection to the character. Although The Thing is a heavily animated role requiring a team of hundreds to bring it to life, Moss-Bachrach trusted the animators to enhance his performance. He expressed satisfaction with how the character appears on screen and the balance between his acting and the visual effects. His previous roles in shows like “Girls,” “Andor,” and “The Bear” gave him diverse acting experience, but Ben Grimm feels particularly meaningful to him.
The New York Roots of The Thing and Jack Kirby’s Legacy
Moss-Bachrach emphasizes the importance of The Thing’s New York roots. Ben Grimm’s character is a Lower East Side native, which ties closely to comic book legend Jack Kirby’s background. The character’s traits and story were, in part, a homage to Kirby’s own father. This connection adds depth and authenticity to Moss-Bachrach’s portrayal. The actor sees this link as significant in grounding the superhero character in real-world emotions and experiences. The gritty, blue-collar essence of Ben Grimm resonates with audiences who appreciate heroes with relatable origins.
The Future of The Thing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe
With the release of “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” the Marvel Cinematic Universe prepares to introduce a fresh version of The Thing. This portrayal combines cutting-edge CGI, physical props, and dedicated acting to create a compelling and believable character. The use of the rock ‘Jennifer’ showcases the filmmakers’ commitment to authenticity and detail. As the MCU continues to expand, The Thing’s story offers a blend of human vulnerability and superhuman strength. Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s portrayal promises to bring new energy to this iconic character, who remains one of the most beloved members of the Fantastic Four team.