Hideo Kojima’s Reflections on Superman and Fantastic Four: First Steps
According to CinemaDrame News Agency, Japanese game designer and noted cinephile Hideo Kojima recently watched two superhero films—Marvel’s Fantastic Four: First Steps and DC’s Superman—in theaters, sharing brief reflections about both on social media.
Kojima described First Steps as a “truly fantastic” film, praising its attention to detail and its authentic recreation of the 1960s: “Not only the fashion, color palette, design, cityscapes, anime and TV shows, everyday and astronaut clothing, rockets, and cars, but even the names of companies, food items (cereals and sodas), and data storage media (magnetic tapes and discs) are all designed with a sixties aesthetic and a sense of futurism.”
He compared the film to The Incredibles, commending its family themes and tone. Kojima believes First Steps signals a shift in superhero storytelling from grittier realism to colorful nostalgia.
He notes that the film’s more straightforward narrative allows viewers to be drawn into its world from the very beginning: “As a ‘reboot’ for the franchise, First Steps is truly ‘fantastic.’”
Fantastic Four: First Steps saw a 66% drop in its second weekend at the box office but is approaching $200 million worldwide after ten days. The film stars Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Julia Garner, and Ralph Ineson.
Last week, Kojima also praised Superman, written and directed by James Gunn. Like First Steps, this film marks a new era for DC and has surpassed $550 million globally in four weeks.
Kojima described Superman as a “heartwarming” film, writing on X: “It’s neither bitter nor light-hearted, not flashy or even ‘superior.’ The viewer’s perspective—the distance and elevation—is different from that ‘Superman’ we once looked up to in the sky.”
He continues: “The film takes a gentle, human approach to Clark Kent and to Superman as a character. It’s a ‘human’ and heartening film. The film itself isn’t ‘punk,’ but the song ‘Punkrocker’ by Teddybears featuring our very own Iggy Pop, which plays during the credits, was pure, astonishing punk.”
In Superman, David Corenswet plays Superman/Clark Kent. The cast also includes Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, and Eddie Gathegi as Mister Terrific.
