‘Fantastic Four’s’ Vanessa Kirby on What Sue Storm Taught Her About MOTHERHOOD (Exclusive)
Fantastic Four’s Vanessa Kirby on What Sue Storm Taught Her About MOTHERHOOD
Vanessa Kirby may be stepping into a superhero suit for the upcoming Fantastic Four reboot, but it’s her real-life journey toward motherhood that’s resonating most deeply with the role. The actress, who revealed her pregnancy during the film’s press tour, recently shared how playing Sue Storm gave her unexpected insight into becoming a first-time mom.
A Superhero Mom in More Ways Than One
Kirby plays Sue Storm — aka the Invisible Woman — in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which takes place in a stylized, retro-futuristic version of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. What sets this portrayal apart? Sue is pregnant throughout the film, and that storyline hit especially close to home for Kirby.
Speaking at a fan event, she shared:
“I learned so much from Sue Storm about being a first-time mother.”
She described the experience as both grounding and empowering. Not only did she portray a superhero dealing with cosmic-level threats, but also a woman grappling with the challenges and emotions of impending motherhood — something Kirby herself is experiencing off-screen.
Sue Storm as a Mother: More Than a Side Plot
Historically, Sue Storm has often been written as the emotional center of the Fantastic Four — a powerful hero, yes, but also a mother, wife, and leader. For Kirby, bringing out Sue’s maternal side wasn’t about making her softer — it was about adding depth.
She explained that Sue taught her that motherhood doesn’t mean giving up strength or agency. Instead, it amplifies it. Kirby was particularly inspired by how Sue balances her intellect, power, and emotional intelligence — all while navigating the unknown of motherhood in a world filled with danger and uncertainty.
Redefining the “Mom” Role in Superhero Films
One of the most refreshing aspects of Kirby’s performance is how she embraces the maternal element without reducing Sue to it. She said she wanted to portray a version of motherhood that wasn’t overly sentimental, but complex — even fierce.
From fighting off cosmic threats to guiding her family with calm authority, Kirby’s Sue Storm offers something rarely seen in superhero cinema: a mom who’s not on the sidelines, but front and center.
Life Imitates Art
Kirby admitted that playing a pregnant superhero while being pregnant herself added a whole new layer to her performance. She said there were moments on set — like shooting scenes of Sue preparing for motherhood amid chaos — that made her reflect deeply on her own journey.
She found comfort in the parallels between Sue’s resilience and her own. The character, she said, reminded her that motherhood is not about perfection — it’s about showing up, fiercely and fully.
Final Thoughts
Vanessa Kirby’s portrayal of Sue Storm isn’t just another superhero role — it’s a celebration of women’s strength, complexity, and transformation. Her performance blurs the line between real and fictional motherhood, bringing honesty and emotional resonance to a genre that often overlooks both.
In Kirby’s words, “It was a great honor” to play a character who reflects so much of what real women experience — not just in becoming a mother, but in owning every facet of who they are.
