Fantastic Four Uses Rock Stand-In Jennifer for Thing in Film

Marvel Studios' highly anticipated 2025 film The Fantastic Four: First Steps employed a unique approach to bringing the character The Thing, played by Ebon Moss-Bachrach, to life. Director Matt Shakman revealed they used a real rock named "Jennifer" as a stand-in on set for The Thing to capture accurate lighting and environmental effects, complementing Moss-Bachrach's performance capture and a stand-in wearing a practical suit. Moss-Bachrach expressed pride in the final portrayal, emphasizing the collaborative effort behind animating the character and his personal connection to The Thing as a fellow New Yorker. This method marks a blend of practical and digital effects, differing from past portrayals that relied solely on makeup or CGI. The film, set in a 1960s-inspired retro-futuristic world, is scheduled for release on July 25, 2025, and is expected to lay the groundwork for future Marvel Cinematic Universe appearances of the Fantastic Four characters. The innovative use of "Jennifer" highlights Shakman's commitment to practical filmmaking techniques that enhance the photorealism of CGI characters.