A set used for the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe film The Fantastic Four: First Steps has been uncovered by a pair of “urban explorers.” It’s not as if the duo discovered some never-before-found cave, however, as it’s reportedly been used to previously film projects in franchises such as Lord of the Rings and Mission: Impossible.
The discovery of the set supports previous speculation that the classic Marvel villain Mole Man, the first villain the Fantastic Four ever faced, is set to have a role in the film, scheduled to release next summer.
Earlier this year, Marvel Studios announced the Fantastic Four, “Marvel’s First Family,” will consist of Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach.
“The two friends entered Middleton mine in the Derbyshire Dales after they spotted the ‘entrance was open’. Plunging almost 1,000ft underground, with close to five miles of tunnels, the explorers say they found a Marvel film set hidden in its depths,” reported the Daily Mail. “Inside the mine is a retro blue and white American bus, stage and a lift car. There is also an abandoned caravan and lighting plan.”
Alongside the report, photos and videos from the unearthed MCU film set have also been making the rounds on social media.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps recently wrapped production ahead of its July 25, 2025 release date. The film is of massive important to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Marvel’s First Family will undoubtedly be key players in the franchise going forward, especially with new Avengers movies looming in 2026 (Avengers: Doomsday) and 2027 (Avengers: Secret Wars).
The film does have the benefit of having Pedro Pascal as its star, who has undoubtedly been one of the hottest actors in Hollywood over the last decade. Since breaking through to the A-list on Game of Thrones, Pascal has starred in a litany of high-profile (and largely successful) projects such as Narcos, The Mandalorian, The Last of Us, Kingsman: The Golden Circle, The Equalizer 2, Triple Frontier, Wonder Woman 1984, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, The Wild Robot, and most recently, Gladiator II.
Alongside Pascal as Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic, The Fantastic Four: First Steps will star Oscar nominee Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm / Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm / Human Torch, Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm / The Thing, Ralph Ineson as Galactus, and Julia Garner as the Silver Surfer.
Here is the official synopsis for The Fantastic Four: First Steps, via Marvel Studios:
“Set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, The Fantastic Four: First Steps introduces Marvel’s First Family as they face their most daunting challenge yet. Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, they must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer. And if Galactus’ plan to devour the entire planet and everyone on it weren’t bad enough, it suddenly gets very personal.”
Addtional cast members reportedly include Paul Walter Hauser, John Malkovich, and Natasha Lyonne. There’s also been speculation Robert Downey Jr. will make his debut as Doctor Doom in a post-credit scene consider the character is the primary antagonist of the Fantastic Four.
