Considering that the MCU is an enormous amalgamation of timelines, where does Fantastic Four: The First Steps fit in it, exactly?

The following contains spoilers for The Fantastic Four: First Steps. The Fantastic Four: First Steps has finally clobbered into theaters. This time, though, don't go in expecting the MCU's usual multiversal shenanigans,

Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has revealed the strategic game plan behind setting The Fantastic Four: First Steps on an alternate Earth, providing the clearest road map yet for the conclusion of the Multiverse Saga.

Fantastic Four has a much different place in the Marvel timeline compared to other projects – here’s how it fits in.

Matt Shakman recently explained the decision to set The Fantastic Four: First Steps on Earth-828, within the MCU multiverse and outside the main timeline. In a new interview, the director revealed how placing Marvel’s First Family on another Earth avoids major continuity issues.

First Steps is now playing in theaters, but how does the movie tie into the wider Multiverse Saga, other MCU TV shows and movies, and next year's Avengers: Doomsday? Find out

The Marvel Cinematic Universe officially has its Fantastic Four. Or should we call it five? The new film, which is in theaters now, is largely centered around the fact that Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal) and Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby) have a child named Franklin.

So yes, Doctor Doom does appear in First Steps. In the mid-credits scene, we jump four years into the future and see Sue Storm and her son Franklin reading together in their home in the Baxter Building.

Earth-828 isn't just a number plucked out of thin air by director Matt Shakman. It is actually a perfect nod to August 28, which is the birthday of Jack Kirby, co-creator of The Fantastic Four (alongside Stan Lee) and outright creator of the Silver Surfer, among countless others.