In The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Vanessa Kirby plays Sue Storm, a superhero with the ability to turn invisible and create force fields. Critics praise the character as a key figure, connecting the team members and often rescuing them from danger. Kirby portrays Sue's strength and resilience with minimal dialogue. Photo: Disney

Directed by Matt Shakman, the film kicks off Phase 6 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Set in 1960s New York City, the story revolves around four scientists: Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm. During a space expedition, they are exposed to cosmic radiation. Upon their return, they transform into iconic superheroes. The team confronts the planet-eating entity Galactus to save Earth from destruction.

In an Entertainment Weekly interview, Kirby revealed she studied various comic book versions of Sue Storm to prepare for the role. She focused on portraying the emotional complexities of Sue's transformation into Malice, her darker counterpart, to add depth to the character.

To simulate Sue Storm's pregnancy, the crew initially used a lightweight foam belly. Finding it unconvincing, Kirby requested additional weight. After experimenting, they settled on filling it with rice packets. While this caused Kirby back pain, she believed the added realism would resonate with the audience. Photo: Disney

The 37-year-old actress's mother is a former editor of Country Living magazine, and her father is a doctor. According to The Standard, Kirby and her siblings grew up immersed in film and theater. At 11, she discovered her passion for acting through an after-school drama club.

After attending the all-girls Lady Eleanor Holles School, she applied to the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) but was rejected. She spent a year traveling and working at an AIDS hospice in South Africa before studying English Literature at the University of Exeter. Photo: Instagram Vanessa Kirby

Kirby began her professional acting career in 2010, excelling in both theater and film with complex roles. Her portrayal of Rosalind in As You Like It (2010) earned her praise from the Guardian as an "outstanding talent". Independent critic Paul Taylor called her a "star unlike any other" after her performance in The Acid Test. Between 2010 and 2015, she won four theater awards.

She gained widespread recognition for her portrayal of Princess Margaret in the Netflix series The Crown (2016). In a Guardian interview, Kirby discussed the pressure of portraying a real-life figure. Rather than simply mimicking Margaret's rebellious and aloof demeanor, she sought to understand the underlying vulnerability. The role earned her a BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2018. Photo: Netflix

Her performance in The Crown led to her being cast by Tom Cruise as Alanna Mitsopolis in Mission: Impossible - Fallout and Dead Reckoning Part One. Kirby continued to gain attention with her role in Hobbs & Shaw, a Fast & Furious spin-off released in 2019. Before transitioning to action films, the actress wasn't particularly athletic. She admitted to often finishing last in school running races. Photo: Paramount Pictures

Vanessa Kirby in Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One. Video: Paramount Pictures

In recent years, she has maintained consistent performances in films like The World to Come (2020), Italian Studies (2021), and The Son (2022). In 2023, she portrayed Empress Josephine, Napoleon Bonaparte's first wife, in the historical epic Napoleon, and also appeared in Ron Howard's Eden last year.

Despite her action film success, Kirby aims to continue exploring emotionally demanding roles. According to The Hollywood Reporter, she hopes her portrayal of strong female characters inspires audiences and empowers young girls. Photo: Instagram Vanessa Kirby

Kirby is known for her glamorous fashion sense, often seen in figure-hugging outfits that accentuate her curves. According to Harper's Bazaar, she favors a blend of classic and contemporary styles, working with stylists Ryan Hastings and Andrew Mukamal to curate her image. "I don't consider myself a fashionista," she says, "but I know the power of wearing something you love and feeling confident in it."

For hair and makeup, Kirby prefers simplicity with a touch of flair. She admires the designs of Sarah Burton, Pierpaolo Piccioli, and Daniel Roseberry. She often wears suits and structured pieces from fashion houses like Valentino, Alexander McQueen, and Givenchy, reflecting a powerful aesthetic. Photo: Instagram Vanessa Kirby

Kirby has a child with her partner, former professional lacrosse player Paul Rabil. On the red carpet for The Fantastic Four: First Steps premiere, she showcased her pregnancy in form-fitting gowns.

On the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Kirby revealed she filmed Avengers: Doomsday while pregnant, with the production team providing extensive support. Photo: Disney

At the film's Mexico premiere on 6/3, she wore a shimmering Schiaparelli gown, garnering over 400,000 likes on Instagram. Photo: Disney

At the London premiere, Kirby captivated audiences in a beaded gown. She kept accessories minimal, pairing the dress with silver strappy heels and Cartier jewelry. Photo: Disney

Numerous fashion publications praised Kirby's striking Miu Miu ensemble at the Mission Impossible 7 premiere in 2023. Photo: Paramount Pictures

She has been dating Paul Rabil (right) since 2022. He is a former professional lacrosse player and co-founder of the Premier Lacrosse League in the US. The couple frequently share photos on social media, receiving enthusiastic support from fans.

Photo: The Image Direct

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