LOS ANGELES, July 23 (Reuters) - For actor Ebon

Moss-Bachrach, the superhero film "Fantastic Four: First Steps"

is different from other Marvel films because it is centered on a

close-knit family.

"Our movie is about a family that's been a family for many

years, and they undergo this transformation together, which

brings them even closer," said Moss-Bachrach, who plays the

character made of rocks named The Thing.

"The Bear" actor added that love is at the heart of the

movie, especially when it comes to being in a "precarious

situation" as "the custodians of the world."

Echoing this, Pedro Pascal, who plays the super stretchy

scientist Reed Richards, feels like the cast is like a family.

"We're in our family and kind of holding hands together,

waiting for the movie to be released into the world," he said.

Disney's ( DIS ) "Fantastic Four: First Steps" introduces Marvel's

first family as they face the cosmic threat of Galactus, an

intergalactic planet eater, in a futuristic 1960s-inspired

world.

Joining Moss-Bachrach and Pascal are cast members Vanessa

Kirby, who plays Reed's wife with invisibility powers named Sue

Storm, and Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, who has fire powers.

"Fantastic Four: First Steps," which scored a positive 87%

on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, arrives in theaters on

Thursday.

"True to its subtitle, the film feels like a fresh start,"

Peter Debruge of Variety wrote in a review.

Pascal feels the key to stepping into his popular roles in

projects like "Game of Thrones," "The Mandalorian" and "The Last

of Us" has been studying the content.

"I love paying attention to the legacy of characters and the

legacy of material that you're stepping into. I love being a

part of an adaptation or something that has previous authorship,

because it helps me," he said.

Daniel Loria, senior vice president at Boxoffice predicts

that "Fantastic Four: First Steps" will open domestically at

$115 to $135 million.

While sales are currently around $115 to $125 million, he

noted an increase in ticket purchases over the last week that

will likely draw closer to the $115 to $135 million range.

For director Matt Shakman, the film is a celebration of

firsts in several different ways.

"The DNA of the 'Fantastic Four' is the space race. So,

first steps is an obvious reference to Neil Armstrong, and one

small step for mankind," he said.

"But it's also baby first steps, you know. So, the idea of

what having a baby will do to a family and changing a family.

Also, about first steps for Marvel's first family in the MCU,

bringing them into the MCU for the first time," he added.