Vanessa Kirby is cast in the role of Sue Storm / Invisible Woman in the upcoming film, The Fantastic Four, in the MCU. Kirby’s casting was confirmed alongside that of Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as members of one of the first Marvel superhero teams. In Marvel Comics, Fantastic Four was the brainchild of artist Jack Kirby and editor Stan Lee. The same last name for Jack Kirby and Vanessa Kirby has created confusion about their relationship among fans.
While fans search the internet for any blood relation between the artist and the actress, some have already started spreading fake rumors and allegations. Interestingly, the two are not related at all, and Jack Kirby was not even the legend’s birthname.
Is Vanessa Kirby Related To Late Marvel Comics Legend Jack Kirby?
Ever since Marvel Studios confirmed the news of Vanessa Kirby‘s casting in the upcoming film, The Fantastic Four, netizens have been wondering about her last name. Interestingly, she shares the same last name as comic artist Jack Kirby, who was instrumental in creating her character Sue Storm. Several fans on X raised the question, with some even alleging that her casting was an outcome of nepotism since she was related to the Marvel legend.
It turns out that Vanessa Kirby is not related to Jack Kirby in any manner. One comment on X assumed a blood relation between the two as the fan mentioned that the Hobbs & Shaw actress’s casting in the role was fitting considering the character was created by Jack Kirby. Other fans were quick to correct the fan, sharing that they were not related.
A few comments mentioned that Jack Kirby was just a pen name and that the comic legend’s real name was Jacob Kurtzberg. Another fan called out the baseless ‘nepotism / nepo-baby’ comments, sharing that people were so quick “to put stock in nonsense.” Some fans on social media were just confused and needed clarification amidst the sea of misinformation. Fan comments read:
The fact the character was created by Jack Kirby 👌🏼 https://t.co/cSoGDMU6yk
— BossLogic (@Bosslogic) February 14, 2024
Not related; not even his real name
— Andrew Walls (@AWalls28) February 14, 2024
How are they related? I tried looking it up but can’t put much together.
— ZutaraK (@ZutaraAvatar) February 14, 2024
But they aren’t related? This is not nepotism. I don’t understand what the huge revelation is here? People are so fast to put stock in nonsense
— stukes (@MasonStukey) February 15, 2024
Jack Kirby's real name is Jacob Kurtzberg… What's your point?
— Jake (@Jakeells66) February 15, 2024
Jack Kirby had drawn various comics under several pen names, including Jack Curtiss before he ultimately settled for his well-known pen name. In 1940, Kirby co-created the iconic character Captain America for Timely Comics, the predecessor of Marvel Comics. In the 1960s, he co-created some of the major characters for the company, including Ant-Man, the Avengers, Black Panther, the Fantastic Four, Hulk, Iron Man, Thor, and X-Men.
Who Are Vanessa Kirby’s Parents?
Vanessa Kirby is an English actress born and brought up in Wimbledon, London. Vanessa Kirby’s parents are Jane and Roger Kirby. Her mom, Jane, is a former Country Living magazine writer. Her dad, Roger, is a retired surgeon and President of the Royal Society of Medicine (via BBC America). Both her parents are highly accomplished in their respective fields. Kirby’s two siblings, Joe and Juliet, are working as a school teacher and a theatrical agent respectively (The Standard).
Kirby was nominated for an Academy Award for her role in Pieces of a Woman. She rose to prominence with her role as Princess Margaret in Netflix’s The Crown. She has also appeared in the Mission: Impossible films. Kirby had earlier expressed interest in playing Sue Storm after several fans named her as one of their favorites for the role. At the world premiere of her movie Napoleon, Kirby shared with Variety that she “would be very honored to join” the MCU.
The Fantastic Four, directed by Matt Shakman, will be released in theaters on July 25, 2025.
