Kasra Farahani’s Mid-Century Future for The Fantastic Four
The Kasra Farahani Fantastic Four vision transforms an alternative 1960s New York into a world of sweeping curves, glass, and white concrete. Inspired by Oscar Niemeyer and Eero Saarinen, Farahani crafted a mid-century modern future that looks both fictional and believable.
Balancing Futurism with Realism
Farahani wanted a city where the jet-age optimism of the 1960s had fully come to life. To achieve this, he combined real architecture with retro-futuristic concepts from comics and advertisements.
His influences included Brasilia’s cathedral and presidential palace, Saarinen’s TWA Flight Center, and Dulles Airport. These designs share dynamic, accelerating curves that create a sense of movement and growth. By blending whimsical elements with elegant proportions, he avoided the kitsch often found in retro futurism.
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The Baxter Building as a Design Centerpiece
The Baxter Building, placed on the site of the UN Headquarters in Midtown Manhattan, became the film’s architectural focal point. Its sleek form and curved atrium were direct nods to Niemeyer’s and Saarinen’s work.
Farahani ensured that two-thirds of the cityscape retained pre-1950 architecture. This decision allowed the futuristic buildings to stand out more and gave the world historical depth. Without this contrast, the retro-futuristic style could have lost its impact.
Creating Immersive Physical Sets
The team built large-scale sets, including Mister Fantastic’s penthouse, Richards’ lab, and a scaled version of Times Square. Constructing these spaces helped actors interact naturally and improved how light and shadows played on camera.
The penthouse used classic mid-century features like conversation pits, a rotating TV, and an indoor barbecue. Natural materials such as flagstone and greenery softened the atmosphere, avoiding the cold feeling often associated with modern high-rises.
Farahani noted that real sets increase realism and specificity. They also give actors a physical world to explore, which improves performance and makes the setting feel alive.
A “Mid-Century Modern Future World”
Farahani calls the result “an optimistic mid-century modern future,” influenced by the 1964 New York World’s Fair and the architectural peak of the late 1950s. This approach merges historical accuracy with imaginative design, resulting in a superhero setting that feels both striking and lived-in.
By grounding fantastical elements in real architectural logic, Farahani ensured that audiences could believe in the world while enjoying its unique style.
