We're not on Earth-616 anymore, Toto. Fantastic Four: First Steps takes us into an alternate reality away from the MCU's Sacred Timeline as Reed Richards, Sue Storm, The Thing, and The Human Torch do battle against the world-eating Galactus. In case you were wondering: yes, Earth-828 does have a special meaning, but perhaps not the one you were expecting.
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.
