A “FANTASTIC” ADDITION
TO THE MCU FAMILY
The cinematic journey of the Fantastic Four has been marked by a bumpy and uneven path, with several attempts to bring this superhero family to the big screen. The first official iteration began in the 90s with The Fantastic Four (1994), a film that was never officially released, and is considered non-cannon in the franchise theatrical releases. The first major attempt came in 2005 with Fantastic Four, directed by Tim Story and starring Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, and Michael Chiklis. While the film received generally negative reviews, it was a box office success, leading to a sequel, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007). Like its predecessor, the sequel garnered negative reviews but continued to perform well at the box office. Despite initial plans for further sequels and spin-offs, the rise of the MCU with 2008’s Iron Man shifted the landscape of superhero cinema. Undeterred, 20th Century Fox, who held the rights to Fantastic Four, attempted another reboot with Fant4stic in 2015. Directed by Josh Trank and starring Miles Teller, Kate Mara, Michael B. Jordan, and Jamie Bell, the film proved to be a disastrous failure, both at the box office and with critics, which led to the cancellation of any planned sequels. Now, nearly a decade later, Marvel Studios and director Matt Shakman present their take on this iconic family of superheroes with The Fantastic Four: First Steps. With the characters officially under the MCU umbrella, does this latest attempt finally do the quartet justice, or is it just another failed reboot?
THE STORY
Set on Earth 828, the event that took place four years ago radically changed the lives of Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), who gained superpowers after exposure to cosmic rays during a space mission. Since then, the group has become the Fantastic Four, offering their abilities as protectors of New York City. With public opinion fully behind them, they have emerged as symbols of hope and leadership to the world. During this time, Sue discovers she is pregnant, but Reed, her partner and a man deeply committed to his scientific pursuits, struggles to fully grasp the idea of becoming a father. Just as they prepare to celebrate this new chapter in their lives, their plans are disrupted by the arrival of the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner), a mysterious alien who warns of Earth’s impending destruction at the hands of the cosmic entity Galactus (Ralph Ineson), a being who consumes entire planets to satisfy his hunger. When the Fantastic Four venture into space to confront Galactus, they are faced with an impossible decision that forces them to balance emotions, science and logical. With the fate of Earth hanging in the balance, the heroes must come together to prevent global catastrophe, reinforcing the power of family and the importance of standing by each other.
THE GOOD / THE BAD
As I mentioned in my opening paragraph, the cinematic journey of the Fantastic Four has indeed been a long and uneven one, with previous attempts often met with lukewarm reception. Excluding the unreleased 1994 version, my first introduction to these characters actually came from the animated series. While I don’t remember much about it, I do recall the general traits of each of the four superheroes and their unique powers. Beyond that, the Fantastic Four comic book stories never really grabbed my attention during my childhood.
My first “movie taste” of the group came with the 2005 Fantastic Four, which brought the iconic superhero family to the big screen for the first time. I recently reviewed the film in a cinematic flashback (HERE), so I won’t dive into too many personal details about it. Suffice to say, this superhero film, though semi-campy and somewhat dated, still has heart, humor, and charm. Thanks to its sincere cast, solid chemistry, and nostalgic tone, it remains a fondly remembered chapter in early superhero cinema. Its 2007 sequel, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (you can read my thoughts on it HERE), however, is a different story. While it still boasts a likeable cast and has fun with its premise, fragmented narrative, weak story elements, and a questionable redesign of Galactus left me disappointed. For me, it’s a subpar sequel that falls short.
But the real disappointment came in 2015 with Fant4stic, which aimed to reboot the Fantastic Four characters for a second time. Unlike the mid-2000s duology, this version lacked the sense of fun and cohesiveness, opting instead to take itself far too seriously, ultimately undermining the superhero family dynamic. While you can read my official thoughts on the movie HERE, my general feeling remains one of disappointment. I did appreciate the younger cast, and some of the visual effects were an improvement over the previous adaptations, but everything else, the story, direction, writing, and character development, was forgettable. It was as bad as everyone said it was back then, and after rewatching it recently, I can confirm that it still is.
This brings me back to The Fantastic Four: First Steps, a 2025 superhero film, marking the third theatrical attempt at these iconic characters and the first under the MCU banner. As I mentioned earlier with Fant4stic, 20th Century Fox desperately tried to stay relevant in the cinematic superhero arena, but compared to the MCU powerhouse, their reboot felt inconsequential, outplayed, and ultimately outmatched. This left the Fantastic Four property in a sort of “limbo.” Even after Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox, the idea of a new Fantastic Four film was teased, but it never fully materialized.
That was, until a few years ago, when plans for a new Fantastic Four feature under the MCU umbrella were finally announced. Like many, I was excited and curious to see how these characters would be introduced into this already expansive cinematic universe. The casting announcements only fueled that excitement: Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby as Reed and Sue, and Julia Garner and Ralph Ineson as the Silver Surfer and Galactus, respectively. Of course, hearing about the latter two characters did raise some concerns, particularly given their handling in Rise of the Silver Surfer. But knowing Marvel and the MCU, I had faith they’d stay true to the comic book essence… to some degree.
I didn’t hear much more about the project until the trailers started appearing online and in theaters. The footage looked impressive, and what was shown in the previews seemed far superior to past adaptations. Then, new details emerged: the primary setting of the film would take place in a different Earth/universe, distinct from the established MCU one, potentially tying into the larger Multiverse Saga. This made the film feel somewhat disconnected from the MCU, which could be a good or bad thing, depending on how it’s executed and its place within the broader MCU context.
The MCU has certainly faced some ups and downs lately, but after the release of Thunderbolts, I felt optimistic about this project. So, when the movie was scheduled for release on July 25th, 2025, I was eager to see it. I saw the film on opening day but decided to take a couple of days to gather my thoughts before writing this review. Now, I’m ready to share my thoughts.
What did I think of the movie? Well, I really liked it. Despite a few plot holes and some glossed-over details in character development and story, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is a fun, refreshing breath of air for both the MCU and the superhero quartet. The film does justice to the characters, creating a well-deserved presentation worthy of their names and legacy. While there are some flaws in the shaping and execution, this movie is a huge leap forward compared to the 2005 and 2007 duology and is far superior to the 2015 reboot. It’s good comic book fun and entertainment… and that’s just fantastic (no pun intended).
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is directed by Matt Shakman, whose previous directorial works include episodic projects for TV shows such as House M.D., Psych, and Game of Thrones, as well as Marvel’s WandaVision. Given his background in television, Shakman might seem like an unusual choice to helm a high-profile project for such a major franchise. On the other hand, since he worked on Marvel’s first limited TV series, WandaVision, Shakman is familiar with the rules and laws of the MCU, which makes him a suitable choice in that regard. So, it could have gone either way. The big question was: Could Shakman pull off a feature-length film with superhero characters that had been done and redone multiple times before? The answer? Yes, he could, and yes, he did.
Shakman succeeds in bringing a fresh version of Fantastic Four to the big screen by staying true to the MCU formula while incorporating the classic comic book essence. The result is a film that surprisingly works and delivers a solid presentation.
Perhaps the greatest achievement Shakman makes with First Steps is giving it a sense of separation from the rest of the MCU. While still under the MCU banner, the movie takes place in a different reality—Earth 828, as opposed to the MCU’s established Earth 616 (or Earth 199999). This distance allows Shakman the freedom to create his own world and set his own rules within First Steps. Yes, there’s a formulaic structure, as expected from any Marvel film, but the movie isn’t shackled by the need to tie into previous MCU storylines. There are no Avengers, no Infinity Stones, no Thanos—nothing that distracts from the central narrative. As far as First Steps is concerned, the Fantastic Four are the only superheroes on this Earth, and they are treated accordingly. This focus is a breath of fresh air, allowing the film to center on the quartet without getting bogged down by other characters or in-universe events. The result is a film that feels accessible, both to hardcore fans and casual moviegoers—a very good thing indeed.
Shakman captures the film in its own distinct voice and tone, which makes First Steps that much more enjoyable. Much like James Gunn did with Superman, Shakman uses directorial finesse to differentiate this film from past adaptations. One important choice is how he jumps straight into the action, skipping the typical origin story and starting four years after the initial events. This avoids rehashing familiar character setups and instead offers glimpses of the origin through a quick montage at the beginning. Once that’s out of the way, Shakman dives into the plot without wasting time on unnecessary details, which allows the movie to progress without the first-act sluggishness that often accompanies superhero origin stories. While this approach may sacrifice some character depth, the fact remains that most audiences are already familiar with the origins of these characters, Fantastic Four is no exception in this regard.
Comparing First Steps to Gunn’s Superman, Shakman strikes a unique balance. Where Tim Story’s Fantastic Four films were campy and occasionally cheesy yet still fun, and Josh Trank’s Fant4stic was too dark and serious, Shakman finds a middle ground and uncovers some “cinematic gold.” He imbues First Steps with a classic comic book feel that is rare in both Marvel and DC projects, offering an adaptation that feels fresh and inviting. The film feels like a comic book come to life, with heightened characters and story elements that seem ripped right out of the pages. While there’s still a world-ending threat and daring feats, the film avoids overly serious tones, instead embracing the playful, superhero antics that come from its comic roots. This gives the film an identity of its own and makes it a joy to watch from start to finish.
The movie’s tone is light for the most part. Yes, there are serious moments, particularly when it comes to the Silver Surfer and Galactus, and a few dramatic sequences that land with weight. However, Shakman knows the kind of film he wants to make, offering comedic timing and levity throughout. It isn’t as overloaded with humor as some MCU installments have been, but it’s enough to keep the film enjoyable without detracting from the stakes. The action sequences in First Steps are also very good. It’s not wall-to-wall superhero action like some might expect from an MCU entry, but the restraint Shakman shows is a strength. What we do see is solid, with stunning visuals that showcase the more “fantastic” elements of the team’s powers. The chase sequence in the middle of the film is particularly exciting and was a blast to watch from beginning to end. The final battle, against Galactus, is also an action-packed highlight that gives the team plenty of room to showcase their abilities in a thrilling climax.
Finally, Shakman does a great job in incorporating the theme of “family” into the narrative. While this theme can feel a bit “on the nose” at times, it’s a crucial part of the Fantastic Four lore, and First Steps handles it with heart and sincerity. The film beautifully emphasizes the importance of family, which plays a central role in the story. Overall, Shakman does a tremendous job in bringing this latest Fantastic Four incarnation to the big screen, delivering a well-executed superhero film that honors the characters and gives them the cinematic treatment they deserve.
First Steps is visually stunning, both from a creative and artistic standpoint. The backdrop setting and aesthetic tones leave a lasting impression throughout the film. Since the movie takes place in an alternate reality (once again, separate from the MCU), it allows for more creative freedom in its visual design. Shakman and his team take full advantage of this, delivering a world with a retro-futuristic feel that looks absolutely breathtaking. Picture the 1960s in terms of hairstyles, makeup, wardrobe, art style, and decor, then blend that with a futuristic vision of what that era might have looked like in the distant future. That’s the essence of First Steps‘ setting. To make it clearer, imagine the look and design of The Jetsons. That’s the vibe you get here. It’s unique and unlike anything seen in previous MCU films, giving First Steps a distinct sense of originality. This retro-futuristic aesthetic is a perfect fit for the film, contributing to its old-school comic book adventure feel that comes to life on the big screen.
The film’s “behind the scenes” team, including Kasara Farahani (production design), Jille Azis and Amber Rose Thompson (set decoration), Alexandra Byrne (costume design), along with the entire hair, makeup, and art direction departments, deserve high praise for creating a world that feels completely fresh and unique. Their efforts to craft First Steps’ distinct retro-futuristic appeal are truly outstanding.
Additionally, Jess Hall’s cinematography plays a crucial role in bringing this world to life, executing the story with great reverence and cinematic flair. Various shots and camera angles elevate the film’s energy, especially during the action sequences, underscoring the blockbuster superhero atmosphere. Hall’s work truly enhances the visual experience.
The sound design (both editing and mixing) is impeccable, offering a fully immersive auditory experience. Dialogue is crisp and clear, while the sound of every rumble or explosion is felt throughout. And, of course, I can’t overlook the incredible score by Michael Giacchino. His main theme for the feature is heroic and rousing, perfectly capturing the essence of a comic book movie. Giacchino’s score is consistently solid throughout First Steps, with each piece of music hitting the right emotional beats. It’s one of the most memorable soundtracks from a Marvel film in recent years.
Unfortunately, despite the many positives First Steps offers, I do have a few criticisms that hold the film back from being truly great. For starters, it’s clear that a lot of material was cut from the feature. While First Steps has a solid runtime of 115 minutes (just shy of two hours), which is a good thing as it doesn’t feel bloated, it’s also evident that the film was edited down from a much longer first draft. Some secondary characters and subplots are introduced but aren’t fully developed, and many of these ideas are dropped without proper resolution or conclusion. As a result, the film’s narrative feels a bit hurried in places. Yes, it’s still cohesive and focused on what Shakman and his team want to convey, but there’s little time for characters to reflect or for the film to breathe in certain moments. I think the movie could have benefited from an additional ten to fifteen minutes, allowing more space for character development and deeper exploration of certain plot points that are glossed over. It’s not a deal-breaker, but these cuts are noticeable in certain areas, and not always for the best.
In line with this, I’d also say that some of the pacing feels a bit slow. While I believe Shakman was the right director for the job and I loved what he did with the characters, there are moments where the film feels sluggish. Some sections lack the zippiness of others, and this may be a result of trimming down characters and story elements. The pacing issues, it seems, are a byproduct of these decisions.
Next, I feel the writing for First Steps could have used a bit more polish to give the story and characters more substance and weight. The script, written by Josh Friedman, Eric Pearson, Jeff Kaplan, Ian Springer, and Kat Wood, introduces several ideas that help bring the alternate reality of Earth 828 to life, and for the most part, it’s easy to follow. However, due to the editing process, some of these ideas are presented but don’t fully come to fruition as intended. This makes the script feel slightly uneven at times, lacking the sharpness and cleverness it could have had. It’s not a major deal-breaker for me, especially considering it’s far better than many recent comic book superhero films, but a stronger script could have elevated the movie into a new cinematic realm for storytelling.
Thankfully, the cast in First Steps is solid across the board. All of the assembled talent, whether in major or minor roles, are engaging and fun, bringing the heroes, villains, and side characters to life on the big screen. Some characterizations feel a bit rough around the edges and show signs of being trimmed down during editing, but for the most part, each actor and actress is a great new addition to the MCU lineup.
Leading the charge are the characters of Reed Richards, a highly intelligent scientist who can stretch any part of his body to great lengths, and Sue Storm, Reed’s pregnant wife, Johnny’s older sister, and someone who can generate force fields and turn invisible, and who are are played by actor Pedro Pascal and actress Vanessa Kirby, respectively.
Known for his roles in Game of Thrones, The Last of Us, and The Mandalorian, Pascal has become a household name over the past decade, amassing numerous leading roles on both the big and small screens while gaining a dedicated fan following. With his rising popularity, it seemed almost inevitable that Pascal would eventually join the ranks of Marvel superheroes. And for his part, he does a fantastic job as Reed. He doesn’t try to overshadow the other characters but plays the role with a steady, grounded performance, showcasing Reed’s brainy intellect and awkwardness, especially in his interactions with Sue and the rest of the Fantastic Four. Pascal brings an earnest quality to Reed that makes him endearing and truly enjoyable to watch. As for his personal story, Reed juggles the roles of scientific leader, husband, and soon-to-be father, all of which are intertwined with the main plot. Pascal’s involvement on-screen is a key highlight, and I think he was the perfect choice to portray Reed Richards.
Behind him, Vanessa Kirby, known for her roles in The Crown, Napoleon, and Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning, has steadily become a more prominent player in popular films. I’ve always admired her, not just for her looks, but for her impressive acting range. In First Steps, she delivers the best iteration of Sue Storm in any film adaptation. Kirby brings a charm to her character that fits seamlessly into both the movie and the role. She has a natural motherly warmth and playfulness, which is exactly what Shakman and his team likely envisioned, and it’s clear every time she’s on-screen. Plus, I have to admit, the chemistry between Kirby and Pascal is fantastic, adding to the likable traits and personalities of both Reed and Sue. It’s a real strength of the film. Like Reed, Sue is integral to the main plot, balancing her role as wife and soon-to-be mother while delivering some of the film’s more dramatic dialogue, especially when it comes to family matters. Kirby is fantastic in this part and, in my opinion, delivers the best portrayal of Sue Storm in the cinematic realm.
Looking beyond Reed and Sue, we have Johnny Storm/The Human Torch, Sue’s younger brother, who can control fire and fly. Played by actor Joseph Quinn (A Quiet Place: Day One and Gladiator II), Quinn brings a fresh take to the character. There’s no denying that Chris Evans’ portrayal of Johnny Storm was fun and likeable in Tim Story’s Fantastic Four duology, so expectations were high for Quinn to deliver something similar. Thankfully, he doesn’t just try to replicate Evans’ performance. Quinn plays Johnny with a different flair, less of a hothead and a bit more of an attention-seeker, with dialogue and mannerisms that suit the character’s playful side. He captures this new take on Johnny quite well.
Johnny’s subplot, which involves investigating the Silver Surfer, isn’t the strongest part of the film, but it gives him enough to do, filling in some gaps in certain scenes. Could it have been more developed? Yes, absolutely. But for what it is, it’s sufficient and still works within the story. In the end, Quinn does a solid job portraying Johnny Storm. While some might still argue that Chris Evans remains the best iteration of the character, Quinn brings a fun, talkative, and humorous charm to the role, making him an enjoyable addition to the quartet.
The final Fantastic Four character is Ben Grimm / The Thing, Reed’s best friend and former astronaut, whose skin has been transformed into a layer of orange rock, granting him superhuman strength and durability. Played by actor Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Bear and The Punisher), the film does a great job in making Ben feel like a normal person despite his rocky exterior. He possesses a heart of gold, and Moss-Bachrach beautifully captures this essence while adding a touch of humor that makes The Thing incredibly enjoyable. It’s also a treat to see him unleash his super strength during the film’s action sequences.
Though all the Fantastic Four characters share the spotlight, Ben gets the least to do in terms of personal development. Don’t get me wrong, he’s very much present throughout the film, but his personal story arc, mostly hinting at a love interest with a schoolteacher, doesn’t get as much attention as the others. I still think the best portrayal of Ben Grimm’s character arc is in 2005’s Fantastic Four, where Michael Chiklis gave a solid performance. That said, Moss-Bachrach offers an endearing and likeable take on Ben Grimm/The Thing, making him stand out more than he might have otherwise in First Steps, which is definitely a positive.
Looking beyond the quartet of heroes, First Steps also shines a light on the antagonistic characters the Fantastic Four face, with the most notable being the Silver Surfer, a metallic-skinned alien who serves as a herald for Galactus. He travels on a surfboard-like craft, searching for planets for the enormous being to consume. Played by actress Julia Garner (Ozark and Inventing Anna), Garner excels in the role, bringing a cold, steely demeanor that perfectly captures the Silver Surfer’s emotional distance throughout most of the film, while also allowing glimpses of vulnerability in a few key scenes. I have to admit, she looks really cool in the movie, and the visual effects rendering of her character were spot on.
There’s been a lot of online discussion about the decision to gender-swap the Silver Surfer, but honestly, it didn’t bother me at all. Personally, it doesn’t change anything about the narrative’s direction. Having a female Silver Surfer worked perfectly for the film. No harm, no foul. If I had one critique, it would be that a few additional scenes featuring her in the third act could have provided a more complete closure for the character. Nevertheless, Garner delivered a strong performance and left a lasting impression as the Silver Surfer in First Steps.
Of course, the “big bad” comes in the form of Galactus, the gigantic cosmic entity who feeds on planets to sustain his own life, who is played by actor Ralph Ineson (The Green Knight and Nosferatu). Ineson’s deep, gravelly voice is the perfect choice to bring this God-like being to life. It’s a fantastic casting decision. Shakman and his team do a great job building up Galactus’ presence throughout the film. The constant looming threat and the “ticking clock” atmosphere really contribute to the character’s sheer magnitude. Sure, some might nitpick about his limited screen time or his overall size (he’s much bigger in the comics), but I think First Steps does a far better job with Galactus than the cosmic cloud storm depiction from Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. He may not be the most memorable villain in a MCU installment, but this Galactus surely leaves his mark on the movie….and that’s a good thing.
The rest of the cast, including voice actor Matthew Wood (What If…? and Star Wars: The Clone Wars) as the voice for H.E.R.B.I.E. (Humanoid Experimental Robot B-Type Integrated Electronics), who generally serves as Reed’s assistant, actress Sarah Niles (Ted Lasso and F1) as the CEO of the Future Foundation Lynne Nichols, actor Mark Gatiss (Sherlock and Game of Thrones) as Ted Gilbert, the host of popular talk show The Ted Gilbert Show, actress Natasha Lyonne (American Pie and Orange is the New Black) as Rachel Rozman, a school teacher and Grimm’s love interest, and actor Paul Walter Hauser (Cruella and Richard Jewell) as Harvey Elder / Mole Man, a former enemy of the Fantastic Four and ruler of Subterranea, an underground society below the surface, are delegated to minor supporting characters in the film. Some of these characters could’ve been easily expanded upon in the film and do feel like they were “reduced” in the final edit of the feature (again, hurrying the narrative along more than intended), but, as a whole, I think that all of the acting talents involved were solid in their respective parts.
Lastly, there are two secret ending scenes during the end credits portion of First Steps. Naturally, one of them is more of a fun Easter egg scene that doesn’t carry much value (more of a fun little scene), while the other is a far more important one. Won’t spoil for my readers, but it surely gets me excited for what is to come in the near future for the MCU.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Faced with the impending doom of Earth’s destruction at the hands of Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds, Reed, Sue, Johnny, and Ben race against time to find a way to save everyone in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Director Matt Shakman’s latest film takes the iconic Marvel superheroes and attempts a third (or fourth, including the unreleased version) shot at bringing the Fantastic Four to the big screen. And this time, it appears to be a success, a project that Marvel has finally got it right. While some rushed narrative choices lead to certain character developments and story details being omitted, and a few pacing issues persist, the film soars above its predecessors. Thanks to Shakman’s direction, a self-contained plot, stunning retro-futuristic aesthetics, a great score, a likeable cast, and characters that honor their comic book roots, First Steps delivers on its promise. Personally, I really enjoyed the movie. Given the anticipation and hype surrounding its release, I was skeptical, especially with the memory of 2015’s Fant4stic lingering in the back of my mind. But I was pleasantly surprised by how much the film got right. It was a blast—full of heart, character, and, above all, pure superhero entertainment. The cast was great, the characters were engaging, and the visuals were spectacular. It was definitely the Fantastic Four movie that fans had been hoping for. Marvel got it right, and I’m thrilled that they did. Could it have been better? Sure, but those are mostly minor tweaks. Still, I’m very pleased with what the film turned out to be, proving that Marvel Studios still knows how to craft an excellent superhero film. As such, my recommendation for this movie is a solid “highly recommended.” Fans of the comics and the MCU will thoroughly enjoy it, and even casual moviegoers will find it entertaining—an achievement in itself. With the film’s ending leaving the door wide open for future installments in the Earth 828 universe and potential Avengers team-ups, I, for one, can’t wait to see what comes next. For now, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is a fun and fantastic superhero blockbuster that leaves up to its promise that may just be the beginning of a new chapter, one that will echo across the MCU for years to come. As the film’s tagline states….Welcome to the Family!
Also, as a personal side note, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is my 800th movie review since I’ve started blogging. This is truly a huge and celebratory milestone for me! I wanted to give a special thank you to all my readers, followers, and fellow bloggers for reading my movie reviews and giving me this platform to share (with you guys) my views on cinematic tales.
4.4 Out of 5 (Highly Recommended)
The Official Website for The Fantastic Four: First Steps link: HERE
Released On: July 25th, 2025
Reviewed On: August 3rd, 2025
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is 114 minutes long and is rated PG-13 for action / violence and some language
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