About the film (courtesy of Marvel Studios):
Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps introduces Marvel’s First Family—Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) and Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) as they face their most daunting challenge yet. Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, they must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). And if Galactus’ plan to devour the entire planet and everyone on it weren’t bad enough, it suddenly gets very personal.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe embarks on its latest chapter with The Fantastic Four: First Steps, a film that carries the weight of considerable anticipation. Following Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox’s Marvel properties, this reboot was poised to redefine a franchise that has seen its share of cinematic missteps under previous ownership. While it manages to avoid many of the production woes that have plagued other large-scale blockbusters, the film ultimately delivers a decent, albeit not groundbreaking, experience that aims to set the stage for Phase 6 of The Multiverse Saga.
From an entertainment perspective, The Fantastic Four: First Steps certainly offers moments of enjoyment, positioning itself favorably against some of the more recent MCU entries. While it doesn’t quite reach the heights of films like Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), Deadpool & Wolverine (2024), or Thunderbolts* (2025)—which remain high benchmarks for the current saga—it provides a coherent and generally engaging narrative. The plot, while serviceable, doesn’t quite establish the foundational content one might hope for in a film titled “First Steps.” It feels more like a stepping stone than a crucial building block, leaving some room for growth in future installments.
The ensemble cast, while perhaps not as star-studded as some might have anticipated, delivers solid performances that contribute positively to the film’s overall balance. Pedro Pascal, as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, fittingly anchors the team with a portrayal that captures the essence of the brilliant but sometimes detached leader. Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach round out the titular quartet, each bringing their respective characters to life with commendable effort. Their chemistry is a key factor in making The Fantastic Four: First Steps an enjoyable watch, even when the narrative occasionally falters.
One of the most intriguing aspects of The Fantastic Four: First Steps lies in its portrayal of the cosmic entities. Julia Garner and Ralph Ineson lend their talents to Silver Surfer and Galactus, respectively, with their performances largely conveyed through impressive CGI. Galactus, in particular, stands out, evoking an “old school Thanos vibe” that brings a formidable and compelling presence to the screen. The visual design and execution of his character are especially well done, making him a memorable antagonist. This attention to detail in the villain’s depiction is a definite highlight, providing a sense of gravitas to the cosmic threat.
Despite its many commendable elements, The Fantastic Four: First Steps doesn’t quite evoke the profound “warm and fuzzies” often associated with a truly exceptional Marvel film. It does more right than wrong, but it lacks that certain spark that elevates a good movie to a great one. For those who enjoy staying through the credits, there are two additional scenes: one appearing closer to the beginning and another at the very end. Neither is revolutionary in terms of plot advancement or shocking reveals, but they offer a little extra incentive to remain seated until the very last frame.
Ultimately, The Fantastic Four: First Steps serves as a decent, if not spectacular, reintroduction to Marvel’s First Family. It’s a film that marks a promising start for a new phase of the MCU, demonstrating a clear effort to learn from past iterations. While it may not instantly become a fan favorite, it lays a foundation that could lead to greater things. You can see this one in theaters starting Friday, July 25th.
