Product Info

Studio

20th Century Studios

Director

Matt Shakman

Genre

Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

Rated

PG-13

Theatrical Release Date (NA)

Jul 25, 2025

Film Length

1hr 55min

Purchase From

The Fantastic Four: First Steps takes its first step into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), introducing a new cast of the four superheroes since their last blockbuster reboot in 2015.

A Retro-Futuristic World

© 2025 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2025 MARVEL

First Steps is set in an alternate universe, Earth-828, where the Fantastic Four reside. The world’s timeline resembles a futuristic 1960s style, with vehicles, appliances, and other materials designed in that era’s fashion, complete with various vibrant colors. The costume and hair designs also reflect this period. The hero costumes of the Fantastic Four, their headquarters, and even their space shuttle all adhere to this theme, unlike the designs typically seen in other MCU films. This unique style and vibe give the team a distinctive look that complements their dynamic..

No Time to Waste

© 2025 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2025 MARVEL

Whether you are familiar with the Fantastic Four or not, First Steps still tells the backstory of the four superheroes: Reed Richards, played by Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us, The Mandalorian); Sue Storm, played by Vanessa Kirby (Mission: Impossible – Fallout, The Crown); Johnny Storm, played by Joseph Quinn (Gladiator II, Stranger Things); and Ben Grimm, played by Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Punisher, Girls). All four showcase positive influences on each other with their unique talents outside of their superpowers.

For example, Reed is a gifted scientist but also very paranoid, while Sue, his wife, is calm and steps in to help where he lacks to keep him grounded. Johnny has a playful attitude with a bit of snark, but it’s toned down compared to previous Fantastic Four films. Ben is mellow and like Sue, acts as the glue that holds the team together, though at times he may seem to lack a personality in intense moments. Overall, all four actors work well together, portraying a cohesive team rather than individual standouts like Spider-Man, Iron Man, or Wolverine..

Their superpowers have limitations but are still useful. Johnny’s ability to transform into the Human Torch is limited in space due to oxygen levels. Reed’s stretching ability is seldom used as he prioritizes his scientific knowledge over his superpower, and he has a limit on how far he can stretch. Ben’s rock-like body provides him with immense strength and durability, similar to a calmer version of the Hulk, but he cannot revert to his human form like the others. Sue’s powers, which include invisibility and force fields, are more versatile than her brother’s but they can leave her vulnerable and cause harm if overused.

The film quickly recaps their origins and powers during a “special broadcast” celebrating four years since the arrival of the Fantastic Four. The team has become popular for their crime-fighting efforts, leading to merchandise and their own cartoon show reminiscent of the original 1967 series. Original villains like the Mole Men also make appearances.

A Galactic Scare

© 2025 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2025 MARVEL

The film takes more time to set the stage for Reed and Sue to announce their pregnancy after trying for two years while enemies emerge to eliminate Earth from existence.

The movie primarily focuses on New York City and space travel during the confrontation between Shalla-Bal, also known as Silver Surfer, portrayed by Julia Garner (Sin City: A Dame to Kill For, Ozark), and the all-powerful, planet-eating antagonist, Galactus, played by Ralph Ineson (Final Fantasy XVI, Nosferatu). About twenty minutes in, the audience is introduced to the Silver Surfer, who announces the end of Earth. The Fantastic Four take action first by traveling far into space to meet Galactus and hopefully to come to an agreement to spare their planet alone.

However, they encounter the giant figure inside a large mechanical spaceship that he uses to travel between worlds before consuming them. Galactus explains his curse of needing to consume and spare the Earth if the superheroes give him Reed and Sue’s unborn child. Sue’s reaction as a mother is strong, and the team supports her decision. Watching the team flee back home and confront both Silver Surfer and Galactus was entertaining. The constant twists of events from Silver Surfer’s pursuit to Sue going into labor made it a suspenseful event. However, things take a turn for the worse as time is running out, and the Fantastic Four now face an angry civilization that is in disbelief at the superheroes’ choice not to give Galactus the child in exchange for the planet’s safety.

It’s a race against time to try and save everyone without making sacrifices. It’s important to note that the situation is solely in the hands of the Fantastic Four, as there is no Iron Man, Captain Marvel, or Thor in this universe, making their actions more impactful in getting out of this mess, reminiscent of watching a classic Marvel film from its early stages when many characters were introduced.

The film smoothly transitions through a variety of scenes, from Ben’s daily life to the impending conflict with Galactus, all within two hours. It doesn’t overstay its welcome in the majority of the scenes, smoothly carrying over to the next without noticeable pacing issues that would arise from adding more time.

A Galactic Visual

© 2025 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2025 MARVEL

First Steps, like many Marvel films, utilize computer-generated imagery (CGI) throughout. From cosmic backgrounds to Ben’s rocky visual expression. However, some of the CGI still needs some work to blend seamlessly with the live-action footage. For example, Ben carrying the baby looks unrealistic when he moves his hands. Galactus looks more like his comic-book self compared to previous films where he was portrayed as a ghastly figure in space in the 2007 film, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. Galactus’ size may appear smaller when scaled next to the Statue of Liberty, but based on the comics, the entity can be whatever he wants and should not be judged solely on his size. Additionally, Galactus is not portrayed as a low IQ monster and shows some intelligence, although this may not be immediately noticeable due to the Silver Surfer handling his tasks.

The soundtrack features orchestrated scores and the destruction noise effects do not overshadow the scene or dialogue. The heavy and climactic score during the space chase adds to the high-stakes feel of the scene. The film’s main chorus theme track gives a retro-futuristic vibe to Earth-828. Overall, it provides a pleasing sound experience.

The Final Four

The Fantastic Four: First Steps takes a positive step into the MCU with its retro-futuristic world and confrontation with one of Marvel’s fearsome foes, Galactus. It will be intriguing to see how the retro cast will interact with the modern characters in the near future.

An early screening provided for the film. The Fantastic Four: First Steps arrives in theaters on July 25th. Fans can visit the official website for tickets and more information.