*This article contains spoilers
Arriving as the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) faces waning audience engagement, "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" is seen as a revival for the superhero team after Disney's acquisition of 20th Century Fox brought the characters under the Marvel Studios umbrella. The project is helmed by director Matt Shakman, known for his work on the series WandaVision.
The storyline revolves around four astronauts accidentally exposed to cosmic radiation during a space exploration mission: Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal) gains the ability to stretch his body, his wife Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby) can turn invisible and create force fields, Sue's brother Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn) controls fire, and Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) transforms into a giant rock creature. Alongside their everyday lives, they bear the responsibility of protecting the world from villains.
Bypassing the team's origin story, the film places the audience in the early 1960s, with the characters already established and proficient in their powers. The narrative takes a turn when Sue discovers she is pregnant. The couple's joy turns to concern: will their baby develop normally or be affected by the cosmic energy?
More than a simple good versus evil narrative, the film explores family dynamics, trust, and sacrifice. Conflict erupts when Shalla-Bal (Julia Garner), an envoy from space, arrives on Earth to warn of the impending arrival of Galactus (Ralph Ineson), a colossal entity capable of devouring planets. He demands their unborn son, Franklin, in exchange for sparing humanity. Faced with this cruel proposition, the Richards refuse, despite facing public condemnation for prioritizing their family over the lives of billions.
The Richards' journey into parenthood unfolds alongside the looming threat to humanity, offering a more grounded approach compared to typical superhero narratives. Their agonizing choice between their son and the survival of humankind adds depth to the storyline.
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The cast of "The Fantastic Four: First Steps". Photo: Marvel Studios |
The cast of "The Fantastic Four: First Steps". Photo: Marvel Studios
According to IGN, the characters are well-developed, and the group scenes skillfully transition between humor and tension, capturing the essence of family bonds. Ben Grimm and Johnny Storm share several entertaining moments. Ben, the humorous one, harbors a secret crush on a teacher. He often acts as support and becomes Franklin's godfather. Johnny's character arc develops through his relationship with Shalla-Bal.
Pedro Pascal portrays Reed Richards as a calm, rational individual. While his performance leans towards composure and control, he effectively conveys the image of a steadfast scientist grappling with the unknown. This character has significant potential for growth in future installments, positioned as a strong contender for the next Avengers leader. However, in some climactic scenes, Pascal's restrained performance occasionally falls short of conveying the full emotional impact.
Vanessa Kirby's portrayal of Sue Storm is a highlight. Her character serves as the team's anchor, often rescuing them from perilous situations. Sue exudes strength and composure, both when confronting adversaries and during childbirth. She's also the only one able to communicate with Mole Man (Paul Walter Hauser), who dwells underground. The relationship between Sue and Reed, particularly as they prepare for parenthood, forms the emotional core of the story.
Prior to this 2025 iteration, numerous Fantastic Four projects met with negative reception. Roger Corman's low-budget version remained unreleased, the two films starring Jessica Alba and Chris Evans failed due to their convoluted storytelling, and the 2015 project was criticized for being dull and heavy-handed. This time, Marvel opts for a lighter approach, emphasizing family bonds.
The film weaves in everyday moments like family meals, a kitchen featuring the robot helper Herbie, and Reed's lab, creating a sense of warmth amidst the intense backdrop. Director Shakman incorporates elements reminiscent of The Incredibles: a superpowered son and the team's coordinated fighting style.
From the outset, the film establishes a blend of classic and futuristic aesthetics through the depiction of the Baxter Building, the team's headquarters, situated in Manhattan (New York, USA). CGI effects bring the Thing to life more vividly than previous live-action versions.
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The villain Galactus in "The Fantastic Four: First Steps". Photo: Marvel Studios |
The villain Galactus in "The Fantastic Four: First Steps". Photo: Marvel Studios
While kicking off Phase 6 of the MCU, the film's narrative doesn't require prior knowledge of the franchise. According to ScreenRant, similar to DC's Superman reboot, Marvel demonstrates that the superhero genre can still resonate with audiences if filmmakers prioritize emotionally resonant storytelling and stay true to the source material.
The Guardian's Peter Bradshaw notes, "The film follows a familiar superhero formula but avoids feeling forced, unfolding logically and embracing a lighthearted, humorous tone. The film maintains its entertainment value, proving the genre's enduring appeal amidst audience fatigue with increasingly complex cinematic universes,".
Despite the smooth narrative flow, the film lacks emotional peaks. IGN suggests the project rarely delivers truly moving moments, failing to evoke a sense of urgency for the characters. The action sequences are understated, as much of the runtime focuses on developing the superhero team's dynamics.
On Reddit, some viewers commented that the film's impact on the overall MCU wasn't as significant as anticipated. "Instead of a 'galaxy-shaking' turning point, the film leans towards a warmer, quieter family story," one user wrote.
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