They truly are a fantastic family after all.
One decade after the unspeakable Fantastic Four (2015) remake, and two decades after The Fantastic Four (2005) most know and love, Marvel Studios has taken hold of their family once more, immersing them into the MCU. In doing so, they have unleashed the greatest power they could into the world. The power of a family’s bond and love.
Five years since Marvel Studios announced The Fantastic Four: First Steps at Disney’s Investor Day presentation, the day has finally come where the world can now see the project come to fruition. The second reboot of the Fantastic Four franchise, and it is finally under the control of Marvel Studios. This fantastic family is the 37th film in the MCU. And is the leading film for the universe’s sixth stage, dominating the way for the future.
Unlike previous Fantastic Four films, First Steps brings audiences into the world of these four characters. Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), and Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn) arrive with a complete avoidance of spending time explaining their backstory. Earth-828, an alternate universe from 616 where the Avengers inhabit, is where we find our heroes. Four years after their journey into space went awry, the Fantastic Four have created a brand for themselves with support from the people of New York City. They have become the city’s, and the world’s protectors, with an emphasis on family as well.
One Sunday night, as the four gather for their weekly family dinner, Reed and Sue reveal to Johnny and Ben that they are pregnant. Though, it is Ben who is the one to get the information out. As Earth becomes excited for Sue’s baby to arrive, a few months later, everything changes. The Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) arrives heralding the planet killer Galactus (Ralph Ineson) to Earth. Warning all citizens that their time is almost up. It then becomes up to the Fantastic Four to devise a plan to save the world, and their unborn child.
If The Fantastic Four: First Steps proves nothing after the success of Thunderbolts*, it’s that Marvel has truly upped their game and evoked what allowed for past films – phase one era – to connect with audiences on such an emotional and complex level. Not only does it provide a script that is actually compelling and emotional, but it also introduces new comic characters into the MCU and provides fans with huge hurrahs!
After the success of WandaVision as Marvel’s first Disney+ television show, Matt Shakman has returned and has not disappointed. Shakman has proven once again that he understands what choices allow audiences to connect with a superhero film. And those tricks he used during WandaVision have been revamped and portrayed to even greater lengths in The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
Combine the nostalgia of the Fantastic Four theme tune with the imaginative score composed by Michael Giacchino. The creative mind behind the scores of films such as The Batman (2022), Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) and others. And it really provides a marvelous experience. Toned for each moment within the film, the score never misses a beat. And the use of the original theme with repurposed elements provides something new for the four, but something needed for the success of the film.
What makes or breaks this quartet, in part, is whether or not the cast, and the actors as individuals, can take on the roles of these heroes. Heroes, yes, but also humans. The need to show each individual’s emotions and their inner most thoughts can help audiences connect more with them as people. Instead of seeing them plainly as icons or superhuman. The success of Iron Man (Favreau, 2008) came in part from Robert Downey Jr’s true embodiment of Tony Stark. And in the case of this second Fantastic Four reboot, part of its strength lies in the cast directly.
Even though each cast member, perhaps apart from the 2015 tragedy, bring their own qualities to each of the Fantastic Four, there is something different about them in First Steps. Unlike previous Fantastic Four films, First Steps allows Sue Storm to take the reins and shine in all her might and glory. While Reed tends to be the leader of the four in the past. There is no confirmation during First Steps who takes the lead, Sue’s projection and ready answers allow for us to assume the power falls to her. For the most part.
Kirby, as previously discussed when she announced to the world that she herself is pregnant, had an emotional connection to her role as Sue Storm. Hand and hand with her talent as an actress, the connection she had to Sue on a more personal level shines through in her performance. The strength in her voice when commanding orders and presenting as the world’s defenders, mixed with her love and devotion to her family, allow the audience to be more empathetic with her as the film proceeds.
As Reed Richards, Pascal presents perhaps his best role of the year. Reed is a brainiac, there is no doubt about it. But with Pascal’s portrayal, audiences see the fatherly aspects of the character. His fear, sadness, and anger included. After being the brains of the team for so many years, the stakes are so high in First Steps that for once in his life, Reed does not know what to do.
With Johnny and Ben, though they play a different role compared to Sue and Reed, in First Steps they are each given their own ways to shine. Quinn as Johnny brings the same playboy style that Chris Evans had back in 2005. Allowing him to also dazzle the ladies. Yet Johnny becomes a character who has the chance to use his smarts in this 2025 reboot compared to 20 years prior. Ben, though he has a rocky exterior, Moss-Bachrach’s portrayal gives him the soft touch he needs. Especially when he becomes an uncle. With additional antagonists, Garner and Ineson, something new is brought to their two characters. One of which has not been seen on the big screen before.
True Marvel fans know, and newer fans have come to know, the original main theme for the Fantastic Four. Created at first for the 1967 animated series, by Hoyt Curtin, it has become associated with the early days of the Fantastic Four’s adventures. The authentic theme is used brilliantly in First Steps. It reminds us that the film takes place only four years after the four gained their anomaly powers. And due to the era being the 1960s, it provides a nostalgia for the original animated series as well.
As the score plays over the cinematography and production design, the results are out of this world. Lately, when it comes to blockbusters and superhero films, they tend to have too many AI or auto generated pieces too evident within the film. Thankfully, in the case of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, there is less of a forced feel to the post-production added elements.
Moving away from the dark and all to serious films in their past, Marvel recalls what it means to allow for audiences to have fun in a superhero film. Instead of the somber and dull colours of their previous projects, Marvel brings that retro 60s vibe that everyone knows to the forefront with bright blue and white colouring.
There is an enhanced focus on the suits of the Fantastic Four and their colours are beaming with light and, somehow happiness. The production and design teams clearly studied the era of the 1960s Fantastic Four before the film commenced. They clearly have catered for such a complete aura of that time. Allowing for the film to feel all the more immersive for the viewer.
Marvel Studios is finally on the right track again and we can only hope they stay on it. With such touching performances from their quartet, and even their supporting cast, they have created a new tribe to be a part of and root for.
This is a film that takes more time to showcase the importance of family, than the Studios’ ability to create explosions. The Fantastic Four: The First Steps is the perfect step forward for the MCU, and an emotional ride for audiences. Out in cinemas around the world on July 25, 2025, be sure to watch this film on the biggest screen you can. Even if you’re not a Marvel fan, you could still have fun.