Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which debuted in the United States on July 25, 2025, acts as a daring reboot and Phase 6 springboard for the legendary superhero group, finally incorporating them into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) after earlier efforts didn’t connect. Helmed by Matt Shakman (renowned for his direction of WandaVision), the movie unfolds in a chic retro futuristic alternate realm called Earth 828 crafted with a 1960s style influenced by Jack Kirby’s artwork where the Fantastic Four are already recognized heroes instead of revisiting an origin tale. The diverse cast features Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm / Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm / Human Torch, and Ebon Moss Bachrach as Ben Grimm / The Thing; additional roles include Julia Garner as Shalla Bal (a reinterpreted Silver Surfer), Ralph Ineson as the world-consuming Galactus, with Paul Walter Hauser, Natasha Lyonne, and Mark Gatiss completing the ensemble.
Critics have praised the film as a long-awaited success for the First Family, emphasizing its swift 114–118 minute runtime, effective yet emotionally impactful narrative, and visual style that captures the optimism of the Space Race period, making comparisons to Interstellar for its cosmic grandeur, especially in IMAX. Vanessa Kirby’s depiction of Sue Storm is often regarded as the emotional heart of the film, while Pascal, Quinn, and Moss Bachrach receive acclaim for showcasing chemistry that roots their extraordinary powers in genuine family dynamics. Julia Garner’s portrayal as the announcing Silver Surfer and Ralph Ineson’s depiction of Galactus are likewise praised as exceptional villain performances, captivating viewers with a mix of intrigue and threat.
Though overall feedback is favorable Rotten Tomatoes currently scores it at approximately 87–89 percent some critics point out slight issues with pacing, lack of depth in certain characters, and tonal discrepancies between its nostalgic elements and contemporary themes. A common criticism focuses on the film’s reliance on superhero tropes, yet many recognize that skipping an origin story is a welcome change that lessens viewer “homework” and improves accessibility.
At the box office, First Steps has marked Marvel’s first $100 million U.S. opening weekend of 2025 earning $118 million domestically and $218 million worldwide, exceeding earlier Fantastic Four releases and closely aligning with DC’s Superman Legacy in opening numbers. Initial social media excitement characterizes it as a “genre defining comeback,” lauding the visuals, Michael Giacchino’s score, and the emotional depth of the film, with numerous fans encouraging audiences to watch through the full credits for post-credit surprises suggesting ties to Thunderbolts, Avengers: Doomsday, and wider multiverse narratives.
In the U.S., The Fantastic Four: First Steps is regarded as a creative success, combining cosmic adventure and character drama its 1960s retro futurism provides the franchise with a unique appearance and atmosphere. It rejuvenates the much-anticipated hero family and establishes a fresh arena in the MCU, blending nostalgia, grandeur, and emotional storytelling in a concise, visually stunning package that many consider the best Fantastic Four film ever made.
