The Fantastic Four: First Steps is a story about the superpower of family. For the past four years, the Fantastic Four have served as superheroes in New York. Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal) is the brains of the operation, using his vast scientific knowledge to solve problems. His wife Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby) is the emotional heart of the group and ambassador to the public. Her brother Johnny can fly and manipulate fire but also pushes the team to think outside the box. And finally, Ben Grimm has super strength while acting as the voice of reason and logic. Their gifts and perceptions compliment each other to form a strong collaborative bond. When a cosmic terror threatens to annihilate their world, the Fantastic Four must use all their resources to fight back.
What works in The Fantastic Four: First Steps is the focus on characters and relationships. The chemistry between the four leads is the heart and soul of the film. In a refreshing way, First Steps is not an origin story but still feels like the first chapter of a developing epic. And because the team has been established, they are already comfortable with their powers and each other. As such, the story really centers on how they work as a unified group. That starting point makes everything more fun. And that simple word, fun, could describe every aspect of The Fantastic Four. From the bright retro-futuristic aesthetic that permeates the décor, to the playful score by Michael Giacchino (Spider-Man: Homecoming, The Incredibles), every detail aims to delight.
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People expecting a big, monumental and bombastic superhero film might not enjoy The Fantastic Four: First Steps as much as others. While there is plenty of action, the core of the film is the people. The movie explores the relationship between heroes and the general public in thoughtful ways, and the natural conflicts that may arise. And while the external threat is total planetary destruction, those stakes feel secondary to other developments. Furthermore, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is clearly a reboot for the MCU. No prior knowledge of Marvel films is necessary to enjoy this installment. Response to this is likely to be mixed as some will welcome a new entry point while others might wish for more connective tissue.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is a reinvigorating movie. It feels fresh and lively across all aspects and finds new ways to explore the genre. In a great way, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is clearly building toward something bigger rather than trying to swing for the fences on the first at-bat. There’s a lot of joy to be had with this one; highly recommended.
Recommended if you enjoyed: The Incredibles, Thunderbolts*, Ghostbusters
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is available exclusively in theaters beginning on July 24th, 2025.
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