Fantastic Four: First Steps Review – A Bold, Breathtaking Reboot Fueled by Family and Firepower

July 22, 2025
(L-R) Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing, Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman and Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch in 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios’ THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS. Photo by Jay Maidment. © 2025 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2025 MARVEL.

Opening With a Bang—And That Giacchino Score

Marvel Studios has officially entered its first family era, and Fantastic Four: First Steps doesn’t waste a moment proving why it belongs on the big screen. Premiering with a special IMAX experience that opened with a soaring rendition of the classic Fantastic Four theme, the tone was set early—and the rest of the film doesn’t let up.

Michael Giacchino’s score hits like a meteor in the best way possible. It’s epic, emotional, and elevated—reminding you instantly that this isn’t just another superhero flick. This is legacy-level storytelling with heart and ambition.


Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch in 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios’ THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2025 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2025 MARVEL

Skipping the Origin, Straight to the Action

Unlike previous adaptations, this reboot makes a clever move: it doesn’t waste time rehashing origin stories. Instead, the film opens after four years of the team already operating. The first ten minutes fly through a gorgeously edited recap of their past victories, battles, and the villains they’ve taken down—loaded with Easter eggs for fans of the comics and animated series.

This “in media res” approach works brilliantly, letting the audience dive straight into the team’s dynamic and history without getting bogged down in gamma rays or rocket launches.


Julia Garner as Shalla-Bal/Silver Surfer in 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios’ THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios. © 2025 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2025 MARVEL.

Retro-Future Vibes, Cosmic Stakes

Visually, Fantastic Four: First Steps is a retro-futuristic feast, dripping with 1960s-inspired style—think Mad Men meets Tomorrowland with a Marvel twist. The costume and wardrobe department deserves serious props for how they brought the team’s iconic suits and civilian outfits to life. Every frame feels like a stylish panel from a Silver Age comic.

While the CGI wasn’t always flawless (some scenes with The Thing and the Richards’ baby looked a bit soft), the big-ticket moments hit hard. Galactus is visually stunning and utterly terrifying, and his herald, the Silver Surfer, glides in with style and gravitas. Ralph Ineson’s voice performance as Galactus is otherworldly—deep, booming, and drenched in menace. You feel every word shake the cosmos.


(L-R) Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic and Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman in 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios’ THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS. Photo by Jay Maidment. © 2025 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2025 MARVEL.

Heart Over Hype: The Family Dynamic That Works

What truly sets this film apart is its emotional core. Yes, there’s action. Yes, there are post-credit scenes (more on that in a moment). But at its center, this is a story about family. Director Matt Shakman, bringing his WandaVision sensibilities and his background in emotional ensemble drama, was the perfect choice for this material.

You can tell the team took inspiration from The Incredibles, especially in the way the characters interact as a unit—full of love, sarcasm, and shared trauma. Even the villain Mole Man feels like a nod to Syndrome with a Marvel twist.

Each cast member shines, but Vanessa Kirby is the standout. She commands every scene with intelligence, warmth, and power. Her version of Sue Storm finally gives the character the depth she’s long deserved.

The use of powers is another huge win. We’ve never seen the Fantastic Four fight like this on-screen before. Each battle is choreographed to show off not just abilities, but how they complement each other. This is team synergy at its finest.


Plot Twists, Surprises & A Buzzworthy Finale

Scene still from 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios’ THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios. © 2025 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2025 MARVEL.

While fans spent months speculating and theorizing, First Steps takes a sharp turn in its second act that nobody saw coming. It’s bold, refreshing, and opens up a ton of possibilities moving forward. And yes—there are two post-credit scenes, and the first one will have the fandom buzzing for weeks.

They didn’t just get it right—they made it exciting again.


Final Verdict: A Stellar Reboot That Smashes Expectations

Fantastic Four: First Steps is a bold, breathtaking reboot. Giacchino’s epic score soars, the visuals are next-level, and Vanessa Kirby delivers a powerhouse performance. A thrilling, emotional ride about legacy, love, and family.”


After years of false starts and forgettable reboots, Marvel has finally delivered a Fantastic Four that lives up to its name. From emotional depth to cosmic spectacle, First Steps feels like a leap in the right direction—and hopefully, the beginning of something even bigger.

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