A New Beginning for the Fantastic Four in the MCU
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has made several attempts to bring the First Family of superheroes, the Fantastic Four, to the big screen. Now, with The Fantastic Four: First Steps, the MCU is trying again, marking the third adaptation of the iconic team in two decades. This latest effort comes at a pivotal moment for the franchise, as it navigates through Phase Five and prepares for the launch of Phase Six.
Phase Five has been a challenging chapter for the MCU, especially after the monumental success of Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame. Even in 2025, films like Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts have struggled to maintain the same level of quality that fans have come to expect. However, with the release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, the MCU may be on the verge of a positive shift.
The film debuted with an impressive 88% approval score on Rotten Tomatoes before its July 25 release, based on 50 reviews from critics. While the score may fluctuate as more opinions are shared, this initial reception is a promising sign. Since the movie hasn't yet hit theaters, there's no audience score available, but the critical response so far has been overwhelmingly positive.
The Cast and Creative Team Behind the Film
The Fantastic Four: First Steps features a stellar ensemble cast, including Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing, and Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch. The film is directed by Matt Shakman, with a script written by Josh Friedman, Eric Pearson, Jeff Kaplan, and Ian Springer. Additional notable performances include Julia Garner as Shalla-Bal/Silver Surfer, Ralph Ineson as Galactus, Paul Walter Hauser as Harvey Elder (the Mole Man), and Natasha Lyonne in an undisclosed role.
Critics have praised the film for its strong performances, particularly highlighting Vanessa Kirby’s portrayal of Sue Storm as a revelation. Many have noted that her character brings a fresh and compelling energy to the MCU.
Critical Acclaim and Initial Reactions
Several publications have given the film high praise. The Independent’s Clarisse Loughrey noted that "all the ingredients are perfectly lined up here, and, in the right combinations, and with the pure wonderment of Michael Giacchino’s score, The Fantastic Four: First Steps does shimmer with a kind of wide-eyed idealism." She also highlighted the ethical complexity of Reed and Sue’s relationship, calling it one of the most fascinating aspects of the film.
Dexerto’s Cameron Frew described the film as a hopeful new direction for the MCU, stating that it “will leave you excited for Avengers: Doomsday” and even reignite belief in the franchise. Similarly, The Seattle Times’ Dominic Baez praised the film for being “heartfelt, action-packed and just plain fun,” calling it “fantastic.”
Caralynn Matassa of The Hollywood Reporter commended the film’s vision, noting that director Matt Shakman leaned into simplicity with a straightforward plot, memorable set pieces, and impressive action sequences. She also praised the visuals, calling them “some of the best in any Marvel movie to date.”
Mixed Reactions and Areas for Improvement
Despite the overall positive reception, not all critics were fully convinced. InBetweenDrafts’ Jon Negroni argued that while the film aims to be a turning point, it feels more like “another cog in the Marvel machine.” He criticized the script, calling it “a soulless math equation done by studio note.”
The Daily Beast’s Nick Shager echoed similar sentiments, stating that “the fifth time doesn’t quite prove to be the charm.” He noted that while the film is earnest and optimistic, it occasionally leans too heavily into hokiness and fails to usher in a new golden age for the MCU.
Final Thoughts
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is set to premiere in theaters on July 25. With its strong critical reception and promising direction, the film could mark a significant step forward for the MCU. While it may not be perfect, it offers a fresh take on the iconic superhero team and sets the stage for future adventures in the franchise.
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