The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Early Reviews Spark MCU Excitement
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The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ early reviews have set the internet ablaze, with critics and fans praising Marvel Studios’ bold reboot of Marvel’s First Family.
Premiering at its world premiere in Los Angeles on July 21, 2025, the film has garnered enthusiastic reactions for its vibrant 1960s-inspired aesthetic, stellar cast, and emotional depth.
As the MCU’s 37th film and the kickoff to Phase Six, how are early reviews shaping perceptions of this long-awaited adaptation? Below, we dive into the critical buzz, analyze standout elements, and speculate on its impact, with a detailed table compiling key review insights.
What Are Critics Saying About the Film’s Strengths?
Early reviews highlight The Fantastic Four: First Steps as a triumphant return to form for Marvel. Variety calls it a film that “succeeds where earlier attempts have faltered,” praising its retro-futuristic flair and standalone accessibility, requiring no prior MCU knowledge.
The Hollywood Reporter emphasizes its “back-to-basics feel,” lauding the focus on character-driven storytelling over CGI-heavy chaos. Deadline describes it as a “satisfying and stylish Marvel adventure,” with a smart script and moving performances from Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach.
The Wrap notes its evocation of the grandeur of early Fantastic Four comics, blending humanity and whimsy, though it critiques occasional CGI shortcomings.
These reviews collectively celebrate the film’s vibrant visuals, Michael Giacchino’s iconic score, and the cast’s chemistry, particularly Kirby’s standout Sue Storm.
Are There Any Criticisms in Early Reviews?
Not all feedback is glowing. IndieWire offers a more critical take, arguing that First Steps “promises to push the MCU out of its comfort zone” but retreats into familiar formulas, with a “tired” story and underwhelming villains like Galactus and Silver Surfer.
Some reviewers, like The Wrap, point out that the CGI for The Thing lacks definition, undermining Moss-Bachrach’s performance. Test screening reactions on X also note mixed sentiments, with some calling the film “just okay” despite praising Galactus’ epic scale.
These critiques suggest that while the film excels in style and character, its adherence to MCU conventions and occasional visual flaws may limit its impact for some.
How Do Social Media Reactions Compare?
Social media reactions, particularly on X, amplify the excitement. Fans like @TheEricGoldman call the film “truly delightful,” capturing the Fantastic Four’s dynamic with stunning production design.
@therealsupes rates it an 8/10, praising Pascal’s Reed Richards and the “joy, heart, and comedy” woven into the story.
@McBDirect hails it as the “most visually stunning and tonally distinct MCU movie yet,” urging viewers to see it in IMAX.
Others, like @MsLyraHale, compare its hopeful tone to James Gunn’s Superman, with Kirby’s Sue Storm stealing the show. However, some X posts from test screenings note that only a few found the film “great,” suggesting a divide in audience expectations.
Key Takeaways:
Critical Acclaim: Early reviews praise the vibrant 1960s aesthetic, Michael Giacchino’s iconic score, and the cast’s chemistry in The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
Standout Performances: Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm and Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards are highlights, with Kirby called a “shooting star.”
Visual Spectacle: Described as a “retro-futuristic feast” and “visually stunning,” best experienced in IMAX.
Mixed Feedback: Some critique the script’s familiarity and The Thing’s CGI, with villains like Galactus seen as underwhelming by a few.
MCU Impact: Seen as a return to form, with a projected $190M-$210M global opening, rivaling Superman.
What Makes the Cast and Visuals Stand Out?
The cast is a consistent highlight across reviews. Deadline calls Pascal’s Reed Richards a “great scientist burdened by his analytical genius,” with Kirby as a “powerful Mama Lion.”
The Hollywood Reporter praises the “palpable chemistry” in the Baxter Building scenes, while Variety notes Pascal’s gravitas and Kirby’s emotional depth.
Visually, the film’s retro-futuristic 1960s setting is a major draw, with The Guardian likening it to a “cheerfully infantilised” family sitcom, enhanced by hallucinatory production design.
Giacchino’s score, described as “jaunty” and “heroic” by The Wrap, elevates every scene, with fans on X calling it an “all-timer.”
Does Galactus Deliver as a Villain?
Ralph Ineson’s Galactus is a focal point, with test screening reactions on X describing him as “terrifying” and “ripped straight from the comics.” Deadline and Variety praise his cosmic scale, especially in IMAX, though IndieWire finds his motivation—hunger—lacking nuance.
Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer also earns praise for her enigmatic presence, with X users like
@GoodNerd23 calling her a highlight.
However, some reviews note the villains feel underwhelming compared to the heroes, a sentiment echoed in Rotten Tomatoes’ summary of early critiques.
Source | Publication Date | Key Praise | Key Criticisms | Notable Quote |
Variety | 2025-07-22 | Retro-futuristic flair, standalone accessibility, Pascal’s gravitas | Minor script issues, villains less compelling | “Succeeds where earlier attempts have faltered.” |
The Hollywood Reporter | 2025-07-22 | Character-driven story, palpable cast chemistry, Baxter Building scenes | None explicitly noted | “A fresh willingness to prioritize character.” |
Deadline | 2025-07-22 | Smart script, moving performances, stylish adventure | None explicitly noted | “Arguably the best of Pedro Pascal’s releases this year.” |
The Wrap | 2025-07-22 | Evokes comic grandeur, humanity, and whimsy | The Thing’s CGI lacks definition, script doesn’t push cast | “A heck of a lot closer than any film version of these characters.” |
IndieWire | 2025-07-22 | Strong start with family focus, bold visuals | Retreats into MCU formula, villains lack nuance | “Quickly retreats into a tired version of the same old story.” |
The Guardian | 2025-07-22 | Lighthearted fun, hallucinatory 1960s design, uncomplicated tone | AI city collapse finale feels formulaic | “Marvel has rediscovered the lighthearted dimension of superheroism.” |
X Reactions (Various) | 2025-07-19–22 | Stunning visuals, epic Galactus, Kirby and Pascal shine, IMAX-worthy | Mixed test screening feedback, some call it “just okay” | “Quite possibly the best Marvel Studios film ever released.” |
Can First Steps Reshape the MCU’s Future?
The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ early reviews suggest it could be a pivotal moment for the MCU. The Guardian sees it as rediscovering the “lighthearted dimension of superheroism,” contrasting with the MCU’s recent heavier entries.
Variety and The Hollywood Reporter view it as a sign Marvel is regaining its big-screen charm after box office struggles. With a projected $190M-$210M global opening, per Deadline, it’s poised to compete with Superman’s $220M debut.
The film’s standalone nature and setup for Avengers: Doomsday (2026) position it as a fresh entry point for audiences, potentially countering superhero fatigue. However, its success hinges on maintaining critical buzz and winning over audiences when it hits theaters on July 25, 2025.
Will This Be the MCU’s Comeback?
The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ early reviews paint a picture of a stylish, heartfelt reboot that finally does justice to Marvel’s First Family.
With widespread praise for its cast, visuals, and score, tempered by minor critiques of its script and CGI, the film stands as a beacon of hope for the MCU.
Some Closing Thoughts:
As it prepares for its theatrical release, the enthusiastic reactions suggest it could redefine the Fantastic Four’s cinematic legacy and set a bold tone for Phase Six.
Whether it lives up to the hype, only time, and ticket sales, will tell.
Stay tuned to this space for the latest updates on this film.
