The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ First Reactions Reveal a Bold New MCU Adventure

The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ first reactions are igniting excitement among Marvel fans as early screenings and test audience feedback begin to surface.

Directed by Matt Shakman, this reboot of Marvel’s First Family, set to hit theaters on July 25, 2025, promises a fresh take with a stellar cast including Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm.

Early buzz highlights the film’s vibrant 1960s-inspired retro-futuristic world and its cosmic stakes, with Ralph Ineson’s Galactus and Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer stealing the spotlight. But not all feedback is glowing, as some critiques point to areas needing polish.

Here’s a deep dive into the initial reactions and what they mean for the MCU’s next big chapter.

Why Are Fans Excited About the Visuals and World-Building?

Early reactions praise the film’s colorful and distinct aesthetic, setting it apart from other MCU entries. A 30-minute preview shown in Brazil was described as “refreshingly different” and “like a cartoon come to life,” with vibrant visuals and intergalactic mayhem that immerse audiences in a unique retro-futuristic universe.

Fans on X, like @MCUFilmNews, noted the “interesting world-building” that makes the film feel like a bold departure from mainline MCU projects. The 1960s-inspired setting, paired with Michael Giacchino’s score, reportedly creates a dynamic atmosphere that elevates the cosmic journey of Marvel’s First Family.

The detailed world-building has been a standout, with attendees calling it “incredible” and among the most beautiful in the MCU. This approach, combined with a focus on the team’s dynamics, has fans optimistic that director Matt Shakman is delivering a worthy adaptation of the Fantastic Four, a team that has struggled in past cinematic outings.

How Do the Cast and Characters Shine?

The chemistry among the core cast is a major highlight in early reactions. Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby’s portrayal of Reed Richards and Sue Storm has been lauded for its emotional depth, with their relationship described as “genuinely moving” and reflective of a long-standing bond.

@4FantasticoBRA highlighted their “perfect sync,” noting that scenes between Reed and Sue convey a heartfelt connection that goes beyond mere superheroics.

Joseph Quinn’s Johnny Storm and Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s Ben Grimm also earn praise for their well-defined personalities and natural chemistry.

Fans note that Johnny’s humor lands at just the right moments, while Ben’s grounded presence adds balance. Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer has been a surprise standout, with

@GoodNerd23 calling her performance a potential high point, suggesting the film could be the “best Marvel movie post-Endgame.”

What Are the Criticisms From Test Screenings?

Not all feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Test screenings in Los Angeles sparked mixed reactions, with some attendees describing the film as “mid” or “meh.”

According to entertainment insider Jeff Sneider, concerns include weak character development and underwhelming CGI, though the latter is expected to be refined before release.

These critiques, reported by outlets like ComicBookMovie.com, suggest Marvel conducted the screening due to internal worries about the film’s reception.

However, one test screening attendee clarified that negative reactions were “blown out of proportion,” based on a single comment that was misinterpreted.

They emphasized that the film scored “excellent” marks overall, urging fans to reserve judgment until the final product. This pushback, covered by ComicBookMovie.com, highlights the challenges of interpreting early feedback.

Is Galactus a Game-Changer for the MCU?

Ralph Ineson’s portrayal of Galactus has emerged as a major talking point. Described as “terrifying” and “ripped straight from the comics,” his performance is a high point in test screening reactions. X posts from @MCUFilmNews and @marvelousgeek__ emphasize the “Lovecraftian” and “cosmic horror” elements of the plot, with Galactus’ massive scale leaving audiences in awe.

This suggests the film leans into high-stakes cosmic storytelling, a departure from the grounded narratives of recent MCU entries.

The inclusion of Galactus and the Silver Surfer also ties into the broader MCU Phase Six, setting up connections to Avengers: Doomsday. A leaked post-credits scene from the test screening, reported by ComicBookMovie.com, hints at a “game-changer” moment that could involve Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom, further fueling speculation about the film’s impact.

What Does This Mean for the MCU’s Future?

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is poised to kick off Phase Six with a bold vision, and early reactions suggest it could redefine Marvel’s First Family for a new generation.

While some criticisms linger, the enthusiasm for the cast, visuals, and cosmic scope indicates a promising start. With the review embargo set for July 22, 2025, as noted by critic Scott Menzel, fans will soon get a clearer picture of the film’s reception.

As anticipation builds, the film’s ability to balance family dynamics with epic superhero action could make it a standout. The Fantastic Four’s past cinematic struggles make this reboot a high-stakes endeavor, but the early buzz suggests Marvel is on the right track to deliver a worthy adaptation.

Some Closing Thoughts:

The Fantastic Four: First Steps hits theaters on July 25, 2025, and the initial reactions have set the stage for a thrilling addition to the MCU.

With a mix of glowing praise and constructive critiques, the film promises to be a pivotal moment for Marvel’s First Family.

Stay tuned for more updates as the release date approaches, and get ready to join Reed, Sue, Johnny, and Ben on their cosmic adventure.