Marvel is going all-in after DC’s Superman (2025) crushed it at the box office. Their latest gamble is Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025), and early buzz suggests this reboot may have breathed new life into Marvel’s “First Family.” With Disney banking on this movie before pushing Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026), expectations were sky-high.
So, does Fantastic Four: First Steps deliver? Let’s break it down.
Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025)
- IMDb: 7.3
- Rotten Tomatoes: Critics 86% | Audience 91%
- Genre: Superhero, Space Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure
- Cast: Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ralph Ineson, Julia Garner
- Director: Matt Shakman
- Writers: Peter Cameron, Josh Friedman, Jeff Kaplan
- Producer: Kevin Feige
- Release Date: July 25, 2025
- Runtime: 1h 54m
- Streaming: Currently only in theatres; Disney+ release expected around December 2025
Plot Breakdown
As the title suggests, First Steps isn’t just about Marvel’s rebooted Fantastic Four — it’s also about their literal “first steps” into family life.
Set in the 1960s, the movie follows Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) as they balance superhero duties with family struggles. Reed and Sue are preparing for the arrival of baby Franklin, a child with mysterious powers so great that Galactus himself sets his sights on him.
Galactus sends his herald, the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner), who warns Earth of its impending doom. What follows is a mix of action, sacrifice, and family-driven choices that challenge the team’s bond like never before.
Cast Performances
The film boasts strong performances across the board:
- Vanessa Kirby steals the spotlight as Sue Storm, portraying both fierce maternal instincts and her superhero side.
- Pedro Pascal embodies Reed Richards with intelligence and vulnerability, showing cracks when it comes to protecting his family.
- Joseph Quinn’s Johnny Storm adds humor and heart while connecting surprisingly well with the Silver Surfer’s humanity.
- Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer is empathetic and layered, torn between loyalty to Galactus and her own need to protect loved ones.
- Ebon Moss-Bachrach brings both laughs and gravitas as Ben Grimm.
- Ralph Ineson delivers a chilling Galactus with his commanding voice.
What Critics Are Saying
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes praised the film, saying:
“With pitch-perfect cast chemistry and a retro 1960s design, this version of Fantastic Four finally gives Marvel’s First Family the treatment they deserve.”
Many consider it the best Fantastic Four adaptation so far, applauding its family themes, emotional depth, and character-driven story.
Audience Reactions
Fans were slightly more enthusiastic than critics, praising its refreshing family-oriented focus. Many highlighted Sue Storm as the heart of the film and loved how the reboot felt different from the usual MCU formula.
Is It Worth Watching?
Yes — this is Marvel’s strongest entry of 2025 so far. The narrative is heartfelt, the cast is excellent, and the setup for future films feels exciting. If you’ve been waiting for a Fantastic Four movie that finally gets it right, this one is worth a trip to the theatre.
Baby Franklin’s Role
One of the film’s biggest twists comes with baby Franklin Richards.
In the post-credits scene, a four-year-old Franklin is shown with none other than Doctor Doom (Robert Downey Jr.), hinting at his massive role in Avengers: Doomsday. Fans of the comics will know Franklin is one of the most powerful beings in Marvel lore, capable of reshaping matter, energy, and even life itself.
No wonder Galactus only wanted Franklin — not Earth.
What Works Well
✅ Vanessa Kirby’s standout performance
✅ Strong emotional and family-centered storyline
✅ Beautiful retro 1960s design
✅ Balanced humor and heart
✅ Silver Surfer and Galactus reimagined in fresh ways
✅ Strong setup for the MCU’s future
Areas That Fell Short
❌ Six main characters meant some felt underdeveloped
❌ Galactus’s backstory was thin
❌ Lacked big, jaw-dropping action sequences
Ratings Breakdown
- Story/Plot: 7/10
- Characters & Acting: 7/10
- Direction & Pacing: 6.5/10
- Visuals & Cinematography: 7/10
- Soundtrack/Score: 6/10
- Themes & Message: 7/10
- Emotional Impact: 7.5/10
- Creativity/Originality: 8/10
- Rewatchability: 5/10
⭐ Overall Rating: 6/10
Streaming Availability
Currently, Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025) is only showing in theatres. Disney+ release is expected around December 2025.
Final Verdict
While not flawless, Fantastic Four: First Steps is the reboot Marvel needed. It blends heart, family values, and cosmic stakes into a story that feels both nostalgic and new.
So, what do you think? Did Fantastic Four: First Steps meet your expectations — and what was your favorite moment?