Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025), PG-13, est. 2 hr 10 min

Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025), PG-13, 1 hr 55 min

Franchise: Marvel Cinematic Universe

Franchise Order #37

Chronological Order #39

MCU Phase Six

Movie Tagline:

Marvel’s First Family enters the MCU.

Trailer Link:

IMDb Trailer: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10676048/videogallery

Main Cast

Pedro Pascal – Reed Richards IV / Mister Fantastic IV

Vanessa Kirby – Sue Storm IV  / Invisible Woman IV

Joseph Quinn – Johnny Storm IV / Human Torch IV

Ebon Moss-Bachrach – Ben Grimm IV / The Thing IV

Julia Garner – Shalla-Bal / Silver Surfer II (rumored)

Ralph Ineson – Galactus II (rumored)

John Krasinski – alternate universe Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic (Earth-838, cameo rumored)

Reviews

Critics Ratings

My Rating: 8/10

The Dove Foundation: Not yet rated

IMDb: 6.2/10

Rotten Tomatoes:  65% Audience 

Metacritic: 58/100

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Critical Review 

Fantastic Four: First Steps is a pretty solid take on the Fantastic Four, and I liked that it didn’t get stuck retelling the origin story over and over like a lot of movies do these days. They did show the origin, but just in a quick flashback—not the main thing—and honestly, that worked way better for me.

One thing the movie does well is digging into the characters. You get to know Reed, Sue, Johnny, and Ben a bit before and after they get their powers, which adds some nice depth. It makes them feel more real compared to some older versions. I especially enjoyed the interaction between Sue and Reed as a married couple—they both seem more human and relatable, especially Sue’s patient understanding of Reed’s classic absent-minded professor vibe.

One of the surprise heroes of the movie is baby Franklin. Though he’s just a toddler, his role is key at a crucial moment—his innocence and presence help bring the team together and remind them what they’re really fighting for. It’s a nice touch that adds some heart and shows that even the smallest family member can have a big impact.

The special effects look good too. Mr. Fantastic’s stretching and Sue’s invisibility and force fields are handled nicely, and the Human Torch’s flames look pretty awesome. Sometimes the CGI feels a little heavy-handed, but overall it helps tell the story without being too distracting.

That said, the pacing can drag a bit, especially in the beginning. The first part feels slow with a lot of explaining and setup, which might bore people who just want action. But once the team’s together, things pick up, though the buildup still feels a bit uneven.

Now, about the villain—Galactus. I wasn’t super impressed. They got his size and serious vibe right, but he felt kind of stiff and didn’t have much personality. He didn’t really come across as intimidating, especially if you’re familiar with the comics.

The Silver Surfer had potential but was underwhelming here. Her story as a powerful cosmic being torn about serving Galactus could have added depth, but the movie barely explored it, making her feel more like a plot device than a full character. I didn’t mind that this Silver Surfer was female instead of the usual male version—that was a smart, fresh choice. Good job, Marvel.

The tone of the movie is a bit all over the place too. It tries to mix funny moments with serious stuff, but sometimes it doesn’t quite hit the right note. Some scenes are too jokey when things are serious, and others get way too dark, which can be confusing. I was also puzzled about the time frame of the movie until I noticed on the license plate of one of the cars that it was 1964. That explained the technology and overall look. Even so, I thought it was all pretty cool.

The actors do a good job, especially the ones playing Reed and Sue. The chemistry between the team feels natural, and the sibling rivalry between Johnny and Sue adds some fun. I especially enjoyed the teasing between Johnny and Ben—it felt completely natural and much more in keeping with what you’d expect from the comic book era. Ben’s transformation is both touching and funny, making him stand out.

All in all, Fantastic Four: First Steps is a mixed bag. It’s got some great character moments and cool effects, but the pacing, villain, and tone issues hold it back. It’s a decent start for a new series, but they’ll need better storytelling and direction next time to really nail it.

Plot Summary

Marvel’s First Family makes their official debut in the MCU as a group of brilliant explorers transformed by cosmic radiation. As they grapple with their newfound powers and a rapidly changing universe, they’re forced to confront threats from the far reaches of space—including a mysterious herald from a world-devouring being.

Overview

Fantastic Four: First Steps is positioned to be a cornerstone of Phase Six, setting up cosmic-level storytelling and deepening multiversal connections. Directed by Matt Shakman, this reboot promises character-driven arcs, spacefaring adventure, and a fresh tone balancing science, family, and awe.

Family Friendliness & Christian Perspective

Expected to be PG-13 for action and sci-fi peril. From a biblical perspective, the film may touch on themes like unity in adversity (Ecclesiastes 4:12), stewardship of power, and sacrificial love, particularly in the family dynamic of the Four. Likely appropriate for teens and older children with parental guidance.

Notable Scenes

Space mission gone wrong and transformation sequence

Reed Richards constructing their base and suits

Ben Grimm’s emotional struggle with his rocky mutation

Human Torch’s aerial fight through New York

Silver Surfer arrival and warning of Galactus

Mid-credits: Reed researching incursions

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