Balancing both fan demand and comic book origins, the new Fantastic Four: First Steps is not only the best version yet, but will most definitely win at the box office this summer.
The first Fantastic Four was released in 2005, with the sequel following in 2007. A reboot came years later in 2015, but fans were still unsatisfied. There was little love for the Chris Evans-Jessica Alba era and even less for the Michael B. Jordan-Miles Teller period. But in 2025, it appears that director Matt Shakman and Co. have landed a certified blockbuster, nailing everything from visuals to a spirit-stirring score.
In this third attempt at adapting the popular comic book franchise, Marvel Studios didn’t take any risks of flopping, unlike its not-so-fantastic predecessors. The list of producers on this film is a true embarrassment of riches, boasting the likes of Mitch Bell (Avengers: Endgame, Captain America: Civil War), Kevin Feige (Deadpool & Wolverine, Thor: Love and Thunder), and Louis D’Esposito (Thunderbolts, Spider-Man: No Way Home). Recruited to touch our souls through the power of music was Michael Giacchino, known for his work on such films as The Batman and Jurassic World: Dominion. Weaving within the realms of 60s nostalgia and galactic terror, Giacchino’s score enhances the power of every scene, expressing every emotion from hope to helplessness.
In Fantastic Four: First Steps, we follow the beloved foursome as they valiantly balance the responsibility of heroes with the daily task of maintaining their familial bond. Dr. Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal) is both a genius and a husband to Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby). Along with Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) and Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn), they carry the burden of protecting planet Earth after gaining special powers from a past space mission. They’ve never faced a threat they couldn’t handle until an unexpected visit from Shalla-Bal (Julia Garner) ruins everyone’s Halloween with the news of Earth’s imminent destruction.
This film stays true to the comics while giving enough backstory to reel in the lay viewer. As a standalone movie, it’s great. The only downside is you’ll miss out on a handful of easter eggs. For the purist, you’ll understand why there’s a woman as the Silver Surfer (alternate universes in the comics) and the significance of H.E.R.B.I.E. (Humanoid Experimental Robot, B-Type, Integrated Electronics). Everyone else will see a set of characters with unique personalities and special abilities that try their best to handle the threat of Galactus, a visually stunning planet-eater who plans to devour Earth.
The cast, visually, is the best I’ve seen so far. If the goal was to emulate everything from the comic books, then they succeeded. The film feels like a comic book story. It oozes authenticity in every scene, and the relationship between Ben and Johnny was perfect. The build-up to Galactus was well done, and his appearance was everything I was hoping for.
Fantastic Four: First Steps gets a 9 out of 10. We get a love story that’s not gushy, battles, explosions, and a satisfying amount of nostalgia. Pay attention to the details in every scene. The film isn’t action-packed, but it flows nicely. Its pacing is slow enough to absorb the plot, but it doesn’t plod. You won’t have to check your watch at any point as the film continues at a good pace until it’s finished. This is one you definitely want to experience in IMAX, and for those on the hunt for exclusive merch (the H.E.R.B.I.E. robot, Galactus, etc.), check your local AMC, Regal, and Cinemark theatre ASAP. Enjoy the end-credit scene!
Fantastic Four: First Steps premieres in theatres on Friday, July 25.
Many details were omitted to remain spoiler-free.
“Die with yours” – Shalla-Bal
-Jon Jones
Photos: Courtesy of Marvel Studios
Genre: Action/Superhero
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 1 hr 55 mins
Trailer: Watch
U.S. Release Date: July 25, 2025