4 min readNew DelhiJul 20, 2025 09:00 AM IST
Marvel hosted a special screening of Fantastic Four: First Steps five days ahead of its global release, and if early reactions are any clue, this might be the comeback the company has been been dying for. The film already had eyeballs thanks to its crossover with Avengers: Doomsday, but even as a standalone, it’s holding its ground. From visuals to casting, critics are raving about the reboot’s bold direction, picture perfect casting, stunning visuals, and a surprisingly strong emotional core. Here’s what critics are saying online.
Fantastic Four: First Steps first reactions
Marvel’s first family has elicited a strong response from critics, something that might just reignite that old spark fans had for the MCU. If it hits big with audiences and pulls off a box office win, this could mark Marvel’s second comeback moment this year, right after Thunderbolts* revived the modern MCU era. The first press screening drew comparisons to Interstellar and Guardians of the Galaxy in terms of feels and ambition to have a new installment.
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The movie stars stretchy Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), invisible woman Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), human torch Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn), and rock monster Ben Grimm, aka the Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach).
Critics are calling it a “visual feast,” with Brandon Davis praising the film’s “immaculate” effects, especially in scenes featuring Silver Surfer and Galactus. Davis added, “Fantastic Four: First Steps gets a lot right — it looks and feels like a top-tier Marvel film again.” Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby are garnering praise for their electrifying chemistry that’s actually worth the hype. So far, not many are finding much to complain about. People’s Sharareh Drury called Kirby “a shooting star,” praising her command over the role and how she stands out even in a team full of scene-stealers. Joseph Quinn and Ebon Moss-Bachrach also received strong reactions, with their excellent comic timing and emotional beats striking a chord with the audience. Julia Garner’s version of Silver Surfer has apparently brought the character to life, in a way that’s “haunting, powerful, and unforgettable.”
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About the action set-pieces, critics say while it’s not extravagant, it’s polished and fits into the film’s stunning cosmic sequences. But the aspect making Fantastic Four such a film to discuss doesn’t even lie with the action, it’s about the emotions that exceeded expectations. Multiple early viewers pointed out that the film doesn’t just build a universe, it gives the characters room to breathe, connect, and grow.
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Check out some of the first reactions:
George Mckay: “Fantastic Four Quite possibly the best Marvel Studios film ever released. Absolutely loaded with talent and standout performances from Vanessa Kirby and Joseph Quinn. If you thought the MCU died with Endgame, think again. Thoughtfully crafted and easily a genre-defining classic.”
Brian Long Films: “I came in tempered but #FantasticFour is truly a return to form for the MCU, the opening minutes blew my socks off in IMAX. Gardner’s & Quinn’s work stood out to me the most. Galactus gives this film real stakes and his presence is felt even off screen, incredible miniature work!”
Next Best Picture editor-in-chief Matt Neglia: “Combined with Matt Shakman’s snappy, confident storytelling, this is an intriguing & satisfying first step for Marvel’s new team (easily the best depiction of this quartet on-screen to date) as the MCU continues to regain control of the ship & steer it closer to ‘Doomsday.’”
In a behind-the-scenes reveal, Shakman confirmed that John Malkovich was originally cast as Red Ghost, but his scenes were cut. “It broke my heart,” he admitted, but said the decision was necessary to maintain focus on the core story. As Marvel prepares for Phase 6, Fantastic Four: First Step’s box office will reveal whether the Superhero movie still stands a chance. So far, its a bold reset that may have finally put Marvel back on track.
Fantastic Four: First Steps releases on July 25.
Fantastic Four First Steps is a well intentioned story which fails to keep you engaged.