Fantastic Four: First Steps faces enormous and arguably unfair expectations, many of which it was never designed to fulfill. These pressures largely stem from anticipation about the MCU’s future, especially the looming presence of Robert Downey Jr as Doctor Doom. As both a classic adversary and Phase 6’s significant threat, Doom casts a long shadow, but director Matt Shakman and his team manage much of that pressure with care. Meanwhile, Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) shoulder the weight of legacy and reinvention.
The new movie skips the traditional origin story, offering just a video summary of how cosmic rays transformed four astronauts into the super-powered defenders of Earth-828, an alternate version of our reality. Coming a decade after the doomed Josh Trank reboot (pun intended) and the two mediocre Tim Story-directed early-2000s films, this version wastes no time diving into the action. That narrative shortcut isn’t a flaw, but in fact, the film’s decision to immediately immerse viewers in a fully realized, retro-futuristic world is one of its strongest assets.
First Steps doesn’t deliver a ton of action, which isn’t necessarily a flaw. Prioritizing character development, especially for heroes expected to become central to the MCU, is the right move. Still, the action that is there feels underwhelming, lacking those standout, comic book-worthy images that linger in your mind. The film could use more high-energy frames that burst with emotion and momentum. While much of it works fine, there’s nothing fundamentally broken; it also doesn’t leave a strong impression. What’s missing are the moments that define great superhero stories: no tearjerkers, no edge-of-your-seat tension. The most heroic visuals are tucked away in montage sequences, rather than the film’s key set pieces. Despite the retro-futuristic beauty of Earth-828, the scale of Galactus, and the unique production design, the cinematography never quite elevates the imagery.
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The pacing also plays a big role. First Steps moves briskly through its under-two-hour runtime with a momentum that keeps you from lingering on questions for too long. While that speed can sometimes cover up weaker storytelling, in this case, it feels more like efficient shorthand. This isn’t an origin story, and it doesn’t need to be. If you’re unfamiliar with the comics or the earlier movie versions, quick in-universe TV segments fill in the basics.
What’s more impressive is how director Matt Shakman and the writers trust the audience to keep up. They provide just enough context and let the story move forward, never getting bogged down by the details. That quick rhythm means viewers are not distracted by references they might not fully understand, whether it’s Super-Apes, Subterranea, or time dilation. The film knows when to explain and when to let things slide, making for a smoother overall experience.
Pascal captures Reed Richards perfectly. In the comics, Reed has consistently had a wide range of potential arcs, sometimes portraying a brilliant yet dangerous mastermind, and at other times a well-meaning genius simply trying to do good. What’s clever about this portrayal is that all those possibilities remain open. Pascal’s performance can occasionally feel a bit flat, leaning into the awkward, nerdy genius trope. Yet beneath that, there’s a clear emotional depth. You can sense Reed grappling with problems he can’t fix, overwhelmed by the unknown. He doesn’t undergo a major transformation in First Steps, but that might be the point. This feels less like a full character arc and more like a pilot episode for what’s to come. For a hero likely to take center stage in future MCU chapters, this restrained, foundational approach works. It sets up a version of Reed who hasn’t peaked yet but clearly will evolve.
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But Vanessa Kirby is the real standout of First Steps, anchoring the film with a powerful performance as Sue Storm. While Reed, Johnny, and Ben often find themselves sidelined or taken out of the action, it’s Sue who repeatedly steps up to save the day, even while in labor. She’s sharp, protective, and fully aware of the dangers surrounding her family. Kirby’s Sue isn’t just the emotional core; she’s also the strategic one, handling problem after problem and even communicating with Mole Man (Paul Walter Hauser). Kirby, long a standout since The Crown, continues her streak here. More than anyone else, Sue is poised to be a major figure in future MCU stories. But the film’s emotional resonance lies in her relationship with Reed. Their shared anxieties as new parents are deeply human, even amid the cosmic chaos.
In contrast, Ben Grimm and Johnny Storm bring much-needed levity and heart to the movie. Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s Ben is grounded and soulful, capturing the quiet pain of being transformed into the Thing while still finding warmth in his bond with the people of New York. Joseph Quinn’s Johnny, meanwhile, is a literal and figurative hot head balancing ego with surprising vulnerability. Their dynamic is classic Marvel: full of sibling-style bickering but laced with genuine affection. Though they don’t get as much emotional depth as Reed and Sue, their presence makes the team feel complete.
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Galactus, played by Ralph Ineson, makes a powerful impression despite limited screen time. His deep, commanding voice and towering presence give the planet-eater real weight, even if he remains more of a looming threat than an active force. The real standout, though, is Julia Garner as the Silver Surfer. Tragic, stoic, and quietly emotional, she makes the most of every moment, crafting a three-dimensional character with the bit of time she has.
Ultimately, the subtitle First Steps says it all. This film feels like an introduction for the characters destined to play bigger roles in the MCU. The first post-credit scene confirms their return in Avengers: Doomsday, cementing their place in the franchise’s future. While these heroes are compelling enough to stand out among Marvel’s roster, the film still feels more foundational than epic. Matt Shakman delivers a visually engaging story that doesn’t quite match the scale of its planet-devouring villain, though its metaphor for parenting lands emotionally.
‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Review: Fourth Time’s the Charm
Ultimately, the subtitle First Steps says it all. This film feels like an introduction for the characters destined to play bigger roles in the MCU. The first post-credit scene confirms their return in Avengers: Doomsday, cementing their place in the franchise’s future. While these heroes are compelling enough to stand out among Marvel’s roster, the film still feels more foundational than epic. Matt Shakman delivers a visually engaging story that doesn’t quite match the scale of its planet-devouring villain, though its metaphor for parenting lands emotionally.
