Niall McCloskey scales new cosmic heights for Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
From their parallel 1960s universe, Marvel's First Family have finally joined the MCU. Directed by Marvel alumnus Matt Shackman (WandaVision, Agatha All Along, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia), this iteration of the Fantastic Four takes place on “Earth-828”, an alternate Earth entirely cut off from the main universe and the many big events that have happened there over the past decade. Refreshingly, this means audiences can stroll into this movie with no prior knowledge. However, the film is still a treat for longtime fans, filled with the usual sprawl of Easter eggs and references to the comics.
The action kicks off with the announcement of a new addition to the Storm/Richards household – a baby, and something of a heightened challenge for these four heroes. Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), the smartest man alive and all-round worrier, is somehow also the most oblivious man in the room. As gruff and tough as you’d expect, The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) remains ever-loving, with a heart of gold, while hothead Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn) is as fiery as his title as the Human Torch suggests – fuel for the film’s traditional Marvel quippage. Rounding out the ensemble is Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), the Invisible Woman; radiating confidence, charisma and the fiercest mama-bear energy in the multiverse, Sue dominates this film from the very first frame.
So what superhero movie is complete without villains? An existential threat looms large; Fantastic Four sports two antagonists, the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) who leads the colossal Galactus (Ralph Ineson). This film marks two long-awaited character debuts in the MCU. Despite a slightly rushed arc, the Surfer threatens with an ethereal menace and Galactus commands in the deepest voice known to man, with Ineson training to step his voice down an entire octave.
The movie is boldly directed by Shackman. His dry humour makes him the perfect candidate to tackle the 'First Family', as he is able to tap into the heart and soul of who these fantastical superheroes are as people and land the humour accordingly. Shackman and DOP Jess Hall frame these characters in beautiful, intimate scenes that allow for a brief reprieve before they dial things up to eleven visually... and the heart-pounding, engaging action beats take flight.
The biggest push in the marketing for this film has been the cast. This is an all-star line-up of heavy-hitting A-listers bringing their all to their respective roles. Reed is played with awkward, endearing grace by Pascal. While he may know the answer to every equation thrown his way, his toughest battle is one he must fight as a new father. Sue undertakes a parallel journey, with Kirby bringing measured energy in one moment and a ferocity that can turn on at a moment's notice – never afraid to stand up for her family. Johnny is smart and witty and is a linchpin in the third act. However, as a fan of the comics, The Thing proves something of a disappointment. Moss-Bachrach is wonderful – an airtight piece of casting – but his arc is sparse and unfinished. Despite a wealth of backstory to draw from, his Jewish background is barely explored outside of a passing mention. Hopefully, this will be explored in subsequent films.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ strongest points lie in the aesthetic; there truly is a lot to marvel at here. From the retro-future production design to the breathtaking cinematography, this is one good-looking movie, with Jess Hall’s cinematography firing on all cylinders. The production design is bold, distinct, and the retrofuturistic feel of this alternate Earth is brought wonderfully to life with practical costumes, miniatures for scale, and incredible sets that feel torn right out of a different world.
The punchy sound mix is elevated by a wonderful score; Michael Giacchino returns for his sixth outing in the Marvel playground after tackling Spider-Man, Thor and Werewolf by Night, crafting grand operatic music filled with his usual sweeping strings and blaring horns – but this time, dashed with equal amounts of Jetsons-esque sixties-themed motifs and deep cosmic swirls that would make Bloodborne jealous.
In classic Marvel fashion, there are two post-credits stingers, teeing up the future of the MCU. As previously announced on 25th March 2025 (Marvel), The Fantastic Four are confirmed to return in next year's Avengers: Doomsday.
For many fans online, Avengers: Endgame marked their own personal endgame for the franchise, and since then, Marvel has found itself in a sea of high highs and low lows. Now, competition looms large, as DC has just reignited its own cinematic universe with James Gunn's Superman. So the question remains: will The Fantastic Four ignite a renewed spark of interest in Marvel hotter than the Human Torch himself? Only time will tell. But if you’re looking for an electric superhero thrilling ride filled with compelling performances, great action and that classic comic flair, this may be four you.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is in cinemas 25th July 2025.
