The Fantastic Four: First Steps was released in theaters on July 25, 2025 – the first Fantastic Four appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film starred Pedro Pascal as Mr. Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as the Invisible Woman, Ebon Moss-Bachrach as The Thing, and Joseph Quinn as the Human Torch.
The plot revolves around the Fantastic Four trying to prevent a cosmic being, Galactus, from devouring the planet. The film is set in a futuristic version of the 1960s, which is in a separate universe from the standard Marvel Universe. This movie is all about the importance of family and trying to maintain a work-life balance, primarily between Mr. Fantastic and the Invisible Woman. Mr. Fantastic is a major workaholic, and at the start of the movie, the Invisible Woman tells Mr. Fantastic that she is pregnant. This makes him feel like he has to do everything and more. In the Fantastic Four: First Steps, the Invisible Woman communicates, ”That’s what family is. It’s about fighting for something bigger than yourself. Connecting to something bigger than yourself.” This speaks volumes about this film’s narrative of family values and working together.
I am very happy with the casting; I don’t think any of the actors did a bad job whatsoever. Casting Pedro Pascal was a risky and bold move, but I think he did a phenomenal job. Pedro plays a believable father while maintaining the quirkiness of the character. Vanessa Kirby’s role as a mother in the movie is near perfect. There are only a few times in the movie where I felt that she could have done better; Ebon Moss-Bachrach is very witty and lovable as The Thing. He plays the character in such an energetic yet calm way that makes him my favorite in this movie. Last but not least, Joseph Quinn as the Human Torch. Joseph plays the Human Torch while balancing the intelligence, charisma, and seriousness of the role very well. My only critique about his role is that his subplot is not fleshed out enough for him to be my favorite.
The visuals and soundtrack of this movie are gorgeous. The visuals, from the advertisements in the film to the Fantastic Four Spacecraft, help enhance the feeling of being in a futuristic 1960s. The soundtrack also does this in a more subtle way that helps sway the emotions in most, if not all, scenes.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is the best film that Marvel has created since Avengers: Endgame. From the characters to the visuals to the story, everything about this film is near-perfect. My rating for The Fantastic Four: First Steps is a solid 9.5/10. I can’t wait to see more like this from Marvel. Ultimately, the film is an amazing experience, and I would recommend you watch it on available streaming services.
