After years of false starts and cinematic misfires, Marvel Studios has finally delivered a satisfying and stylish reboot of one of its most iconic properties with The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Directed by Matt Shakman and set in an alternate 1960s-inspired timeline within the broader MCU, the film offers a fresh yet respectful take on Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm — and it mostly works.
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Retro World, Modern Storytelling
Unlike previous iterations, this film chooses a vintage sci-fi tone. Think Mad Men meets The Incredibles, wrapped in Marvel’s signature action-comedy formula. Set in a stylized version of the 1960s, the world-building immediately sets the film apart from the current multiversal chaos of the MCU. Here, we return to the basics: one superpowered family learning how to function — with each other and as heroes.
From the opening scenes, it’s clear this version wants to establish its own identity. There’s less dependence on cameos and more emphasis on character development. This isn’t a multiverse filler or setup film — it’s a character-driven origin story that balances humor, emotion, and some surprising depth.
Cast & Characters
The casting is on point. Joseph Quinn brings a charming intensity to Reed Richards, giving the character a nerdy genius vibe without making him robotic. Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm is arguably the standout — elegant, powerful, and emotionally layered. She’s not just “the girl” in the group anymore, but a vital anchor for the family.
Ebon Moss-Bachrach gives Ben Grimm / The Thing a surprising amount of heart, and his relationship with Reed is the emotional core of the film. Meanwhile, Johnny Storm is played with fiery charisma by Paul Mescal, bringing youthful energy and the perfect amount of arrogance to his Human Torch.
Together, their chemistry clicks — something sorely missing from earlier adaptations.
Action and Visuals
Visually, First Steps is a standout. The special effects are slick but never overwhelming. Action scenes are tightly choreographed, especially during the final battle sequence in the Negative Zone — a thrilling and beautifully designed climax that plays with gravity and perspective in creative ways.
What really works, though, is the smaller-scale action. The film doesn’t rely on city-destroying stakes. Instead, it’s about protecting each other and learning how to fight as a team. It makes the action feel more grounded and emotionally resonant.
Science, Heart, and Humor
What elevates First Steps beyond standard superhero fare is its script. The dialogue is sharp, with some genuinely funny exchanges that don’t undercut the drama. The screenplay explores themes of identity, transformation, family responsibility, and sacrifice — all central to the Fantastic Four mythos.
The film doesn’t rush their powers either. There’s time spent dealing with how these abilities affect their relationships, bodies, and public perception. It’s reminiscent of early X-Men films in its treatment of mutation as both a gift and a curse.
The Villain: An Underwhelming Twist
If the movie has one real weakness, it’s the villain. Without spoiling too much, the antagonist is a familiar face with a twist — but lacks the menace or complexity of Marvel’s better baddies. While the actor does what they can, the villain’s motivations are vague, and their final act feels a bit rushed.
Here’s hoping future sequels flesh them out more fully, especially with hints of Doctor Doom lurking in the background.
Verdict
Marvel took its time, but The Fantastic Four: First Steps is worth the wait. It delivers a grounded, fun, and surprisingly emotional superhero origin story that finally does justice to Marvel’s First Family. While the villain doesn’t quite stick the landing, the film’s style, performances, and focus on character make it one of the more memorable MCU entries in recent years.
Rating: 8.5 / 10
Recommended for: Marvel fans, superhero newcomers, fans of character-driven sci-fi, and anyone disappointed by the previous Fantastic Four films.