Original Fantastic Four from 20 years ago with ‘perfect cast' is streaming as Marvel reboot hits screens
Marvel's earlier attempts at superhero blockbusters are currently streaming on Disney+ as yet another comic book reboot hits screens this week.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is the latest entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the fourth attempt to bring the first superhero family to the big screen.
Following Roger Corman's unreleased version from the 1990s and preceding the much-maligned 2015 reboot, two films starring the beloved superhero squad were released to relative success in 2005 and 2007.
Both Fantastic Four and its sequel, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, are available to stream on Disney+, and it's the perfect time for fans to remind themselves of the franchise's humble beginnings.
Some would even argue that the cast of these noughties cult classics, including Ioan Gruffudd as Mister Fantastic, Jessica Alba as the Invisible Woman, Chris Evans as Human Torch and Michael Chiklis as the Thing, is even better than the new ensemble.
The two films also feature Julian McMahon, who sadly passed away this year, as the iconic nemesis of the Fantastic Four, Doctor Doom.
One Google reviewer defended the first film from lacklustre reviews: 'AMAZING I DONT CARE WHAT ANYONE SAYS.
'This movie is not only funny but has a very clear plot that establishes the characters (perfect casting for each role btw) compared to the new one this is absolutely perfect in every way.
'It has a good replay value and it's an overall fun movie. If you're thinking of watching the 2015 one DONT this one is actually a movie with some value to it.'
Someone else raved: 'Amazing Movie, Many call it cheesy, personally I don't see that. I believe the casting is amazing, They look very close to the Comics.'
The praise continued on Letterboxd with a nostalgic fan writing: 'This cast was so perfect it actually amazes me.
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'I wish we got something better than this movie and I wish the cast had a better script to work with but it still holds a very special place in my heart.
'Entirely nostalgic. It's so 2005 and I f***ing love it.'
Another said: 'This is legitimately a perfect superhero film. There's so much heart in this and it's so fun, and campy, and charming. The casting is just impeccable.'
And a final user posted: 'This is one of my comfort movies. The amount of times I watched it as a kid is unhealthy. It is like watching a comic book in motion.
'Chris Evans, Jessica Alba, Ioan Gruffudd and Michael Chiklis are the peak of casting.'
With Marvel's famous family returning to the big screen this week, don't forget to return to the Fantastic Four's roots to appreciate just how far they've come.
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