Fantastic Four: First steps early reviews drop — Has the MCU revived its magic?

Time of India

4 days ago

The Marvel Cinematic Universe's highly anticipated film,
The Fantastic Four: First Steps
, is already generating substantial buzz across global fan circles, with early viewers calling the superhero epic 'out of this world'. With its official release scheduled for July 25, the upcoming Fantastic Four Marvel
movie
has quickly become a hot topic across social media platforms, thanks to advanced screenings and enthusiastic early reviews.
The film introduces a fresh ensemble cast, including Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach in the titular roles of Marvel's original superhero team. Directed by Matt Shakman, the film brings back fan-favourite villains such as Galactus, portrayed by Ralph Ineson, and introduces Julia Garner as a reimagined Silver Surfer.
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A Bold Cosmic Reimagining of Marvel's First Family
Based on the original Marvel Comics created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby,
The Fantastic Four: First Steps
reintroduces audiences to four scientists who gain superhuman powers after exposure to a cosmic storm. The team—Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic), Sue Storm (Invisible Woman), Johnny Storm (Human Torch), and Ben Grimm (The Thing)—must band together to confront Galactus and the Silver Surfer in a visually expansive narrative set partly in outer space.
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The F
antastic Four Marvel movie
is being described as a 'fresh tonal shift' in the MCU, moving away from formulaic storytelling and opting instead for a retro-futuristic style that pays homage to its 1960s comic origins.
Vanessa Kirby and Joseph Quinn Emerge as Breakout Stars
While reactions have been broadly positive, certain cast members are earning particular acclaim. Vanessa Kirby's portrayal of Sue Storm is being hailed by early viewers as 'emotionally powerful' and 'the core of the story.' A number of reactions highlight her performance as a standout, with fans praising her ability to bring complexity and compassion to the role.
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Joseph Quinn's Human Torch has also attracted significant attention. Social media reactions describe his performance as 'vibrant,' adding that his scenes inject much-needed humour and energy into the film's more dramatic arcs.
'The family dynamic among the Fantastic Four is the emotional bedrock of the movie,' noted one viewer on social media, as per a report by The Independent. 'Every member brings something distinct, but it's Vanessa Kirby who elevates it.'
Galactus' Presence Said to Be 'Towering' in IMAX
Early buzz has also focused on the film's visual presentation, especially the depiction of Galactus. According to attendees at preview screenings, Galactus has been rendered with immense scale and gravitas, appearing as an overwhelming force in IMAX formats.
'The visuals alone make this a cinematic experience,' wrote one fan. 'Galactus is awe-inspiring—his scenes command total attention. The space sequences are breathtaking and immersive.'
Silver Surfer Reimagined: Julia Garner Makes Impact
Julia Garner's portrayal of Silver Surfer—here reimagined as Shalla-Bal—has sparked both curiosity and admiration. The casting choice, though initially controversial among purists, appears to have been well-received by those who've seen the film.
Garner is said to bring a 'stoic vulnerability' to the character, transforming what was once a secondary cosmic entity into a morally conflicted and emotionally layered persona.
'Her scenes with Galactus give the film unexpected depth,' one critic shared. 'It's a performance that lingers.'
Direction and Score Draw Comparisons to Classic Sci-Fi
Matt Shakman's direction has been favourably compared to past MCU successes, with critics drawing parallels to
Guardians of the Galaxy
for its humour and to
Interstellar
for its visuals. The film score, described as both bombastic and emotionally rich, has been singled out as one of the film's defining features.
'The visual and musical direction create a sense of scale and wonder rarely seen in recent Marvel films,' wrote a reviewer, as quoted in a report by The Independent. 'This feels like the start of a new phase, not just another instalment.'
A Welcome Standalone Experience Within the MCU
In an era of increasingly interconnected MCU projects,
The Fantastic Four: First Steps
is being praised for offering a relatively self-contained story. This approach has resonated well with viewers who have grown weary of the continuity-heavy structure of recent Marvel films.
'There's no homework required for this one,' quipped a social media user, as per The Independent report. 'It's a standalone that tells a complete story while leaving just enough room for future instalments.'
Critics say the film provides a soft reset for the franchise, making it accessible for both longtime fans and newcomers unfamiliar with Marvel's deeper lore.
Social Media Reactions Spark Ticket Frenzy
The reactions on social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) have been overwhelming in their praise. One user wrote: '#FantasticFour is a masterpiece. The visual effects and the score are a HUGE standout. Galactus is massive in IMAX. It's emotional, funny, and relentless. STAY until the END CREDITS.'
Another chimed in: 'If you thought the MCU died with
Endgame
, think again. This is a genre-defining comeback.'
The phrase 'out of this world' has been widely repeated in posts describing the team's chemistry and the film's cosmic set pieces.
Critics Predict Strong Box Office Performance
Industry analysts suggest that the strong early reception may translate into a robust box office debut. With positive word-of-mouth gaining momentum and Marvel marketing in full swing,
The Fantastic Four: First Steps
is projected to draw in major audiences both domestically and internationally.
Disney's Marvel Studios acquired the rights to the Fantastic Four after its 2019 merger with Fox, and expectations have remained high ever since. The success of this film could lay the groundwork for future crossovers with characters from
Thunderbolts
,
Black Panther
, and
X-Men
franchises.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps
is scheduled to release in theatres worldwide on July 25, 2025.
FAQs
When is The Fantastic Four: First Steps releasing in theatres?
The film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on July 25, 2025.
Who are the lead actors in the new Fantastic Four movie?
The ensemble cast includes Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as the core members of Marvel's original superhero team.