Latest news with #Avengers:Doomsday


Indian Express
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Fantastic Four first reactions say Marvel dials down the noise, turns up the heart in cosmic reboot: ‘Emotional punch'
Marvel hosted a special screening of Fantastic Four: First Steps five days ahead of its global release, and if early reactions are any clue, this might be the comeback the company has been been dying for. The film already had eyeballs thanks to its crossover with Avengers: Doomsday, but even as a standalone, it's holding its ground. From visuals to casting, critics are raving about the reboot's bold direction, picture perfect casting, stunning visuals, and a surprisingly strong emotional core. Here's what critics are saying online. Marvel's first family has elicited a strong response from critics, something that might just reignite that old spark fans had for the MCU. If it hits big with audiences and pulls off a box office win, this could mark Marvel's second comeback moment this year, right after Thunderbolts* revived the modern MCU era. The first press screening drew comparisons to Interstellar and Guardians of the Galaxy in terms of feels and ambition to have a new installment. Also read: Did Pedro Pascal just spoil a major Avengers Doomsday death? Fans decode his cryptic Robert Downey Jr comment The movie stars stretchy Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), invisible woman Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), human torch Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn), and rock monster Ben Grimm, aka the Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach). Critics are calling it a 'visual feast,' with Brandon Davis praising the film's 'immaculate' effects, especially in scenes featuring Silver Surfer and Galactus. Davis added, 'Fantastic Four: First Steps gets a lot right — it looks and feels like a top-tier Marvel film again.' Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby are garnering praise for their electrifying chemistry that's actually worth the hype. So far, not many are finding much to complain about. People's Sharareh Drury called Kirby 'a shooting star,' praising her command over the role and how she stands out even in a team full of scene-stealers. Joseph Quinn and Ebon Moss-Bachrach also received strong reactions, with their excellent comic timing and emotional beats striking a chord with the audience. Julia Garner's version of Silver Surfer has apparently brought the character to life, in a way that's 'haunting, powerful, and unforgettable.' Also read: Who is 'world eater' Galactus and the female silver surfer Shalla Bal who feature in the trailer of The Fantastic Four First Steps About the action set-pieces, critics say while it's not extravagant, it's polished and fits into the film's stunning cosmic sequences. But the aspect making Fantastic Four such a film to discuss doesn't even lie with the action, it's about the emotions that exceeded expectations. Multiple early viewers pointed out that the film doesn't just build a universe, it gives the characters room to breathe, connect, and grow. George Mckay: 'Fantastic Four Quite possibly the best Marvel Studios film ever released. Absolutely loaded with talent and standout performances from Vanessa Kirby and Joseph Quinn. If you thought the MCU died with Endgame, think again. Thoughtfully crafted and easily a genre-defining classic.' Brian Long Films: 'I came in tempered but #FantasticFour is truly a return to form for the MCU, the opening minutes blew my socks off in IMAX. Gardner's & Quinn's work stood out to me the most. Galactus gives this film real stakes and his presence is felt even off screen, incredible miniature work!' Next Best Picture editor-in-chief Matt Neglia: 'Combined with Matt Shakman's snappy, confident storytelling, this is an intriguing & satisfying first step for Marvel's new team (easily the best depiction of this quartet on-screen to date) as the MCU continues to regain control of the ship & steer it closer to 'Doomsday.'' In a behind-the-scenes reveal, Shakman confirmed that John Malkovich was originally cast as Red Ghost, but his scenes were cut. 'It broke my heart,' he admitted, but said the decision was necessary to maintain focus on the core story. As Marvel prepares for Phase 6, Fantastic Four: First Step's box office will reveal whether the Superhero movie still stands a chance. So far, its a bold reset that may have finally put Marvel back on track. Fantastic Four: First Steps releases on July 25.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fantastic Four director Matt Shakman says Pedro Pascal's Reed Richards will "lead the Avengers", and let's spare a thought for Sam Wilson
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Fantastic Four director Matt Shakman has just revealed who will be leading the Avengers in Avengers: Doomsday. While speaking to Variety on the challenges of casting Reed Richards – a role that ultimately went to Pedro Pascal – Shakman said, "He goes from being the nerdy scientist who's locked away in the lab, to the husband and the father who'd do anything to protect his family, to the guy who's leading the Avengers." Given Marvel's proclivity for keeping pretty much every story beat and spoiler under wraps, this certainly could be seen as a slip of the tongue on Shakman's part. Right now, all we know about the makeup of the Avengers comes from the tease found at the end of the Thunderbolts post-credits scene. There, the newly-christened 'New Avengers' (Red Guardian, Bucky Barnes, Yelena, Bob/Sentry, Ghost, and John Walker) are in a legal battle with Sam Wilson's Avengers over the rights to the name. They're also monitoring interstellar activity, which is when Fantastic Four's ship arrives on the scene (though Marvel boss Kevin Feige's comments about what it may or may not be have only muddied the waters). Now, it appears Mr. Fantastic will be leading the way for Earth's Mightiest Heroes as they remain on track for a showdown with Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom. Speaking to GamesRadar+, Shakman also let us in on another sliver of story information – Galactus will be on a "collision course" with Reed and Sue's child, Franklin. "What was so charming about this movie is it's about the tiniest, youngest thing in the world and the oldest, biggest thing in the universe," Shakman teased. Fantastic Four, starring Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach hits cinemas on July 25. For more on the Marvel Phase 6 opener and future MCU projects, check out our complete guide to upcoming Marvel movies. Solve the daily Crossword


Indian Express
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Did Pedro Pascal just spoil a major Avengers Doomsday death? Fans decode his cryptic Robert Downey Jr comment
Pedro Pascal may have just let slip a major Avengers: Doomsday plot point. The Fantastic Four: First Steps is barely a week away from release, and Pedro, who plays Reed Richards aka Mister Fantastic in the film, teased whether Marvel's first family will even survive what lies ahead in Avengers: Doomsday. The film's still over a year away, but his comment left fans already dreading what could happen to the characters. In a recent promo interview with SensaCine Latinoamérica, Pascal and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Ben Grimm/The Thing) were talking about their upcoming MCU projects. Ebon revealed that he was star struck by Robert Downey Jr, who's returning as a variant of Doctor Doom in Doomsday. 'I was excited to work with Robert Downey Jr. I've loved him for so long,' he said, adding, 'He's one of my favourite actors, he's a brilliant actor. Come at me.' And then, Pascal added the line, 'Too bad you don't have any scenes with him.' Also read: The Fantastic Four First Steps final trailer: Fantastic Four rally together to face their biggest threat yet That remark sent fans into a frenzy. If The Thing doesn't share screen time with Doctor Doom, that could mean two things: Either their characters exist in different timelines or multiverse realities. Or worse, one of them doesn't survive long enough to make it to the final battle. It could also be that their scenes are computer-generated, and don't require them to be on set physically with each other. Either way, it sounded like the Last of Us star may have revealed the major plot point. In another interview promoting First Steps on the BBC, Moss-Bachrach described Doomsday using four words: 'Epic, tragic, intergalactic, starry.' Meanwhile, Joseph Quinn (who plays Johnny Storm aka Human Torch) described it as 'Epic, mental, Downey Jr.' With characters like Tony Stark and Black Widow already gone, fans are expecting more tragic news ahead. Doomsday, with its massive 60-member-plus cast, will pick up directly where The Fantastic Four: First Steps leaves off. Joining the Fantastic Four stars are Anthony Mackie (Captain America), Letitia Wright (Shuri), and Sebastian Stan (Bucky Barnes). But before they take on Doctor Doom, the team will face Ralph Ineson's Galactus and the Silver Surfer, played by Julia Garner. Meanwhile, a new clip from First Steps shows Sue Storm holding their baby, Franklin Richards, while Reed Richards addresses the press. 'We attempted to negotiate, but Galactus… he asked too high a price,' Reed says. When asked what that was, he adds, 'He asked for our child.' Why would Galactus want their baby? Because Franklin Richards, born to two parents exposed to radiation, is a mutant, one believed to grow up with powers strong enough to create entire universes, bend time, and mess with reality. Stronger than most Avengers combined. Which also explains why a planet-eating cosmic force like Galactus would be after him. Also read: Who is 'world eater' Galactus and the female silver surfer Shalla Bal who feature in the trailer of The Fantastic Four First Steps All signs point to yes. While Ebon may not get to face off against Doctor Doom, Reed Richards definitely will. Earlier, a Marvel producer even revealed that Pascal had to visit RDJ's house for a special Avengers 'homework day.' When asked if Chris Evans (the original Human Torch) would appear in First Steps or Doomsday, Pascal didn't say anything. 'I've just gone into… a blackout.' The Fantastic Four: First Step releases on July 25.


Geek Tyrant
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS TV Spot Puts Family First and Teases Franklin Richards' Superpowers — GeekTyrant
Marvel Studios is leaning hard into the family vibe with its newest TV spot for The Fantastic Four: First Steps . The short promo shifts the spotlight from cosmic threats to something far more personal… Reed Richards and Sue Storm are expecting a baby. While we do get flashes of superhero spectacle, the promo's biggest question doesn't involve fighting Galactus, it's whether or not the baby will have powers. As you know, Franklin Richards isn't just some toddler. In the comics, he's a cosmic powerhouse capable of rewriting reality and creating entire universes. He's basically a god in OshKosh B'gosh. And according to rumors, Franklin's powers are going to be a major factor in the film. Some insiders even claim that Galactus has plans for the child that haven't been fully revealed yet. Then there's Doctor Doom, who could use powers like that, and the character is likely being set up for Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars . Vanessa Kirby, who plays Sue Storm, recently spoke about what drew her to the role. 'I've always been really interested in the mess of femininity, and how can you be both? How can you be all the things? 'Not just the tough, invincible, powerful woman, but also a mother who gives birth, which is itself a superhero act. I love that these characters are real humans in a messy family who argue and try to work it out and get things wrong.' Watch the new TV spot fo r The Fantastic Four: First Steps below and get ready to meet the MCU's next game-changer… still in diapers. The movie is set to be released in theaters on July 25, 2025.

IOL News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Romance reboot? Jessica Alba and Danny Ramirez spotted together after her split
Actress Jessica Alba's new love interest has been revealed as 32-year-old actor Danny Ramirez, a hunkier and younger man. Image: Instagram Months after Jessica Alba split from her husband, Cash Warren, the 'Honey' actor was spotted kissing a mystery man earlier this year, who has now been identified as 'Captain America' actor Danny Ramirez. According to TMZ, the two were spotted boarding a plane in Cancun, where they had spent time together, and later headed back to Los Angeles (LA) on an American Airlines jet. Danny Ramirez is reportedly the new guy in Jessica Alba's life. Image: Instagram Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ramirez is a 32-year-old actor known for his role in the Marvel series 'The Falcon and the Winter Soldier', where he played a character in the Captain America franchise. Currently, he is also filming 'Avengers: Doomsday', scheduled for release on December 18, 2026. According to sources, including a report from "People", Alba has been enjoying her singleness and has not been dating anyone seriously. Before their Cancun vacation, Ramirez and the 44-year-old actress were reportedly spotted spending time together and taking a stroll in London's Regent's Park before his identity was revealed, sparking romance rumours. However, details about the nature of their relationship remain scarce as they have neither confirmed nor denied any of the romance allegations. This comes after Alba and her husband of nearly 19 years, Cash Warren, announced their separation earlier this year. In February, Alba announced that she was separated from her husband, film producer Warren, after the two were together for nearly two decades. In an Instagram post, she shared that she has been on a journey of self-realisation and transformation, both as an individual and in her relationship. She expressed pride in the growth they experienced together with Warren and acknowledged that it was time for them to embark on new journeys individually. Despite the changes, Alba emphasised that they were moving forward with love, kindness, and respect for each other. Warren and Alba share three kids together, daughters Honor, who is 16, Haven, 13, and 6-year-old son Hayes. Nearly a month after the news of their split broke, Alba and Warren took the next step, filing for divorce. However, they prioritised their children and are hoping to keep the divorce as amicable as possible.