The Fantastic Four: First Steps is without a doubt the easiest access point into the Marvel Cinematic Universe in years. In 2025, the MCU has 17 years worth of content to catch up. And if you’re someone who has always been intimidated by that, it’s a daunting task that surrounds a universe that is so beloved by fans worldwide. If this is you, you need to watch The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
This movie gave me a story about hope, family, and love on par with Superman. The latest DC movie made me feel like I wasn’t so alone in this world. And The Fantastic Four: First Steps did the same thing with a healthy dose of family and a new couple to ship till my dying breath, aka Reed Richards and Sue Storm. This is why I think studios need to step it up all around. Because twice you have given me stories so chock full of hope and light that it feels easier to breathe in a world that feels like it’s crushing me. So you can do it again.
But if you’re acquainted with the MCU and have been here since the very first movie, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is going to feel equal parts a breath of fresh air and recognizable due to the care of detail that goes into the look of everything, from the clothes to the soundtrack. And as someone who has no problem calling out a movie when it doesn’t work, like that Jimmy Olsen bit in James Gunn’s Superman, there’s no part of this movie that didn’t work for me as a seasoned Marvel fan.
Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards worked for me. I’ve seen him in every role imaginable but somehow he managed to deliver something new with this character. His Mister Fantastic was caring but methodical, brave but realistic, and he understood that he couldn’t do this alone because his real strength lay with his family. So if you’re a Pedro fan, you’re going to eat. But it’s not just Pedro Pascal who did well in this movie.
Vanessa Kirby also worked as Sue Storm. While other people might have gotten to know her in movies like the various Mission Impossible’ or Netflix’s The Crown, I know nothing about Kirby and have never seen her in anything. Now I know I made a grave mistake. Kirby is, in my eyes, the best part of The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Her Sue Storm is compassionate but stands ten toes down when it comes to her family or what she believes in. She also has multiple moments throughout the movie where her fierce determination to protect her family leaves you with your jaw on the ground because Queen. Because mother.
Then there’s Johnny Storm. There isn’t much that I remember about the 2005 Fantastic Four movie. But I do remember Chris Evans as the human torch. After watching The Fantastic Four: First Steps, that version of him has been replaced with Joseph Quinn. Ever since Quinn blew up in Stranger Things, I have been worried that he would be a one-hit wonder. This movie proves he’s not. His Johnny was a bit of a nuisance, like any good brother is. But he wasn’t the joke. He contributed to the family like any other member and changed the course of the film due to his actions.
And finally there is Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s Ben Grimm aka The Thing. A lot of people are familiar with this actor because they watch The Bear. I do not watch that show. Like Kirby, I haven’t watched him in anything. But maybe I’ve made a grave mistake about that as well. His Ben was kind, the kind of quiet funny that surprises you, and without a doubt the hottest member of the Fantastic Four. No, I will not be taking any questions about this. He just was and that sweater really worked for him. And me.
Ultimately, I need Marvel to take big risks like they did with this movie. I feel like everything has become so homogeneous within the Marvel space, whether we’re talking about look or storytelling choices, that this movie stands out like a shining beacon. I could tell that there was care put into everything, from the smallest button on outfit to the way that Galactus looked or Michael Giacchino’s score. Everything felt distinct. So it’s time to step it up, Marvel. You did it with this movie. Now it’s time to do more.
P.S. Thought of something extra after I hit publish on this review. Romance. I was fed in James Gunn’s Superman with Lois and Clark. And here comes Reed Richards and Sue Storm! This is what I mean when I say I want real relationship problems. This is what I mean when I say I want a couple facing the challenges of life together. And this is what happens when two actors, who clearly have chemistry, create something magical. So basically, new ship unlocked.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps hits theaters July 24, 2024.
