Marvel‘s “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” has been unveiled to members of the film press, and first reactions are praising the MCU epic as a “visual feast” with “snappy, confident storytelling.”
Next Best Picture editor-in-chief Matt Neglia wrote on X that the Marvel tentpole lives up to its namesake of “fantastic,” hailing the film’s “excellent” leading quartet and “delightful” retro-futuristic aesthetic.
He wrote, “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.’”
Entertainment journalist Brandon Davis also took to X to share his thoughts. He wrote that “Fantastic Four” was one of the “best things Marvel has ever done” and compared the visuals to those of Christopher Nolan’s “Interstellar.”
“Galactus is awesome. Silver Surfer looks really, really good. VFX were often immaculate,” Davis wrote. “Cosmically and on Earth, Matt Shakman dropped a visual feast.”
People staffer Sharareh Drury echoed the praise, writing on X that “Fantastic Four” was “breathtaking.” She gave particular kudos to Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby, who play MCU power couple Reed Richards and Susan Storm, respectively.
“Stunning visuals, a moving story, witty banter and epic action. Marvel’s First Family delivers one awesome ride,” she wrote. “Pedro Pascal nails it as Mr. Fantastic. Vanessa Kirby stands out as Sue Storm – she’s a shooting star.”
Rounding out the leading four alongside Pascal and Kirby are Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, aka Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm, aka The Thing. “First Steps” follows the titular super squad as they defend Earth from the gargantuan planet-eating space tyrant Galactus. Matt Shakman directs with a script by Josh Friedman, Eric Pearson and Jeff Kaplan.
Other cast members include Ralph Ineson, Julia Garner, Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles and Paul Walter Hauser.
Variety exclusively reported that John Malkovich was originally set to appear in “First Steps” as Red Ghost, but was cut out of the film. Shakman said it was “heartbreaking not to include him in the final version of the movie,” adding that he was “honored” Malkovich had joined the project in the first place.
“There were a lot of things that ultimately ended up hitting the cutting room floor,” Shakman said. “When we were building a ’60s retro-future world, introducing all of these villains, introducing these four main characters as a group, as well as individually, introducing the idea of a child — there was a lot of stuff to balance in this movie and some things had to go ultimately in terms of shaping the film for its final version.”
“The Fantastic Four: First Steps” hits theaters July 24. Check out more first reactions below.
“#FantasticFour is a story about family above all else, where each member of the team is equally important. No one is underserved; the movie excels when fleshing out the various bonds between Pedro, Vanessa, Ebon, & Joseph. The retro ’60s aesthetic works on all fronts.” – Andrew J. Salazar (@AndrewJ626)
“#FantasticFour Is a masterpiece. the visual effects and the score are a HUGE stand out. Galactus Is huge In IMAX. It’s emotional and gives you hope. It beats you off and doesn’t stop. STAY Until the END CREDITS.” – Deo (@frickyuu)
“Fantastic Four friggin’ rocks! More than any Marvel movie before it, F4 feels like Jack Kirby’s imagination brought to life on the big screen. Between this and Superman, 2025 might go down as the year movies finally embrace the wonderful weirdness of comic books.” – Chris Killian (@chriskillian)
“Nothing will prepare you for #TheFantasticFour First Steps. Pedro Pascal is the perfect Reed, but the entire cast shines and does right by these characters. It’s funny, moving, gorgeous to look at, and non-stop FANTASTIC. This is @MarvelStudios at its brilliant best.” – Josh Wilding (@Josh_Wilding)
