The Fantastic Four: First Steps marks a triumphant return for some of Marvel’s most loved characters, offering both a fresh take and a deeply faithful adaptation of the beloved Lee and Kirby characters. Directed by Matt Shakman, the film marks the beginning of Phase Six in the MCU, and sets itself apart with a striking retro-futuristic aesthetic inspired by the 1960s—a decision that both honours the era of the original comics and gives the film a distinctive visual identity.
The story centres around the group’s impactful history as emerging global icons. Just as they begin to find their footing, they are called upon to confront an existential threat: the arrival of Galactus, a planet-devouring cosmic entity, and his mysterious sidekick, the Silver Surfer. As the team grapples with the overwhelming stakes of saving their world, an intimate subplot unfolds around Reed Richards and Sue Storm, who are expecting their first child. Their unborn baby represents not just the future of their family, but also the hope for a world on the brink of annihilation.
From the chrome cityscapes of Earth-828 to the stylised costumes, gadgets and everyday object, everything about the design feels lovingly pulled from the original comics. The film also manages to avoid retreading the well-worn origin story and instead plunges us into a universe where the Fantastic Four are already fully formed as superheroes.
Pedro Pascal brings heart and oodles of charm to Reed Richards, emphasising intellect and internal conflict over physical showmanship. Vanessa Kirby stands out as Sue Storm, portraying her not just as a powerhouse but as the emotional anchor of the team. Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s Ben Grimm is soulful and grounded, while Joseph Quinn brings a modern twist to cocksure smooth talker Johnny Storm— granted, he’s still brash, but far more self-aware and empathetic than previous versions.
One of the film’s greatest strengths is its faithfulness to the tone and themes of the original comics. Galactus, played by acclaimed British actor Ralph Ineson, is a fully realised, awe-inspiring presence with comic-accurate armour and a sense of cosmic indifference that makes him all the more menacing. The Silver Surfer, portrayed brilliantly by Julia Garner, adds a layer of mystique to the proceedings. Their dynamic reflects the film’s larger theme: the tension between duty and personal sacrifice.
The action sequences are visually inventive and surprisingly grounded, often framed through emotional stakes rather than just spectacle. With a runtime of just under two hours, the film moves at a brisk pace while still giving its characters room to breathe. The screenplay, shaped by a team of writers including Josh Friedman and Eric Pearson, balances classic sci-fi adventure with intimate character work.
Perhaps most impressive is how the film taps into nostalgia without relying on it. It evokes the spirit of early Marvel Comics not through cameos or callbacks, but through its tone, visuals, and reverence for the source material. Michael Giacchino’s soaring score adds to this atmosphere, blending orchestral grandeur with a retro vibe that perfectly matches the film’s look and feel.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is more than just another reboot—it’s a confident, stylish reintroduction that finally does justice to the legacy of these characters. It’s a film that remembers why the Fantastic Four mattered in the first place and gives them a bold new path in the MCU.
