The Fantastic Four: First Steps, directed by Matt Shakman, reboots Marvel’s First Family with a fresh take that leans into retro-1960s style while still delivering the cosmic stakes fans expect. It’s Marvel Studios bold attempt to reset the Fantastic Four legacy, setting up a more emotionally driven narrative and emphasizing themes of family, unity, and responsibility.
The film’s greatest strength lies in its production design and visual world. The retro-futuristic aesthetic, from flying cars and period elements to the Baxter Building and its gadgets, gives First Steps a signature look that distinguishes it from previous Fantastic Four iterations. According to reviewers, this design is one of its most appealing features.
On the acting front, the cast is solid. Vanessa Kirby (Sue Storm) stands out in particular, balancing emotional weight and poise. Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards shows flashes of the brilliance and internal conflict that the role demands. Joseph Quinn (Johnny Storm) and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Ben Grimm) are serviceable, though some critics feel their characters are less developed than Reed and Sue.
However, the film isn’t without flaws. The pacing dips noticeably in the second act: certain sections feel like padding, slowing down the momentum between setup and climax. Also, while the visuals are impressive, there are moments where CGI doesn’t quite hold up, especially in more intimate emotional beats or scenes involving big cosmic effects. Some of Galactus’s more abstract ambitions are exciting in concept but don’t always translate into grounded emotional stakes.
In the end, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is a strong reboot that largely succeeds in bringing the Fantastic Four back into the MCU conversation. It may not fully escape some of Marvel’s more formulaic plot elements, but it does enough new things, style, tone, character moments, to earn its place. For fans of the team and anyone who enjoys cosmic Marvel stories with big ideas and heart, it’s worth seeing in theaters.
Here are some of the best lines or quotes from the movie The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025)
“I herald his beginning. I herald your end. I herald… Galactus.” — Shalla-Bal, the Silver Surfer, announcing the cosmic threat’s arrival.
“Family is about connecting to something bigger than yourself. We’ll face it together as a family.” — Sue Richards, emphasizing the film’s core theme of unity and resilience.
“I’m not sacrificing my son for this planet, but I won’t sacrifice this planet for my son.” — Sue Storm, expressing the difficult moral choices she faces between personal love and heroic duty.
“Tell Franklin Uncle Johnny loves him.” — Johnny Storm, a heartfelt line during his ultimate sacrifice, showing his deep care for family.
“We will protect you.” — Reed Richards, pledging their commitment to protect the world amid danger.
“He does not want. He feeds.” — The Silver Surfer explaining Galactus, portraying him as a cosmic force beyond moral concepts.
“I don’t want you to be like me.” — Reed Richards, a vulnerable moment speaking to his son about his fears and hopes.
