The Fantastic Four: First Steps Review – Marvel’s Bold and Best Attempt Yet to Reignite the Iconic Franchise
The Fantastic Four First Steps review
Cast: Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Joseph Quinn, Julia Garner, Sarah Niles, Ralph Ineson
Director: Matt Shakman
Rating: ★★★.5
Introduction: A Fresh Beginning for Marvel’s First Family
After multiple attempts at bringing The Fantastic Four to life on screen, Marvel Studios finally delivers a version that truly honors the legacy of its original superhero family. The Fantastic Four: First Steps marks a powerful reboot — one that balances emotional depth, character-driven storytelling, and high-stakes adventure, making it Marvel’s strongest attempt yet at reviving the beloved franchise.
This essay explores what sets First Steps apart, how it redefines each central character, and why this version could be the key to cementing the Fantastic Four’s place in the MCU’s future.
A Grounded Origin Story That Works
Unlike previous iterations that rushed through the origin narrative or relied heavily on visual effects to carry the story, First Steps focuses on building a compelling foundation. The movie doesn’t just explain how Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm acquire their powers — it explores who they are before the transformation and how their newfound abilities change them as individuals and as a family unit.
The storytelling is grounded, emotionally resonant, and refreshingly human. Audiences are given time to connect with the characters before they're thrust into the world of interdimensional chaos, and that emotional investment pays off throughout the film.