The Fantastic Four: First Steps
2025
***
Director: Matt Shakman
Cast: Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Julia Garner, Ralph Ineson, John Malkovich, Paul Walter Hauser, Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles
Just as Reed Richards and Sue Storm are expecting their first baby, the Fantastic Four must defend Earth from the planet-devouring Galactus and his herald, the Silver Surfer. Following the 2005 movie and the disastrous 2015 reboot, this marks the third cinematic iteration of the Fantastic Four. It introduces the characters to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, though without any crossover to the wider franchise. This one is set on Earth-828 in 1964, and the vibrant retro-futuristic look is its standout feature. Unfortunately, the script delivers more of the same recent MCU mediocrity: distant characters, an absence of truly memorable set pieces, and a formulaic big showdown in New York City.
