The Fantastic 4: First Steps (2025)
Set in an alternate, 1960s-inspired reality, Reed Richards and Sue Storm, alongside her brother Johnny and their friend Ben Grimm, are already established as heroes. Their world, Earth-828, faces an unimaginable threat when the cosmic entity Galactus arrives. The quartet must defend their planet and their expanding family—specifically Sue’s unborn child—against the Devourer of Worlds and his herald, Shalla-Bal.
Length: 1h54m
Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Action
This Title is: Retro-futurism, Cosmic Adventure, Family Drama
Cast
Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Julia Garner
Parental Guidance
Maturity Rating: PG-13 – Sci-Fi Action Violence and Thematic Elements
FAQ
- Is The Fantastic 4: First Steps Based on a True Story?: No, it is based on the long-running Marvel Comics superhero team created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.
- Where was The Fantastic 4: First Steps filmed?: While the movie is set in a retro-futuristic, alternate Manhattan, principal production was conducted primarily in studios, including Pinewood Studios in London.
- Who Wrote the Soundtrack?: Michael Giacchino
Filmmaker Profile
Director Matt Shakman, known for his work on WandaVision, brings a distinct retro-futuristic visual style to this production. He successfully balances the immense cosmic scope of the story with the deeply personal, family dynamics of the central team, injecting high energy and wit into the superhero genre.
Why It’s Worth Watching
The movie succeeds by prioritizing character chemistry and high-stakes adventure over a typical origin setup. The vibrant 1960s aesthetic provides a fresh look, backed by a soaring score by Michael Giacchino. The visual spectacle of the cosmic villain Galactus and the team’s powers coming together makes for a highly enjoyable big-screen experience.
Main Character Deep Dive
Reed Richards, the leader, grapples not just with planet-level science but with the responsibilities of fatherhood as the world faces destruction. Vanessa Kirby’s portrayal of Sue Storm is particularly strong; she grounds the extraordinary circumstances with emotional realism, capturing the internal conflict of protecting her family while mastering her immense powers in the face of absolute cosmic fear.
Unforgettable Quote
“It’s Clobberin’ Time!”
Trivia
- The setting is an alternate Earth-828, a creative choice that allows the heroes to bypass previous mainstream MCU continuity events like the Thanos saga.
- The picture introduces Shalla-Bal, a female incarnation of the Silver Surfer, who acts as the herald for the world-eater Galactus.
- Composer Michael Giacchino had to specifically differentiate his score for this title from his score for Pixar’s The Incredibles due to thematic similarities between the two superhero families.
Trailer
Stream The Fantastic 4: First Steps on:
Our Review
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I walked out feeling completely refreshed by this superhero picture. I found the central cast’s chemistry to be the foundation of the whole experience, making their family squabbles and eventual union genuinely impactful. Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby anchor the story beautifully, portraying a couple dealing with cosmic threats and the imminent arrival of a baby. The movie manages to skip the tedious origin steps and places us immediately into a dynamic world inspired by the 1960s, which is a brilliant creative choice. The direction by Matt Shakman is tight and energetic, lending an optimistic feel to the grand-scale destruction. Michael Giacchino’s magnificent orchestral music adds enormous character and adventure. I especially appreciated how the story focuses on the emotional stakes of the quartet protecting their own, not just the planet. It is an extraordinary action spectacle that absolutely succeeds on every level.
Who Should Watch This?
Stream it if you crave a vibrant, retro superhero picture focused on family dynamics and world-ending stakes, featuring exceptional acting and a sweeping, optimistic soundtrack.
