Early ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Reviews Reveal Who’s Really at the Center of the Story & Who is Running the Show
The Fantastic Four are officially joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and early reactions are starting to reveal what fans can expect from Fantastic Four: First Steps. While the movie doesn’t come out until July 25, 2025, some early reviews have already popped up online—and they’re giving fans a peek at who’s really taking center stage in the story.
According to social media user @fantasticRichie, the film puts a strong focus on Sue Storm and her son Franklin. Even though all four team members are in the spotlight, it sounds like Sue and Franklin are at the heart of the story.
Reed Richards, played by Pedro Pascal, is reportedly the one making most of the big decisions in the film, but it’s Sue and her son who seem to carry much of the emotional weight.
Reed and Sue are said to share a lot of scenes together, which has sparked early excitement among longtime fans of the duo. As for Reed’s famous stretching powers, early reports say Marvel is keeping that under wraps for now. “Reed’s powers are being hidden in the trailers,” one source claimed, possibly hinting at a dramatic reveal in the movie.
Early reviews are saying
— richie 4️⃣ (@fantasticRichie) July 8, 2025
– Reed and Sue have alot of scenes together
– Reed's powers are being hidden in the trailers
– Sue and Franklin are the main focus of the story
– Reed is leading the decisions made in the movie pic.twitter.com/ZTZ4Ahx8EG
Ben Grimm and Johnny Storm also get their time to shine, especially in the film’s first 30 minutes. The CGI in these sequences is reportedly “phenomenal,” helping bring the characters and the world around them to life in a way that fans haven’t seen before.
The movie is set in a retro-futuristic version of the 1960s, with the team facing off against none other than Galactus, a cosmic threat known for devouring planets. Ralph Ineson plays Galactus, with the rest of the core cast including Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm, and Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm.
This isn’t the first time the Fantastic Four have been brought to the big screen, but this new version, directed by Matt Shakman and written by Josh Friedman, Eric Pearson, Jeff Kaplan, and Ian Springer, will skip the usual origin story. Marvel Studios has made it clear they want to take a fresh approach.
Production wrapped in late 2024 after filming in England and Spain. The movie will premiere on July 21, 2025, just a few days before its wide release. It will be shown in IMAX, 4DX, and ScreenX formats.
Fantastic Four: First Steps will also kick off Phase Six of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. A sequel is already in development.
With early buzz already building, all eyes are now on the MCU’s first family as they prepare to make their biggest debut yet.
Have something to add? Let us know in the comments below!