Even More ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Reactions Are In: MCU Masterpiece Confirmed

Marvel Studios’ upcoming film The Fantastic Four: First Steps is getting a lot of attention. Based on the famous Marvel Comics superhero team, this movie brings the Fantastic Four back to the big screen once again. Directed by Matt Shakman, and written by Josh Friedman, Eric Pearson, Jeff Kaplan, and Ian Springer, it’s set to be the 37th movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Fans know it’s the second reboot of the Fantastic Four, but early reactions suggest this version might finally get it right.

The film stars Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn as the Fantastic Four themselves. Julia Garner, Natasha Lyonne, Paul Walter Hauser, and Ralph Ineson also join the cast. Ineson plays Galactus, the giant cosmic villain who threatens their world.

The story is set in a 1960s-style retro-futuristic world, which fans are calling a fresh new setting for the MCU.

Early reactions from test screenings and recent special previews are sounding really positive. The first signs were from small private test-screenings, where people loved the cast and the film’s visual style. Now, after fans and critics got to see the first 30 to 40 minutes of the film, the feedback is even stronger.

One fan wrote on social media: “I came in tempered but #FantasticFour is truly a return to form for the MCU, the opening minutes blew my socks off in IMAX. Gardner’s & Quinn’s work stood out to me the most. Galactus gives this film real stakes and his presence is felt even off screen, incredible miniature work!”

Another viewer who got to see 30 minutes of footage said: “Caught 30 mins of #FantasticFour footage and WOW — this feels like its own thing. Retro, stylized, and separate from the main MCU. The footage jumped around, teasing bold ideas, stunning visuals, and off-the-charts chemistry between Pedro & Vanessa. Shalla-Bal looks DOPE!”

The visuals are getting plenty of love from those who’ve seen the footage. A fan reaction shared online said: “#FantasticFour First Steps is visually one of the best things Marvel has ever made. Parts feel like Interstellar & demand IMAX. Galactus is awesome. Silver Surfer looks really, really good. VFX were often immaculate. Cosmically and on Earth, Matt Shakman dropped a visual feast.”

Someone else who caught 40 minutes of the movie called it “(pun intended) FANTASTIC! Featuring retro ’60s comic book vibes, epic space action, a cinematic score, & visuals that POP! The family dynamic radiates! Vanessa Kirby & Pedro Pascal are magical together! Excited to see the full film!”

Another early viewer summed up the heart of the movie saying: “#FantasticFour  is a story about family above all else, where each member of the team is equally important. No one is underserved; the movie excels when fleshing out the various bonds between Pedro, Vanessa, Ebon, & Joseph. The retro ’60s aesthetic works on all fronts.”

It’s clear that both fans and critics are loving the movie’s retro style, the chemistry between the main cast, and the powerful presence of Galactus and Silver Surfer. The special effects are also getting high praise, with many comparing it to big sci-fi hits like Interstellar.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps will have its world premiere at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles on July 21, 2025. It will then hit theaters across the United States on July 25, launching Phase Six of the MCU. Reports also mention that a sequel is already in the works, showing that Marvel Studios is confident about this new start for the Fantastic Four.

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