The Fantastic Four, some of Marvel Comics’ most iconic characters, return to the big screen with a new take in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, released on July 25. Directed by Matt Shakman and featuring a cast led by Pedro Pascal, this film aims to reintroduce the superhero team with a fresh visual style and strong performances. However, despite these efforts, the movie falls back on many traditional superhero film clichés, presenting a straightforward plot familiar to longtime fans of the genre.
The story begins four years after Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) return from a space mission that altered their bodies and granted them superhuman abilities. Sue can generate force fields and turn invisible; Johnny commands fire and can fly; Reed possesses the ability to stretch his body extensively; and Ben transformed into a powerful rock-like figure. As a team, they protect Earth, relying heavily on Reed’s intellect rather than brute strength.
When Sue announces her pregnancy after years of trying, the Fantastic Four’s personal lives seem set to take priority. But that peace is shattered as the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner), a mysterious alien, warns them of an approaching cosmic threat: the planet-devouring Galactus (Ralph Ineson). Galactus demands the unborn child of Sue and Reed, whose cosmic potential surpasses any known power, as the only way to save Earth. Facing this dire ultimatum, the team must devise a plan to protect their family and the world.
This central moral dilemma—choosing between family and saving humanity—revisits the roots of superhero storytelling, emphasizing emotional stakes often overshadowed by grand-scale battles and complex multiverse plots in recent Marvel films. While First Steps‘ nostalgic simplicity is refreshing, it also renders the plot somewhat predictable and lacking in thematic depth compared to contemporary superhero movies.
Focus on Family Dynamics Strengthens the Narrative
Family stands at the core of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, a theme emphasized heavily in promotional campaigns. This narrative emphasis sets the film apart, as it explores the team‘s intimate relationships alongside their heroic duties. The story parallels previous successes like Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy, where personal stakes drive the protagonist’s fight against evil, rather than just spectacle.
The inclusion of Sue and Reed’s baby, Franklin, as the plot’s linchpin highlights the dangers and uncertainties of impending parenthood under extraordinary circumstances. While comparisons to the digitally rendered baby from the Twilight Saga arise, Franklin’s significance transcends mere visual effects, symbolizing hope and vulnerability amid cosmic peril.
Vanessa Kirby’s portrayal of Sue Storm is particularly noteworthy for its depth. Unlike many female superheroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe who are either sidelined by trauma or described mostly in relation to their romantic interests, Sue is a fully realized character. Her role balances leadership, emotional intelligence, and the challenges of impending motherhood without reducing her to a stereotype. This depiction contrasts with past portrayals of MCU mothers as either vengeful or emotionally detached figures.
Kirby’s Sue maintains warmth without sacrificing strength, offering a rare example of a female superhero who is neither oversexualized nor emotionally one-dimensional. This return to authentic relationships, including a genuine romantic connection between Sue and Reed, brings a refreshing human element to the often grandiose superhero genre.
The Film’s Visual Style and Effects Blend Retro Charm with Mixed CGI
The Fantastic Four: First Steps boasts a distinctive visual identity, marked by a retro-futuristic 1960s aesthetic that sets it apart from the typical Marvel fare. The depiction of Earth 838 features period-accurate details, including Pan Am flight attendants, mid-century furniture, a classic Delancey Street, and vintage television sets in Times Square. This attention to production design imbues the film with a stylish flair rarely seen in superhero movies.
One of the standout aspects is the inclusion of HERBIE, a robotic sidekick who adds levity and charm without the need for a human voice, becoming an endearing part of the team dynamic. Similarly, sequences aboard the Excelsior spaceship evoke a campy, Star Trek-esque atmosphere, reflecting the filmmakers’ appreciation for science fiction traditions.
Despite these strengths, the CGI effects disconnect from the film’s overall setting. The modern special effects clash with the mid-century visuals, creating moments where the digital elements feel outdated or out of place, such as the heavily digitized newborn Franklin, which recalls problematic comparisons to other cinematic babies like Renesmee from Twilight. Additionally, large-scale action scenes, especially fights in New York and alien worlds, suffer from direction lacking clarity and impact, resulting in chaotic moments that diminish their emotional and narrative weight.
An Impressive Cast Anchors the Film Despite Mixed Performances
The cast of The Fantastic Four: First Steps delivers generally strong performances, with Pedro Pascal standing out as Reed Richards. Known for his varied roles in recent years, Pascal offers a subdued yet passionate take on the character, emphasizing Reed’s scientific genius and protective nature over traditional heroics. This choice highlights Reed as an introverted leader driven by intellect and love for his team rather than physical dominance.
Ebon Moss-Bachrach portrays Ben Grimm with remarkable subtlety, using vocal nuances and expressive facial work to convey the character’s internal struggles and humility, even though the script does not deeply explore Ben’s past or emotional turmoil. This adds humanity to a character often overshadowed by his monstrous appearance.
By contrast, Joseph Quinn’s portrayal of Johnny Storm falls short of expectation. While Quinn is a capable actor praised for his roles in other series, his earnest, restrained performance does not align well with Johnny’s traditionally playful, carefree personality. His attempts at humorous quips feel misplaced, resulting in moments that fail to land. This tonal mismatch makes Johnny the weakest link among the leads, especially compared to previous portrayals like Chris Evans‘ charismatic and irreverent version.
Vanessa Kirby receives praise for carrying the film’s emotional heart as Sue Storm. Rather than competing for attention in a male-dominated ensemble, Kirby’s performance centers Sue not only as a source of warmth but also as a capable and balanced leader. This nuanced portrayal avoids clichés that often define female superheroes, signaling a positive shift in the representation of women within the MCU.
Supporting performances include Ralph Ineson as the imposing Galactus, whose gravelly voice brings a chilling presence reminiscent of Alan Rickman’s iconic antagonists, and Julia Garner as the Silver Surfer, who adds depth to her character through subtle expression despite heavy digital makeup. These performances contribute to an atmospheric and engaging villainous duo.
Balancing Nostalgia and Innovation in the MCU’s Latest Chapter
The Fantastic Four: First Steps offers a nostalgic tribute to the original comic creators, Jack Kirby and Stan Lee, by returning to a fundamental superhero narrative that prioritizes core values such as family, loyalty, and sacrifice. The film’s retro style and character-driven story provide a welcome respite from the increasingly complex and expansive Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Nevertheless, the movie does not redefine the superhero genre or significantly advance the MCU’s storytelling ambitions. Its reliance on basic tropes and predictable plot progression limits its impact, making it feel more like a holiday from the usual Marvel formula than a bold new direction. How Marvel integrates this film’s retro world with the grittier tone of recent Avengers titles remains an open question for future installments.
Pedro Pascal’s compelling performance elevates the film, and Vanessa Kirby’s strong characterization of Sue Storm marks a meaningful evolution in portraying female superheroes. However, the uneven pacing, mismatched performances, and inconsistent visual effects hold the film back from being the transformative MCU entry many anticipated.
Fans can look forward to seeing how this chapter fits into the larger MCU puzzle as The Fantastic Four: First Steps settles into theaters, bridging classic superhero storytelling with the future of the franchise.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is Pedro Pascal so loved?
A. Meloni laughs, but she’s serious: “We admire him for his political views and his stance as an actor in critical world issues. These include the genocide in Gaza, the rise of fascism, and reductions in LGBTQ+ rights. We also appreciate his expression of masculinity.”
Q. Can Pedro Pascal have kids?
A. The actor is unmarried, has no kids, and does not plan to be a parent. However, he frequently acts as a father figure in movies and shows. Fans have created an online persona for him based on these roles. Pascal knows about this and is happily embracing it.
Q. Does Pedro Pascal support LGBTQ?
A. Pedro Pascal has shown his support for LGBTQ+ young people by posting on Instagram.
Q. Why is Pedro Pascal a babygirl?
A. “Babygirl” is often used today for male celebrities or fictional characters who are middle-aged. It describes men with a gentle and vulnerable vibe. When applied to figures like Mescal or Pascal, it also suggests they are seen as attractive.
