In 2019, Disney purchased 20th Century Fox for approximately $71.3 billion obtaining the rights of various franchises including “Alien” & “Predator.” They ultimately gathered the big ones outside the Marvel Cinematic Universe or MCU for short. Wolverine, Deadpool, Fantastic Four and last but not least, X-Men. The aforementioned franchises have gained positive reception. Most notably, “Deadpool and Wolverine” became the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time surpassing Joaquin Phoenix’s “Joker.” Marvel Studios announced a reboot of Fantastic Four set in the MCU, but in another universe.
The Fantastic Four: The First Steps is out in theaters right now. The first film of Phase Six within “The Multiverse Saga” earned positive reviews. Next Year, “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” & “Avengers: Doomsday” will be released in 2026. Mark your calendar.
- Spider-Man: Brand New Day – July 31
- Avengers: Doomsday – December 18, 2026
This review contains no SPOILERS. Is this a proper adaptation of Fantastic Four? Let’s find out, shall we?
Smart & Dumb Qualities
Smart: Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn & Ebony Moss-Bachrach all did an excellent job for their respective performances.
Other Cast Members such as Julia Garner, Ralph Ineson & Paul Walter Hauser all did a decent job for their respective performances.
Matt Shakman (WandaVision) did a great job directing.
Josh Friedman (War of the Worlds 2005, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes) & Eric Pearson (Thor: Ragnarok, Godzilla vs. Kong, Thunderbolts) co-wrote the script.
Action Sequences finally shows our heroes saving people and fight crime onscreen.
Michael Giacchino (The Incredibles, J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek, The Batman) orchestrated the soundtrack.
Pacing felt natural. Wasn’t boring at all.
Visual Effects are 10 times better than the 2005 version and the critically panned 2015 flop.
Don’t expect this movie with many jokes like “Thor: Ragnarok” or “Guardians of the Galaxy,” Fantastic Four takes itself seriously. Thankfully it’s not dark and gloomy as “Fant4Stic.”
Chemistry between members of the team serves as the main highlight.
Unlike the 2005 version, Human Torch/Johnny Storm isn’t an obnoxious glory hound. He follows direct orders.
Stay tuned for a Mid-Credits Scene. Might set up the next installment.
Marvel Studios logo has a retro look. Indicating, we’re going to an alternate universe.
Cinematography captures well shot scenery. Especially a space sequence
It’s not necessarily required to watch previous MCU films or shows. Some shows on Disney Plus felt like a chore.
Earth-828’s retro futuristic 1960s design was inspired by “2001: A Space Odyssey” The Jetsons” and the Space Race back when America & Russia compete who would make it to the moon first.
A Running Gag involving Ben Grimm/The Thing refusing to say his catchphrase, “It’s Clobberin’ Time!”
About time Galactus’ appearance looks comic book accurate. Fox did him dirty, turning him into a giant cloud in “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer.” Look how far we came.
The team are experienced superheroes who’ve been around for four years after the comic ray changed their molecules. We already know about their origin story.
Random Thought: When I first heard Julia Garner was gonna play a female Silver Surfer, I had to research if that really happened in the comics. Turns out, OG Silver Surfer, Norrin Radd has a girlfriend named, Shalla-Bal in the main universe. In 1999, Marvel published a mini-series, Earth X. Set outside the main universe, Shalla-Bal takes Norrin’s place as Silver Surfer. I was open to the idea. Because it’s not set in the MCU’s universe, Earth-616. The Multiverse opens unlimited iterations of characters. Prior to release, Julia Garner received backlash from so-called “fans” claiming the movie’s gonna be woke and ruined Silver Surfer. They’re wrong. They failed to fact check it already happened in 1999. Why can’t we accept things that are already written? It would be hard for people to adjust a fact they comprehend. They’re ignorant and have the knowledge of a First Grade Dropout. Defamation’s an epidemic. I don’t endorse misinformation.
Dumb: John Malkovich’s scenes as Red Ghost were cut. Same thing happened to Christopher Lee & Brad Dourif in the theatrical cut in “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.”
Human Torch can somehow breathe in space. Doesn’t make any gosh darn sense. This ain’t ‘Jimmy Neutron when everybody can breathe in space.
A Deus Ex Machina towards the end.
The Final Verdict: B-
Although average, Marvel Studios treated the Fantastic Four with passion and respect. As of 2025, I hereby declare this one’s the best Fantastic Four movie so far. If you’re a pure Marvel fan, it’s definitely worth your spare time. Perhaps, a double header along with ” James Gunn’s “Superman.” Don’t forget to grab a Galactus themed popcorn bucket. It’s the biggest one so far. I cannot wait for Avengers: Doomsday. Who’s ready to see Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom? I know I am!
Nickthemoviecritic.com 