After several lackluster attempts, The Fantastic Four finally makes a triumphant return in The Fantastic Four: First Steps—a bright, buoyant, and cleverly retro take on Marvel’s most iconic superhero family. With Matt Shakman at the helm and a cast led by Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby, the film marks a delightful shift in tone for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), blending 1960s nostalgia with modern cinematic flair and emotional storytelling. It may very well be the studio’s best version of the Four yet.
A Retro Reboot with a Sitcom Soul
Instead of rehashing the origin story yet again, First Steps drops audiences into a fully formed world where the Fantastic Four are already well-known superheroes. Set in an alternate-reality version of 1960s New York—complete with shiny chrome tech, retro-futurist architecture, and zero smoking—the film leans heavily into a sitcom-like vibe, reminiscent of Bewitched, I Dream of Jeannie, and even The Jetsons.
The Baxter Building, their iconic headquarters, stands tall in “Mad Men”-era Manhattan, where the family lives together like one quirky, cosmic-powered household. Their interactions—especially in their cozy blue jumpsuits—are filled with humor, heart, and just the right amount of absurdity, keeping the tone light without dipping into full parody.
Meet the Fantastic Four (and Then Some)
Pedro Pascal brings a warmer, more relaxed energy to Reed “Mr. Fantastic” Richards, portraying him as both genius scientist and earnest dad-to-be. Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm (aka Invisible Woman) grounds the family with both compassion and quiet strength. Together, they are preparing for an unexpected new chapter: Sue’s long-hoped-for pregnancy.
Joseph Quinn’s Johnny Storm—the Human Torch—burns bright as Sue’s cocky younger brother, while Ebon Moss-Bachrach plays Ben Grimm, the Thing, with a mix of rugged charm and melancholy. Ben’s rocky exterior hides his romantic longing for local teacher Rachel Rozman (played by Natasha Lyonne), who finds it difficult to look past his granite form.
As a family, they feel more relatable than ever, with their interpersonal struggles taking center stage. It’s not just about cosmic rays and intergalactic threats—it’s about parenting, unrequited love, and emotional vulnerability wrapped in superhero skin.
Cosmic Pregnancy and Superpowered Parenthood
Sue Storm’s pregnancy is more than just a plot point—it’s a source of curiosity, tension, and speculation. Will the baby inherit cosmic powers? Could it be a genius-level evolution—or a tragic mutation? These questions linger throughout the story, adding emotional stakes beyond the typical “save the world” narrative.
In one particularly funny and touching moment, Ben Grimm earnestly clutches a copy of Dr. Spock’s Baby and Child Care, while a small, goggle-eyed robot named Herbie becomes the makeshift nanny. These family dynamics provide a warm counterbalance to the film’s more high-stakes moments.
Galactus, Silver Surfer, and the Threat to Earth
While the early part of the film leans into domestic comedy, the stakes escalate when the Silver Surfer—now reimagined as Shalla-Bal, played by Julia Garner—arrives as the herald of Galactus. This gender-swapped version of the classic character creates surprising chemistry with Johnny Storm and introduces a sleek, chrome aesthetic that fits the film’s retro vibe.
Galactus, voiced by Ralph Ineson, is presented as a planet-devouring force that threatens Earth with extinction unless a devastating bargain is struck. Unlike many recent MCU finales that feel tacked on or bloated, this climax grows naturally from the film’s themes and builds real tension without overwhelming the tone.
Easter Eggs, Super-Apes, and Retro Charm
The film is rich with references for longtime fans. Mole Man returns in the form of Paul Walter Hauser, while villains like Red Ghost and his Super-Apes are cheekily name-dropped. In Times Square, movie posters advertise imaginary films like The Emperor’s Twin and Subzero Intel, adding to the immersive 1960s vibe.
Composer Michael Giacchino, who also scored The Incredibles, brings thematic echoes of that beloved Pixar film—one which famously drew inspiration from the Fantastic Four. Now, the homage comes full circle, with First Steps honoring the heart of a super-family while carving out a fresh identity of its own.
A New Tone for a New Era
The Fantastic Four: First Steps marks the beginning of Phase Six in the MCU and signals a tonal shift for Marvel—a return to lighter storytelling, standalone charm, and character-driven plots. With visual direction that borrows from Shakman’s work on WandaVision, the film feels self-contained yet timeless. It avoids the fatigue-inducing baggage of having to connect to every single Marvel entry that came before.
This film also represents a soft reboot of sorts for Marvel, especially with the upcoming inclusion of Deadpool, Wolverine, and the X-Men in the wider universe. The Fantastic Four are finally positioned to be key players again, and fans won’t need a flowchart to understand how they fit into the bigger picture.
Conclusion: Marvel’s Most Lovable Misfits Return
Playful, emotionally resonant, and visually distinctive, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is a much-needed breath of fresh air for superhero cinema. It proves that not every Marvel film needs to rely on multiverse chaos or AI city collapses to tell a good story. Sometimes, all it takes is a tight-knit family, some retro style, and the courage to take those first steps.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps releases on July 24 in Australia and the UK, and July 25 in the US.
