---
title: "The Fantastic 4: First Steps"
year: 2025
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/the-fantastic-4-first-steps"
fi1m_id: "the-fantastic-4-first-steps"
imdb_id: "tt10676052"
tmdb_id: 617126
wikidata_id: "Q105105219"
fi1m_score: 71
critics_score: 72
critics_reviews: 15
published: "2026-09-09"
updated: "2026-09-18T08:37:50.333489+00:00"
region: "US"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# The Fantastic 4: First Steps (2025)

Directed by Matt Shakman · 1h 55m · MPA PG-13 · Science Fiction, Adventure, Action

## Identity

The Fantastic 4: First Steps

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/the-fantastic-4-first-steps
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** the-fantastic-4-first-steps
- **IMDb ID:** tt10676052
- **TMDB ID:** 617126
- **Wikidata ID:** Q105105219
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10676052/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/617126, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q105105219

**Fi1m score: 71** · Critics 72 from 15 reviews

*In a sentence:* The nicest superheroes in any universe, in the nicest kitchen, waiting for a man the size of the weather

> Matt Shakman’s reboot is the warmest and best-dressed Fantastic Four yet, and its four leads behave like people who have shared a bathroom for years. The planet-eater coming for them is a good deal less interesting than their kitchen.

## Synopsis

On an Earth that looks like the early 1960s as imagined by a magazine, the Fantastic Four are already famous. Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), a scientist who can stretch, is married to Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), who can turn invisible and raise force fields; they are expecting their first child. Her brother Johnny (Joseph Quinn) catches fire, and Reed’s old friend Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) is made of rock. They live together in a tower in New York with a small household robot. Then the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) arrives from space to announce that the planet has been chosen by Galactus (Ralph Ineson), who eats worlds, and the family has to decide how to answer him.

## Review

Matt Shakman’s reboot puts the Fantastic Four on an Earth that is not ours: an early 1960s of rounded rockets and flying cars, where the four are already heroes and nobody needs telling how they got their powers. The origin is skipped entirely. Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal) and Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby) are married and expecting a baby; her brother Johnny (Joseph Quinn) and Reed’s oldest friend Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) share the top of the Baxter Building with them. Then a chrome woman on a surfboard (Julia Garner) glides in over the city and tells them, without raising her voice, that their planet has been marked for death. Our verdict, for those in a hurry: it is the best attempt at these characters so far, warm and lovely to look at, and the creature coming to eat the planet is the least interesting thing in it.

Kasra Farahani has designed a New York of cream curves, brass trim and rounded glass, where the rockets look like ornaments and even the kitchen has fins. Jess Hall shoots it in warm, saturated colour, the kind of light that comes from a picture book rather than a sun, and he holds his frames long enough for us to read the rooms. Alexandra Byrne puts the four in blue polonecks and their neighbours in tweed and headscarves, so the city looks like a Sunday supplement from the early sixties that somebody has coloured in. It is one coherent place, built once and stuck to. That is rarer in a Marvel film than it should be.

The four are the reason to go. Kirby is the centre, a Sue Storm who runs the household and the diplomacy and treats them as one job, and whom the other three visibly defer to. Pascal plays Reed as a man who can bend himself round a corner but cannot stop worrying about the maths, all fretful hands and unfinished sentences. Moss-Bachrach acts under a rock face of pixels and still gets more out of a shrug than many actors get out of a whole face; his Ben is gentle and a little sad, and the film is kind to him. Quinn’s Johnny is the least written of the four, but he is not the usual oaf, and he gets the film’s odder ideas, which suits him.

We felt a proper chill when Garner’s Surfer arrived. She hangs above the streets, silver to the eyeballs, and delivers the sentence in the flat tone of someone reading out train times, and for a few minutes a Marvel film manages dread, which we had not expected. It does not last. Galactus (Ralph Ineson) has a fine deep voice and a helmet you could hold a service in, but he stays far off for most of the running time, and a threat that never comes closer than the horizon is hard to fear for two hours.

The script, credited to Josh Friedman, Eric Pearson, Jeff Kaplan and Ian Springer, gives everybody a speech about family, and then another one. Paul Walter Hauser’s Mole Man is on screen for a handful of minutes and is funnier than the plot has time for. The second half takes a turn we will not describe; we can say that the last half hour is a city, a device and a countdown, and that we had seen it before. We were not bored, quite. We were waiting.

Nona Khodai and Tim Roche cut it to 115 minutes and it does not drag, which after some recent Marvel running times counts as a courtesy. Michael Giacchino’s score is brass and drums, a marching tune you could hum on the way out, and it is used sparingly enough that it means something when it swells. Shakman made *WandaVision* (2021), a whole series built out of period television pastiche, and you can see the same pleasure here in getting the furniture right. The trouble is that [*The Incredibles*](https://film.one/film/the-incredibles) (2004) put a family of heroes in the same world twenty years ago and gave them sharper things to argue about.

See it in a cinema if you can, for Farahani’s city and for Kirby, and take children if you have them; it carries a 12A and it earns the certificate gently. It is the first film about these people that likes them. It is not yet a film that knows what to do with the sky.

*Fi1m score 71, published 9 September 2026.*

## What the critics say

Most critics like it, and a good number call it the best Fantastic Four film yet and among the better Marvel films in some years. The praise clusters in two places: the retro-futurist early-1960s production design, which nearly every review names as the chief pleasure, and the cast, with Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm and Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards singled out most often. The family dynamic, played closer to sitcom than saga, is what reviewers respond to.

Reservations gather around the script rather than the surface. Several critics find the plot thin and the villain underdeveloped, and a few note the film splits tonally between sunny sixties fun and a sombre cosmic threat. The spread is fairly wide, from raves at Empire and /Film to three-star shrugs, and The New Yorker stands alone in finding the drama mild and the performances more amiable than involving. Sight and Sound adds that the ties to the wider Marvel universe feel clumsy.

## Straight answers

**Is The Fantastic 4: First Steps worth watching?**

*The Fantastic 4: First Steps* is worth watching for anyone who wants a superhero film that likes its heroes, and we scored it 71. The four leads and Kasra Farahani's cream-and-brass 1960s New York are the reasons to go; Galactus stays on the horizon too long, and the last half hour is a countdown we had seen before.

**How long is The Fantastic 4: First Steps, and what is it rated?**

*The Fantastic 4: First Steps* runs 1h 55m and is rated PG-13 by the MPA in the US. It is a science fiction and adventure film.

**Where can I watch The Fantastic 4: First Steps in the US?**

*The Fantastic 4: First Steps* is streaming on Disney+ in the US, and it is also available to rent from Amazon Prime Video from $3.99. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service.

**How violent or frightening is The Fantastic 4: First Steps, and is it suitable for children?**

*The Fantastic 4: First Steps* carries a 12A in the UK and earns it gently, so children who can sit through two hours of action should be fine. The one frightening passage is the Silver Surfer's arrival, announced in a flat, unhurried voice, which gave us a proper chill; the planet-eater himself is more voice and helmet than menace.

**How does The Fantastic 4: First Steps compare to The Incredibles?**

*The Fantastic 4: First Steps* and [*The Incredibles*](https://film.one/film/the-incredibles) both put a super-family in a retro-future city, and Brad Bird's film is the sharper of the two. Bird gives his family real grievances and a better villain; Shakman's four are warmer and gentler, but their arguments are speeches about family and their enemy never comes close. Choose Bird for wit and stakes, Shakman for company and furniture.

**What should I watch after The Fantastic 4: First Steps?**

After *The Fantastic 4: First Steps*, try [*The Incredibles*](https://film.one/film/the-incredibles) (2004, Fi1m 88): Brad Bird did the retro-future super-family first, with sharper arguments and a better villain. Then [*Fantastic Planet*](https://film.one/film/fantastic-planet) (1973, Fi1m 80): René Laloux’s French animation, for when the pastel future starts to feel too tidy.

### Reviews we read (21)

- **Empire**, Dan Jolin (90/100, inferred): The film is the best Marvel movie in years and the best Fantastic Four yet, thanks to strong casting and a vivid retro-futuristic alternate universe. The critic singles out the family chemistry of the quartet and the sincere, optimistic tone for praise. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/the-fantastic-four-first-steps/)
- **Radio Times**, James Mottram (4/5): The MCU’s best movie in a while; vivacious, beautifully rendered and largely enjoyable comic book spectacle with strong design and performances. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movies/scifi/fantastic-four-first-steps-review/)
- **The Telegraph**, Robbie Collin (4/5): Marvel delivers its funniest, most exciting, moving and complete film in more than a decade with this earnest, colourful and upbeat reboot that feels like the start of a new chapter. The critic singles out the refreshingly human quartet of heroes and strong performances, especially Vanessa Kirby as the steadfast matriarch. [Read](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/the-fantastic-four-first-steps-review-pedro-pascal/)
- **The New York Times**, Brandon Yu (70/100, inferred): The film makes a bumpy but earnest attempt at being Marvel’s most daring in years, with its retrofuturistic world as the greatest delight. It skips the origin story and leans on family sitcom dynamics and a premium cast amid an imperfect but refreshing new direction. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/24/movies/the-fantastic-four-first-steps-review.html)
- **Vulture**, Bilge Ebiri (65/100, inferred): The review finds the film uneven but charming due to its retro-futurist style and character moments, though it pulls back from deeper ideas; praises the design and some performances but notes it's just good enough. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/article/review-fantastic-four-first-steps-is-just-good-enough.html)
- **Time Out**, Phil de Semlyen (★★★): Entertaining enough with charismatic cast and sleek retro-futuristic design, but scrappy around the edges and middling overall. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/news/the-fantastic-four-first-steps-marvel-goes-interstellar-in-an-amiable-outing-for-comic-books-first-family-072225)
- **The New Yorker**, Richard Brody (40/100, inferred): The movie shares a sentimental tone with the new Superman, focusing on family themes and a planet-eating threat, but the director evokes little struggle, terror, or wonder. The fine cast delivers amiable and mild performances, with more energy in the production design than the drama. [Read](https://www.newyorker.com/goings-on-about-town/the-fantastic-four-first-steps)
- **Screen Daily**: After a promising start, falters due to lacklustre plot; likeable performances but a missed opportunity. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/the-fantastic-four-first-steps-review-pedro-pascal-and-vanessa-kirby-head-underwhelming-marvel-superhero-reboot/5207204.article)
- **Sight and Sound**: It’s a pleasure to watch the super-charged dynamics of the Fantastic Four, but attempts to fit this retrofuturistic family unit into the wider ‘Marvel cinematic universe’ feel clumsy. [Read](https://www.bfi.org.uk/sight-and-sound/reviews/fantastic-four-first-steps-charming-superhero-family-story-stifled-marvel-brand-extension)
- **Slant Magazine**, Justin Clark: The critic lauds the film's sincere channeling of Jack Kirby's optimistic spirit and visual style through heartfelt family dynamics and visually audacious action, positioning it as a welcome MCU reset. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/the-fantastic-four-first-steps-review-pedro-pascal-vanessa-kirby/)
- **The Guardian**, Peter Bradshaw: Marvel rediscovers the lighthearted, buoyant fun of superheroism in a retro-futurist early-1960s family sitcom setup with the Four living together as a dysfunctional unit expecting a baby. The critic praises the self-enclosed wacky universe, hallucinatory 60s production design and how the finale emerges naturally from the premise. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/jul/22/the-fantastic-four-first-steps-review)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, David Rooney: The critic praises the film's back-to-basics approach focusing on character and family dynamics in a retro-futuristic setting, highlighting the appealing cast and light touch in balancing humor and suspense. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/the-fantastic-four-first-steps-review-marvel-pedro-pascal-1236325361/)
- **The Times** (★★★☆☆): The retro-futuristic Sixties-style alternative universe gives the reboot a fresh feel reminiscent of The Incredibles, with charismatic turns from the cast including Pedro Pascal and a sensitive portrayal of the Thing. The critic notes the script is packed with platitudes but highlights fun production details like the Sixties polonecks. [Read](https://www.thetimes.com/culture/film/article/the-fantastic-four-first-steps-review-pedro-pascal-is-charismatic-as-ever-w2w6mlj9b)
- **/Film**, Witney Seibold (9/10): The critic praises the film as the first to successfully balance the Fantastic Four's corny, nerdy charm with epic cosmic adventures, making it one of the better superhero films of the year. They single out the retro-futurist world where the heroes' intelligence and compassion have genuinely improved life for everyone. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/1918790/the-fantastic-four-first-steps-review/)
- **Consequence** (B+): The movie brings genuine comic-book joy and energy back to the MCU with its loving embrace of the source material, retro aesthetic, and strong cast performances, particularly Kirby as a powerful Sue Storm. [Read](https://consequence.net/2025/07/the-fantastic-four-first-steps-review-mcu/)
- **Deadline**, Damon Wise (80/100, inferred): The critic finds the film satisfying and stylish, praising its retro-future setting, smart script, and moving performances from the charismatic cast, particularly Pedro Pascal. It delivers satisfying action spectacle without heavy superhero gravitas. [Read](https://deadline.com/2025/07/the-fantastic-four-first-steps-review-pedro-pascal-marvel-1236464831/)
- **The Wrap**, William Bibbiani (75/100, inferred): The review calls it a first-rate movie for Marvel’s First Family that feels like a real Fantastic Four movie, embracing a retro 1960s vibe with grandeur, humanity, and whimsy while evoking early comic-book scale. It notes some drawbacks like underdeveloped characters and occasional unconvincing CG but overall finds it a heck of a lot closer than prior adaptations. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/the-fantastic-four-first-steps-review-marvel/)
- **Collider**, Emma Kiely (7/10): The film delivers a visually stylish retro-futuristic take with strong performances from Pascal and Kirby, but it sticks to overly familiar superhero tropes and a basic plot without much innovation. [Read](https://collider.com/the-fantastic-four-first-steps-review/)
- **Den of Geek**, David Crow (3.5/5): The critic praises the faithful portrayal and casting of the Fantastic Four as a family unit, especially Vanessa Kirby's Sue Storm, but notes the film is divided tonally between light '60s fun and somber Galactus threat, resulting in a somewhat morose introduction despite strong character work. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/the-fantastic-four-first-steps-review/)
- **Polygon**, Sam Nelson (70/100, inferred): It offers a simple, family-friendly, retro-styled story that serves as an easy MCU entry point with strong ensemble chemistry and wholesome vibes, but it feels cartoonish, relies on exposition, and has an underdeveloped villain. [Read](https://www.polygon.com/marvel/615093/fantastic-four-first-steps-mcu-review/)
- **NME**, Lou Thomas (3/5): The review finds it the best Fantastic Four film yet, with charismatic leads and enjoyable family dynamics, but ultimately safe and entertaining summer fare that could use more oddness or supporting characters. [Read](https://www.nme.com/reviews/film-reviews/the-fantastic-four-first-steps-review-vanessa-kirby-pedro-pascal-3880254)

## Details

- **Director:** Matt Shakman
- **Director:** Matt Shakman
- **Screenplay:** Josh Friedman, Eric Pearson, Jeff Kaplan, Ian Springer
- **Story:** Eric Pearson, Jeff Kaplan, Ian Springer, Kat Wood
- **Cinematography:** Jess Hall
- **Editor:** Nona Khodai, Tim Roche
- **Music:** Michael Giacchino
- **Production design:** Kasra Farahani
- **Costume design:** Alexandra Byrne
- **Producer:** Kevin Feige
- **Cast:** Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic; Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm / Invisible Woman; Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm / The Thing; Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm / Human Torch; Ralph Ineson as Galactus; Julia Garner as Shalla-Bal / Silver Surfer; Paul Walter Hauser as Harvey Elder / Mole Man; Natasha Lyonne as Rachel Rozman
- **Runtime:** 1h 55m
- **Certificate (MPA):** PG-13
- **Release (the US):** 25 July 2025
- **Genres:** Science Fiction, Adventure, Action
- **Budget:** $200 million
- **Box office:** $522 million
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJa5wv93YGM

## Where to watch in the US

- Disney+: streaming, uhd
- Amazon Prime Video: rent $3.99, uhd
- Amazon Prime Video: buy $19.99, uhd

*Checked 2026-09-10.*

Also available in: AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, IE, IS, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PH, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, SI, TR, US. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## If you liked this

- *The Incredibles* (2004), Fi1m 88: Brad Bird did the retro-future super-family first, with sharper arguments and a better villain. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-incredibles.md)
- *The Rocketeer* (1991): Joe Johnston’s sincere thirties adventure; the same faith that a jetpack can be charming.
- *Superman* (1978): Richard Donner’s original, for anyone who liked a hero who is simply, unfashionably good.
- *Fantastic Planet* (1973), Fi1m 80: René Laloux’s French animation, for when the pastel future starts to feel too tidy. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/fantastic-planet.md)
- *WandaVision* (2021): Shakman’s series, where the period television pastiche is the whole idea and not the wallpaper.

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/the-fantastic-4-first-steps