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The Fantastic Four: First Steps is finally here! That's right, the first movie in Marvel Phase 6 is now on the big screen, officially ushering in a new era for the MCU. And it's one you don't want to miss, as it directly ties into another big blockbuster on the horizon, Avengers: Doomsday.
The arrival of Pedro Pascal's Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby's Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn's Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach's Ben Grimm is an exciting prospect for all fans. What makes things even more fun is that they face off against the villainous Galactus, who's hellbent on destroying planet Earth and everyone on it. However, this is the Marvel timeline, and you may be wondering if there are any films you need to prepare for or knowledge that's needed before you buy any cinema tickets. That's where we come in.
Article continues belowThe Fantastic Four: First Steps reviews
At the time of writing, reviews for The Fantastic Four: First Steps have been mostly positive, with the film holding a very respectable 89% on Rotten Tomatoes. Many critics have praised the film's visuals as well as its fun atmosphere and use of cast. There have been some critics who have pointed out the lack of chemistry between the super team, though, as well as the characters' feeling flat in personality.
In our The Fantastic Four: First Steps review, we thought the film was quite good all around. However, it wasn't perfect. Giving it a rating of three and a half stars out of five, writer Bradley Russell comments: "Fantastic Four may not be the confident stride Marvel fans were hoping for, but, at the very least, it's a solid first step."
Now that the film is out, we are waiting to see how the public generally receives the flick. We'll keep you posted as more opinions filter in.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps release date
The Fantastic Four: First Steps hit UK theaters on July 24, 2025, and was released in the US on July 25, 2025. The movie was originally slated for November 8, 2024, then moved to February 14, 2025, before being pushed back again to May 2, 2025.
That means, in terms of the MCU, Spider-Man: Brand New Day is the next big film to watch out for, given Avengers: Doomsday's delay to 2026.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps trailer
The final Fantastic Four trailer, which you can watch above, gives us a taste of The Thing's iconic catchphrase as the titular quartet gear up to shift from celebrities to planet protectors under the threat of big bad Galactus.
In the first Fantastic Four trailer, which dropped on February 4 (F4, get it?), we got our first full look at Marvel's First Family, John Malkovich's character, and the movie's retro-futuristic setting, including the Fantasticar racing through New York City. Fans, however, were divided over this first look at The Thing.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps cast
The Fantastic Four cast is confirmed! After many, many rumors, here's who will be who in Marvel's First Family and the supporting cast:
- Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards
- Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm
- Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm
- Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm
- Julia Garner as Silver Surfer/Shalla-Bal
- Ralph Ineson as Galactus
- Sarah Niles as Lynne Nichols
- Mark Gatiss as Ted Gilbert
- Natasha Lyonne as Rachel Rozman
- Paul Walter Hauser as Mole Man
We also know that Robert Downey Jr. has been cast as Doctor Doom for Avengers: Doomsday. While he isn't on the cast list above, he does seem to appear in the Fantastic Four post-credits scene. Doctor Doom made his first comic book appearance in the '60s.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps plot
Thanks to the release of some press material, we know the the official synopsis for the film: "Set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, Marvel Studios' The Fantastic Four: First Steps introduces Marvel's First Family – Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) and Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) as they face their most daunting challenge yet.
"Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, they must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). And if Galactus' plan to devour the entire planet and everyone on it weren't bad enough, it suddenly gets very personal."
If you want more details about the above, basically, Sue and Reed's child turns out to potentially be an all-powerful cosmic being that Galactus is after. So, on top of trying to save their planet, the team must also save the two's newborn son as well. Check out our Fantastic Four ending explained guide for a full breakdown with spoilers.
As for when exactly the movie takes place, the retro backdrop doesn't mean it's our world's version of the '60s. "We are our own universe," director Matt Shakman told Empire magazine. "Which is wonderful and liberating. There's really no [other] superheroes. There are no Easter eggs. There's no running into Iron Man or whatever."
Another addition to Marvel's First Family is HERBIE, who was first introduced in the animated series The New Fantastic Four in 1978. He later debuted in the comics as well, but his inclusion here is intriguing. As a character, he was originally brought in to replace the Human Torch, but we're not yet sure what his role in the MCU will be.
Who directed The Fantastic Four: First Steps?
As revealed at D23, WandaVision director Matt Shakman is the director for The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
When Fantastic Four was announced, Jon Watts was signed on to direct the film. The filmmaker is behind the hugely successful trilogy Spider-Man: Homecoming, Spider-Man: Far From Home, and Spider-Man: No Way Home for Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios. However, he's now confirmed he's stepped back from taking on another superhero movie.
He told The Hollywood Reporter: "Making three Spider-Man films was an incredible and life-changing experience for me. I'm eternally grateful to have been a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe for seven years. I'm hopeful we'll work together again, and I can't wait to see the amazing vision for Fantastic Four brought to life."
Looking for more Marvel? Check out our guide on how to watch the Marvel movies in order.
