Directed by Matt Shakman and penned by Josh Friedman and Jeff Kaplan, Fantastic Four: First Steps brings the Marvel’s First Family back to the screen in a retro-futuristic style crafted especially for the MCU. Starring Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, and Joseph Quinn, this action-packed fantasy film, released in France in July 2025, continues its run on streaming platforms: it will be available on Disney+ starting April 23, 2026. This fresh take on the iconic characters marks a significant milestone, as they make their long-awaited return to the Marvel Studios universe after years of absence.
Set in a universe inspired by the 1960s, the story follows Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm, a group of scientists and explorers facing a major cosmic threat. In this alternate world shaped by Marvel Studios, their family dynamics form the emotional core of the film, balancing heroic responsibilities with personal bonds. The retro-futuristic setting, designed as an aesthetic reinvention, serves as the backdrop for a story where identity and duty merge.
Called upon to face Galactus, a devouring force embodied here as a voracious entity, and his Herald, the Silver Surfer, the heroes must find a way to protect Earth without losing what defines them. The balance between the intimate and the spectacular, as well as the management of family relationships, is one of the narrative drivers of the film. The plot is thus based on the interplay between cosmic threat and emotional stakes, in an aesthetic that pays homage to the early comics of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.
Developed by Marvel Studios, the project honors previous versions produced by Fox while charting a markedly different course. Director Matt Shakman, who previously worked on WandaVision, brings his visual expertise to craft a look that plays with distinct retro-futuristic 1960s aesthetics. This stylistic choice sets the film apart from the more conventional Marvel productions of recent years. Plunged into what’s known as “Earth 828,” the characters evolve within a parallel continuity, offering creators room to explore new narratives without being tightly bound to the overarching MCU storyline.
The casting confirms the studio's desire to rely on recognizable actors who are capable of reinventing these iconic characters. Pedro Pascal plays Reed Richards, a role that has rarely been stabilized on screen until now. Vanessa Kirby lends her presence to Sue Storm, who is central to this version. Joseph Quinn, who was spotted in Stranger Things, plays a deliberately more impulsive Johnny Storm, in keeping with the spirit of the early comics. Together, they form a coherent team for a faithful reinterpretation while modernizing certain thematic aspects.
Our Take on Fantastic Four: First Steps
So, what’s the verdict on Matt Shakman’s film bringing the first Marvel family into the MCU? The core idea is promising: launching an adventure set in an alternate timeline, on Earth 828, in a universe different from the familiar heroes we've known for over 15 years. It’s a fresh take that allows Marvel to explore without the heavy baggage of past films.
The direction is quite solid as well—navigating across several years of story without losing coherence. The cinematography is beautiful and meticulously crafted, with well-developed characters. Overall, the film feels focused, well-paced, and grounded in a clear narrative. We also appreciated the retro-futuristic 1960s-inspired art direction, which helps this film stand out from the typical MCU aesthetic.
Another highlight is that, like James Gunn with his Superman, Matt Shakman opts not to retell an origin story. Instead, we meet heroes already established in their universe, although their journey to gain powers is cleverly introduced via a TV show—refreshing and a nice departure from typical superhero origin tales.
However, we did feel somewhat underwhelmed for a few reasons. Some characters deserved more development, especially Ben Grimm. Pedro Pascal delivers a strong performance, but his recognizable face sometimes blurs the line between actor and role. The story itself follows a fairly predictable pattern.
All in all, we leave the theater with a sense of unfinished business, but also genuine joy at revisiting characters that were underused in the last major film from 2015. Are these heroes being rehabilitated? Certainly. But we’ll need to see more to be truly convinced.
This third reboot of the Fantastic Four saga follows Tim Story's adaptations from the 2000s and the 2015 film directed by Josh Trank. Marvel Studios has decided to reintroduce the franchise within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this time with a fresh cast featuring Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn as the new team.
The filming took place primarily at Pinewood Studios in London, as well as across various locations in England and Spain. Matt Shakman also focused on crafting a retro aesthetic for the film, drawing inspiration from 1960s cinema. To achieve this look, he opted for particular lenses and incorporated practical sets and scale models to enhance the retro-futuristic feel of the universe.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps | Film | 2025
Release in theaters: July 23, 2025
Available on Disney+ from April 23, 2026
Action, fantasy | Runtime: 1h55
Directed by Matt Shakman | Starring Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach
Original title: The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Country: United States
Blending homage to the original comics with a fresh visual approach, Fantastic Four: First Steps offers a new take on the iconic Marvel team. By setting the story in a retro-futuristic world and highlighting the family bond at its core, the film explores a different side of the Marvel Cinematic Universe than recent releases.
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