Marvel Studios’ ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Receives Mixed Early Reactions Ahead of Weekend Release

July 23, 2025: Fans are already buzzing about Marvel Studios’ highly anticipated reboot, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” which will be in theaters this weekend. People have had conflicting reactions to the movie, which stars Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby. Some say it’s a good step forward for the superhero franchise, while others say it “plays it safe” and doesn’t have a lasting effect.

The first wave of replies on sites like Twitter (now X) shows two sides of the story. People who liked the movie are praising its “striking visuals, character chemistry, and emotionally grounded storytelling.” One fan called it “a breath of fresh air for the MCU,” pointing out its “unique cinematic language & vibe” and “some of the best world building of the MCU.” Another person praised it as a “true spectacle,” saying that the sights were “jaw-dropping” and that the enemy, Galactus, was “terrifying.”

A lot of the rave reviews have focused on Vanessa Kirby’s performance as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, with many calling it the best part of the movie. Some critics said that the movie “plays it safe at times, revisiting familiar beats, but elevates them in a big way.” Others said that Kirby “steals the show.” People also said that the movie’s “gorgeous production, great score, [and] great Kubrick/Nolan-inspired visuals” were reasons to see it in IMAX.

Galactus, the movie’s villain, has also been praised for finally being shown with the complexity and threatening presence that fans have wanted for a long time. One tweet called him “the most formidable villain in a cycle” and that the movie was “the most consistent and satisfying Marvel Universe [entry] in a long while.”

But not everyone has been happy with the response. Some people who don’t like social media have said that the pacing, character development, and even the casting are all problems. One harsh review said, “#FantasticFour 2025 is a shell of a movie with no soul. The retro-futuristic images look dead… The writing doesn’t have any emotional weight; the family “drama” doesn’t work, and the characters don’t seem to connect. Another person said the movie was “rushed” and that it “could’ve been great if the studio let it breathe.”

Some people have also criticized the casting choices, especially Joseph Quinn’s role as Johnny Storm/Human Torch. Some people said things like “Joseph Quinn is miscast” and “Pascal and Quinn were a huge swing… and even bigger miss.” The only good part of it is Kirby’s Sue. Another review that was less harsh said, “Fantastic Four: First Steps isn’t bad, but it’s not very memorable either.”

Directed by Matt Shakman, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” shows Marvel’s First Family—Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach)—learning how to use their powers and fighting the cosmic danger of Galactus. The movie will be out in theaters on July 25, 2025.