For decades, the Fantastic Four have been a cornerstone of Marvel Comics—debuting in 1961 and launching the Marvel Age of superheroes under the wild imagination of Jack Kirby and Stan Lee. But when it comes to live-action adaptations, Marvel’s First Family hasn’t exactly had the best track record. From the unreleased 1990s B-movie curiosity to the glossy yet clunky 2005 version and the famously derailed 2015 reboot, each attempt failed to capture the adventurous spirit, cosmic wonder, and familial drama that made the comics so beloved. That all changes with The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Not only is it a bold, beautiful leap for Marvel’s original team, but it’s also the first time they’ve truly felt at home on the big screen.
Directed with both reverence and ambition, First Steps feels like a love letter to vintage Marvel—imagine Interstellar filtered through a kaleidoscope of Jack Kirby cosmic surrealism and grounded by heartfelt family melodrama. It’s a film that’s earnest, imaginative, and unafraid to wear its heart on its sleeve. Plus, the tone and storytelling feel ripped right from the Silver Age, striking that sweet spot between awe-inspiring space adventure and intimate character drama. This is the kind of movie Stan and Jack would’ve dreamed up on a late night in the Marvel Bullpen.
What truly makes First Steps soar is its cast. Marvel’s First Family finally feels like a family. Every team member delivers a pitch-perfect performance, each with a clear sense of who they are and why they matter to the group dynamic. Everyone understood the assignment. The chemistry is effortless—like these characters have lived in each other’s orbit for years, through triumph and tragedy alike.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps brings heart and spectacle as Marvel’s First Family finally get a film worthy of their legacy.
But the heart of the film, just like in the comics, is Sue Storm. Vanessa Kirby brings a quiet strength and emotional gravity that grounds the entire story. Her portrayal doesn’t just complement the rest of the team—it holds them together. The team doesn’t function without Sue, and the film wouldn’t work without Vanessa Kirby. She is the glue.
As for Galactus? He’s everything that you waited for in a cinematic version of Galactus. He’s not just a looming galactic threat, but also an actual character brought to life with gravitas and menace. Ralph Ineson’s voice performance is chilling and commanding. He makes the Devourer of Worlds a screen presence that’s as unforgettable as he is cosmic. Every time he speaks, it’s like the entire film pauses to listen. Galactus is a spectacle that steals every scene he’s in.
Of course, this wouldn’t be a Fantastic Four story without visual flair, and First Steps delivers in spades. The production design is gorgeous, capturing that mix of retro-futurism and cosmic awe that defined early Marvel. Every frame bursts with color, detail, and imagination. Complementing it all is Michael Giacchino’s sweeping score that soars alongside the action but knows when to pull back for the quiet, human moments.
Overall, The Fantastic Four: First Steps captures everything that made the comics iconic: the bold science fiction, the soaring stakes, and most importantly, the family at its core. For the first time, the Fantastic Four feel fantastic. Marvel’s original superheroes finally have a film that does them justice—and it’s one small step for the franchise, one giant leap for superhero cinema.
Rating: 4/5 atoms
The Fantastic Four: First Steps hits theaters on July 25th.
