Matt Shakman’s movie, the 37th entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, goes on wide release on July 25.
From left: Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Vanessa Kirby, Pedro Pascal and Joseph Quinn.
Courtesy of 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios
To much fanfare, and a galaxy of stars in attendance, Marvel Studios‘ hotly anticipated The Fantastic Four: First Steps held its world premiere at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles on Monday night.
Not long after the screening ended, reactions to the movie started flooding social media. Though full critics’ reviews for First Steps are embargoed till Tuesday, the early social media response seems overwhelmingly positive, with many viewers suggesting that the film is the best cinematic depiction of Marvel’s First Family.
The 37th entry in the long-running Marvel Cinematic Universe, First Steps is directed Matt Shakman and stars Pedro Pascal (Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic), Vanessa Kirby (Sue Storm/Invisible Woman), Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Ben Grim/The Thing), and Joseph Quinn (Johnny Storm/Human Torch) as the titular team. Set on an alternative Earth, the film sees the team attempting to stop the planet-devouring menace of Galactus (Ralph Ineson) who is helped by his herald, the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner).
First Steps is released in theaters worldwide on July 25. Before the film’s release, and full critics’ reviews, read on for a sampling of early reaction from First Steps‘ premiere.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is truly delightful. Perfectly captures the FF and their dynamic. I had a big smile on my face throughout it and wow on the awesome production design and visuals. pic.twitter.com/8GbN3cULJW
— Eric Goldman (@TheEricGoldman) July 22, 2025
#TheFantasticFour was AMAZING! The cast & their chemistry hold this film up. Pedro delivered my favorite performance as Reed. The score elevates every scene & is sooo prevalent. Galactus is perfectly adapted. This is a film with joy, heart, comedy & more. Solid 8/10. pic.twitter.com/LNVvL3SKHZ
— Matt Ramos (@therealsupes) July 22, 2025
THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS is the best MCU film in ages. Matt Shakman delivers the goods with an emphasis on character and story while still providing the most gorgeous visuals ever conceived for a MCU film. The anatomically correct Galactus has a huge part. Loved this. pic.twitter.com/2BwfkiyIgH
— Dan Marcus (@Danimalish) July 22, 2025
#FantasticFour is the most visually stunning and tonally distinct MCU movie yet. All 4 of the main cast members kill it, with Vanessa Kirby being the standout. Giacchino’s score is an all timer. You will regret not watching this movie in the biggest theater possible. pic.twitter.com/1gdoH71LuD
— Jack McBryan (@McBDirect) July 22, 2025
#FantasticFour is my favorite MCU project since WandaVision. Incredible craftsmanship & visual design on display bolstered by pitch perfect performances (especially from Kirby & Pascal). A moving story on parenthood and trying to soften the world for your child. And that SCORE!! pic.twitter.com/oPWxsIOCyx
— adam patla (@apat10) July 22, 2025
#TheFantasticFour is on par w/ #Superman when it comes to a story about hope, love & family. It’s also probably the easiest access point for people that want to get into Marvel. Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn & Ebon Moss-Bachrach were fantastic. But Vanessa Kirby? Oh she ate 💅🏻👑 pic.twitter.com/qKoRJNm58V
— Lyra Hale ✍️🇵🇷🏳️🌈 (@MsLyraHale) July 22, 2025
FANTASTIC FOUR: THE FIRST STEPS brings the team to us in a new and refreshing way. Matt Shakman’s vision of their NYC is gorgeous and intoxicating and Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach are perfect. It’s about family!!!! 💙 pic.twitter.com/ISdfduL6Su
— Rachel Leishman (@RachelLeishman) July 22, 2025
#TheFantasticFour is a fun, vibrant intro to Marvel’s First Family. Packed w/ retrofuturism, heart, and family feels, it’s a fresh, crowd-pleasing kickoff fans old & new can celebrate. The score lifts every moment, and the chemistry shines. It’s just a good time. #FantasticFour pic.twitter.com/Ks68jtd4be
— iammichaeljlee.bsky.social (@IamMichaelJLee) July 22, 2025
#TheFantasticFour felt like The Jetsons meets Star Trek—the retro-futuristic ’60s vibe was perfect. But the character dynamics and chemistry were FANTASTIC. It’s a solid, straightforward adaptation done right. We finally got a good Fantastic Four movie. pic.twitter.com/KCrXQ5dPvg
— John Flickinger (@theFLICKpick) July 22, 2025
#TheFantasticFour is a breathe of fresh air for the MCU
It delivers all the humor & action you want but it has its own cinematic language & vibe
It features some of the best world building of the MCU. You want to spend more time w/ these characters exploring this world
Big win pic.twitter.com/kypRNnWCCB
— Sean Chandler (@kirkneverdied) July 22, 2025
#FantasticFour The MCU nailed it! The stake haven’t felt this high in a long time. All 4 members of the team play the roles exceptionally & share perfect chemistry. Galactus is a spectacle that MUST be seen in IMAX. Best balance of tone in an MCU film. I LOVED so much about this! pic.twitter.com/tGMEQnb7MV
— Cris Parker (@3CFilmss) July 22, 2025
#TheFantasticFour is pun-intended, fantastic and the best pure MCU film since GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 3 and that’s not hyperbole The story is clear, tight, and the family dynamic is so emotionally effective. Giacchino score rocks. Visually astounding. Galactus was great and… pic.twitter.com/xps7GsCJDZ
— Nick Zednik (@NickZednik) July 22, 2025
#FantasticFour is the most consistent and satisfying Marvel Universe for a long while. Genuinely engaging lead performances, thrilling action, and the most formidable villain in a cycle. Brilliant use (not overuse) of the powers. It’s a really good time – and it looks amazing! pic.twitter.com/FdwdXUvGWC
— Simon Thompson (@ShowbizSimon) July 22, 2025
Watched #FantasticFour with a smile on my face the whole time. It’s just got a very simple, pleasant, tone and pacing that’s coasts on the performances and chemistry of the leads. That energy doesn’t always match with the bigger story but it still works way more than not. pic.twitter.com/BhjqCIMkZb
— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) July 22, 2025
Marvel has finally delivered not only the best #FantasticFour movie but one of the most spectacular, emotional, creative, bold, visually stunning Marvel films ever made. The 1960s retro aesethic works perfectly in this film. Matt Shakman really brought Jack Kirby’s tone to life. pic.twitter.com/gRqDgPLYnd
— Elliott Bullock II (@Elliott_Bull2) July 22, 2025
Oh yes #FantasticFour … perfect casting, truly great performances from the core crew across the board. And visually one of the most exciting MCU entries in a while. Keep these coming, I love this family. pic.twitter.com/OpZCRhgQNu
— Brian Particelli (@BrianParticelli) July 22, 2025