Reel Review: Fantastic Four: First Steps is Marvel’s Boldest Move Yet Telling a Simple Story About a Stronger Family

Togetherness.

I suppose that’s always been one of the driving forces of the Marvel Cinematic Universe—the way each world intertwines, each character having their own beginning, middle, and end. Fantastic Four: First Steps captures that particular essence well, allowing us to get to know these characters in a way we haven’t been able to until now.

It’s no secret that Marvel has had some unpredictable and, honestly, unstable past years—seemingly reflective of the world we live in today. But that’s neither here nor there. What is true is that all this put a lot of pressure on this release. Not to mention, this is the fourth on-screen adaptation of Marvel’s First Family. But this retro-futuristic take rises to the challenge in a way that makes longtime Marvel fans feel at home and newcomers feel welcomed. They literally open their home to us.

This isn’t an origin story—it’s an introduction story. And it’s a genius play.

We get a SparkNotes-style montage about the four astronauts who return to Earth with powers after being exposed to cosmic rays, becoming the protectors of Earth-828. Pedro Pascal plays Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic), Vanessa Kirby is Sue Storm (Invisible Woman), Joseph Quinn brings Johnny Storm (Human Torch) to life, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach gives us Ben Grimm (The Thing). They feel like a real family. And we meet them right in the middle of it all, just as they’re about to welcome a tiny new addition to the team.

Immediately, we’re given something Marvel hasn’t quite delivered before: a real, stable marriage, Reed and Sue. It’s something no Marvel movie has portrayed this intimately—a genuine, lived-in relationship that feels honest. Sure, they’re super-smart scientists with powers, but at their core, they’re just people. And that’s exactly what makes it work.

The family dynamic is what allows this film to soar. Instead of shying away from who these heroes are in their day-to-day lives, the story pours into that, just like The Incredibles—which, of course, was inspired by the Fantastic Four. But I like to think the success of that super-family is what nudged the MCU to show these four this way.

They’re famous, beloved, and trusted. But what’s beautiful is that behind all that, they’re still just humans—humans who went to space and came back… different. We get to live in their world for a bit. The excitement of a new baby. The responsibilities they’ve sworn to the world. The quiet complexities of each character.

But it’s not long after baby name coverage and Reed (or Kirby, really) ruining everyone’s day by baby-proofing the house that Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) arrives on Earth, warning everyone of Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds. And as Earth’s protectors, the Fantastic Four do what they do: follow the threat to its source. But what he asks of them is unthinkable—their child, in exchange for the world.

It seems simple, right? One life for millions. Isn’t that their duty? But that’s the story—not just how they fight Galactus, but why. The decisions they make. The emotional weight. The values behind their choices. That’s what matters.

Galactus isn’t really a villain—more a symbol of cosmic destruction. The stakes are high, but there’s never true fear that he’ll succeed. And that’s kind of the point. It’s not about whether the world ends. It’s about the not-so-simple family trying to prevent it. Silver Surfer plays a key role, yes—and Julia Garner is flawless—but she mostly serves as a setup for Johnny’s character arc.

The conflict won’t be what keeps you in your seat—it’s them. The Fantastic Four. They do all the work. Well, them and the gorgeous production design by Kasra Farahani. The world feels lived-in but slick. Polished, yet still believable.

Pedro Pascal is an exceptional actor. Like many, I was excited to see him take on the role. But to be honest, I wasn’t sold on the idea of him as Reed. What I realized is, I wasn’t really sold on Reed Richards as a character. But Pascal brings such warmth and grounded humanity to him. He’s driven by both heart and reason, constantly trying to find balance—and that tension defines him here.

But the real standout is Vanessa Kirby. She’s a mother. There’s a moment—a speech to a crowd of New Yorkers—where her eyes alone tell the story. She’s fierce, caring, intelligent, and grounded. The film makes a clear effort to present Sue not just as a mother, but as a whole woman, and it shows in every line, every gesture.

You might think of Ben and Johnny as the lovable uncles along for the ride, but they each get their due. Joseph Quinn completely embodies little brother energy—loud, eager, craving recognition, but not in a toxic way. He just wants to prove he belongs. And Moss-Bachrach’s Ben is the heart. The voice of reason. A true gentle giant. He’s gruff, proud, and full of soul. These two bring the laughs, sure—but they also shine in their most vulnerable moments.

It’s a simple story for a not-so-simple family, and that’s exactly why it works so well. If Marvel plays to its strengths moving forward, this could be the reset they’ve been needing. The Infinity Saga was an era unlike anything we’ve seen, and trying to recreate it would be a mistake. But Fantastic Four: First Steps is a promising start to Phase 6.

With all the Marvel news swirling lately, I think it’s fair to say—it’s time to return to the excitement, the anticipation, the wonder.