‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Review — Nothing Fantastic About This Dull MCU Snoozefest
1960S EARTH (RETRO-FUTURISTIC SETTING OUTSIDE MCU MAIN TIMELINE), JUL 25 – The film reintroduces the Fantastic Four in a 1960s retro-futuristic setting, focusing on family themes and a cosmic threat while skipping the origin story, starting MCU Phase Six.
- Marvel Studios released Fantastic Four: First Steps in 2025, featuring Pedro Pascal as Mister Fantastic in a retro-futuristic 1960s world outside the MCU's main timeline.
- This film adapts the 1966 comic source and follows the Fantastic Four confronting Galactus, a world-devouring supervillain threatening Earth 828.
- The story centers on the team's plan to teleport Galactus to a distant star system to prevent global destruction, with an easily resolved conflict but little tension.
- Critics note the film’s stunning retro visuals and solid performances but criticize rushed pacing, weak character development, and what is described as a strategic misstep.
- Pedro Pascal's rising visibility through multiple roles has sparked online backlash fueled by parasocial assumptions and accusations related to his interactions during promotion.
29 Articles
29 Articles
Movie Guy: Fun, but not quite fantastic 'First Steps'
Marvel Studios has a lot riding on the release of their new movie, “Fantastic Four: First Steps.” This is one of their most cherished comic book teams, but it’s also the story that has proved most difficult to adapt to…
Is ‘Fantastic Four’ a Marvel Reset or Another Step Backward? Screen Talk Reviews the Film and Previews Fall Festivals
IndieWire's 'Screen Talk' podcast reviews 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' and previews the fall festivals which include films like 'After the Hunt.'
The Internet Is Getting Real Weird About Pedro Pascal All Of A Sudden
Pedro Pascal is having a big year. He’s starring in his first Marvel movie as Mister Fantastic in Fantastic Four: First Steps, he died a gruesome death in The Last of Us’ second season, and right now, it’s entirely possible you can go to a movie theater and see him in three different films in one day. Public…Read more...
A 'Femtastic Bore' - 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' Review
For most of my time watching The Fantastic Four: First Steps, my brain entered what I can only describe as a self-imposed protective coma. I wasn’t bored—this was something worse. A sort of subconscious defense mechanism kicked in, shielding me from the slow-motion trainwreck unraveling on screen. The post A ‘Femtastic Bore’ – ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Review appeared first on That Park Place.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 45% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium