On July 24, 2025, Fantastic Four: First Steps premieres in Brazilian theaters, launching Phase 6 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) with a runtime of 115 minutes, making it one of the shortest films in the franchise, as revealed by AMC Theatres. Directed by Matt Shakman, the movie stars Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm, facing off against Galactus, played by Ralph Ineson. Set in a retrofuturistic New York in an alternate universe, the film skips the team’s origin story to focus on a cosmic adventure. This third cinematic reboot of Marvel’s first family aims to redefine the Fantastic Four’s legacy, with rumors of a cameo by Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom. The production blends nostalgia with cutting-edge visuals, targeting both longtime fans and new audiences.
The 1h55 runtime aligns Fantastic Four: First Steps with Doctor Strange and Thor, emphasizing a tight narrative over sprawling epics like Avengers: Endgame (181 minutes). Set visits revealed intricate 1960s-inspired designs with futuristic flair, heightening anticipation. The film’s cast and Shakman’s direction signal Marvel’s ambition to establish the Fantastic Four as a cornerstone of the MCU.
The production overcame hurdles, including a directorial change from Jon Watts to Shakman and delays from 2023 industry strikes. With a US$ 200 million budget, the film invests heavily in visual effects to depict Galactus and the Silver Surfer, played by Julia Garner. Additional cast members, including Natasha Lyonne and John Malkovich, add intrigue to this pivotal MCU chapter.
Star-studded cast
Fantastic Four: First Steps boasts a high-profile cast to bring Marvel’s first family to life. Pedro Pascal, known for The Last of Us, plays Reed Richards, the brilliant Mr. Fantastic. Vanessa Kirby, of Mission: Impossible fame, portrays Sue Storm, the Invisible Woman. Joseph Quinn, a Stranger Things standout, takes on Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, while Ebon Moss-Bachrach, from The Bear, embodies Ben Grimm, the Thing.
Ralph Ineson, recognized for The Witch, stars as Galactus, the planet-devouring cosmic entity, promising a menacing presence. Julia Garner, an Ozark Emmy winner, plays Shalla-Bal, a female Silver Surfer, diverging from the classic Norrin Radd. Natasha Lyonne, Paul Walter Hauser, and John Malkovich join in undisclosed roles, fueling speculation about characters like Franklin Richards, the son of Reed and Sue. Director Matt Shakman emphasized the challenge of casting actors who could capture the team’s familial dynamic, a priority after mixed reception to prior adaptations.
The cast underwent extensive rehearsals to build chemistry, with Pascal calling the role of Reed “daunting” but praising his co-stars’ commitment. Set reports highlight scenes that showcase the group’s teamwork, blending humor and emotional depth, a hallmark of the Fantastic Four’s comic legacy.
- Key cast members and roles:
- Pedro Pascal: Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic).
- Vanessa Kirby: Sue Storm (Invisible Woman).
- Joseph Quinn: Johnny Storm (Human Torch).
- Ebon Moss-Bachrach: Ben Grimm (The Thing).
- Ralph Ineson: Galactus.
Retro-futuristic setting
The film unfolds in an alternate-universe New York, blending 1960s aesthetics with futuristic elements. Set designs include high-tech labs and stylized streets, drawing from Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s original comics. The retro-futuristic vibe is evident in updated blue uniforms and sleek spaceships, setting the film apart from the MCU’s modern settings in films like Spider-Man: No Way Home.
Rather than retelling the team’s origin—gaining powers from cosmic radiation—the story dives into their first major battle against Galactus. The production uses detailed practical sets and CGI to create a vibrant, otherworldly New York with towering skyscrapers and hovering vehicles. Michael Giacchino’s score, blending orchestral and electronic sounds, enhances the unique atmosphere.
The setting allows for creative freedom, avoiding timeline conflicts with the main MCU. Visual elements, like redesigned yellow taxis and vintage-inspired tech, pay homage to the Fantastic Four’s 1960s roots while pushing a futuristic narrative.
Role in MCU Phase 6
Fantastic Four: First Steps kicks off Phase 6, setting the stage for Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027). The film introduces the Fantastic Four as key players in the multiverse saga, with Galactus and the Silver Surfer signaling cosmic stakes. Rumors suggest a cameo by Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom, tying the film to the broader MCU narrative.
Positioned after The Marvels (2023) in an alternate universe, the film explains the team’s absence from earlier phases. Marvel aims to recover from Phase 5’s mixed reception, with Fantastic Four serving as a narrative reset. The focus on a self-contained story with multiversal implications aligns with Kevin Feige’s vision for a cohesive Phase 6.
Runtime comparison
At 115 minutes, Fantastic Four: First Steps ranks among the MCU’s shortest films, tied with Doctor Strange and Thor, and behind The Marvels (105 minutes), The Incredible Hulk (112 minutes), and Thor: The Dark World (112 minutes). The lean runtime prioritizes a fast-paced story, ideal for family audiences and multiple daily screenings.
Previous Fantastic Four films—2005’s (106 minutes) and 2015’s (100 minutes)—were criticized for rushed narratives. The 115-minute duration strikes a balance, allowing character development and action without overstaying. The choice reflects Marvel’s strategy to deliver concise, impactful stories post-Endgame.
- Shortest MCU films:
- The Marvels: 105 minutes.
- The Incredible Hulk: 112 minutes.
- Thor: The Dark World: 112 minutes.
- Fantastic Four: First Steps: 115 minutes.
- Doctor Strange: 115 minutes.
Directorial vision
Matt Shakman, who helmed WandaVision, took over directing duties from Jon Watts after scheduling conflicts. Shakman’s experience with character-driven stories and stylized visuals suits the film’s retro-futuristic tone. Filming, completed in London and Atlanta, faced delays from 2023 writers’ and actors’ strikes but wrapped in early 2025.
The screenplay by Josh Friedman and Cameron Squires avoids origin tropes, focusing on a cosmic conflict. Kevin Feige, Marvel Studios president, called the film a “pivotal moment” for the MCU, likening the Fantastic Four’s role to the Avengers’. The US$ 200 million budget supports high-end effects, particularly for Galactus and the Silver Surfer.
Past adaptations’ legacy
The Fantastic Four’s earlier films struggled to capture the team’s essence. The 2005 version, starring Chris Evans, earned US$ 333 million but was critiqued for its light tone. The 2015 reboot, with Miles Teller, grossed US$ 168 million and faced backlash for production issues.
Marvel’s acquisition of Fox in 2019 allowed a fresh approach. First Steps emphasizes the team’s scientific roots and family dynamic, drawing from Pixar’s The Incredibles and classic comics. The film aims to honor the Fantastic Four’s status as Marvel’s first heroes while integrating them into the MCU’s multiverse.
Fan anticipation
Fans are buzzing with excitement, driven by the cast and set reveals. Visits to the set showcased the Fantastic Four’s ship and Galactus’ design, boosting hype. In the U.S., fan events are planned for Comic-Con 2025, where Marvel will promote Phase 6. Early polls show 65% of MCU fans rank Fantastic Four among 2025’s top releases, trailing Avengers: Doomsday.
The Downey-as-Doom rumor has sparked debates, with fans eager for his return after Tony Stark’s exit. Social media posts highlight enthusiasm for the retro aesthetic and Garner’s Silver Surfer. The film’s marketing, starting with trailers in March 2025, aims to build momentum.
Visual effects spectacle
The Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) handles the film’s effects, crafting a towering Galactus and a fluid Silver Surfer. Galactus shifts between planetary scale and human-sized interactions, using CGI and practical sets. The Silver Surfer’s metallic design incorporates motion-capture for dynamic movement.
Action sequences feature space battles and New York skirmishes, showcasing the team’s powers—Reed’s elasticity, Sue’s force fields, Johnny’s flames, and Ben’s strength. The Thing and Human Torch use advanced motion-capture for realistic transformations, rivaling effects in Avatar: The Way of Water.
- Visual effects highlights:
- Galactus’ massive scale and human-sized scenes.
- Silver Surfer’s fluid, dance-inspired movements.
- Realistic transformations for the Thing and Human Torch.
- Space and New York action sequences.
Global and U.S. reception
The Fantastic Four enjoys a strong U.S. fanbase, rooted in comics and 1990s cartoons. Theaters like AMC and Regal plan July 23, 2025, pre-screenings, with high ticket demand in New York and Los Angeles. Fan clubs are organizing cosplay events and comic exhibitions.
Globally, the film is projected to gross over US$ 600 million, potentially reaching US$ 1 billion with strong reviews. The July release aligns with summer blockbusters, competing with Mission: Impossible 8. Marvel’s global campaign includes tie-in merchandise, like Funko Pops and comic reprints, launching in April 2025.
Significance for Marvel
Fantastic Four: First Steps positions the team as MCU linchpins, akin to the Avengers in Phase 1. The multiverse setting and cosmic villains like Galactus set up future projects, including Disney+ series and Secret Wars. The film reintroduces the Silver Surfer, last seen in 2007, to new audiences.
Marvel’s focus on the Fantastic Four reflects a return to character-driven storytelling after Phase 5 critiques. The film’s success could shape Phase 6’s trajectory, making it a critical release for the studio’s future.
