Vanessa Kirby delivers a standout performance as Sue Storm in Fantastic Four: First Steps, Marvel Studios’ latest film that hit Brazilian theaters on July 24, 2025. Directed by Matt Shakman, the movie introduces Marvel’s First Family in a retro-futuristic 1960s New York, facing the cosmic villain Galactus. Despite the praised chemistry of the cast, including Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, the film received mixed reviews for its lack of originality and shallow character development. The production, marking the start of the MCU’s Phase 6, aims to capture the essence of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s comics but struggles to escape comparisons with prior adaptations. Kirby, however, emerges as the heart of the film, earning praise for her portrayal of the Invisible Woman.
The film’s premiere sparked high expectations, particularly due to its stellar cast and promise of a fresh approach. The retro-futuristic setting and visual effects, including Galactus’ imposing presence, were positive highlights. However, the narrative, centered on Sue Storm’s pregnancy, disappointed some critics for its lack of depth in certain arcs.
- Key highlights of the film:
- Vanessa Kirby’s performance as Sue Storm, considered the heart of the story.
- Chemistry among the main quartet, with Joseph Quinn shining as Johnny Storm.
- Visual effects and retro-futuristic design, compared to Interstellar.
- A runtime of 1h55, praised for avoiding excess.
Vanessa Kirby’s performance: The film’s high point
Vanessa Kirby, known for roles in The Crown and Mission: Impossible, elevates Fantastic Four: First Steps with a performance blending strength and vulnerability. Her Sue Storm is described as the emotional anchor of the group, bringing humanity to a narrative some found soulless. Critics praised her ability to convey the complexity of a heroine balancing family and heroic responsibilities.
Kirby’s casting was announced in February 2024, generating excitement among Marvel fans. During the film’s promotion in London, she revealed she dove deep into the original comics to capture Sue Storm’s essence. Her dedication shines in scenes where the character uses her invisibility and force field powers, earning praise for realistic visual effects.
Additionally, the chemistry between Kirby and Pedro Pascal, who plays Reed Richards, was a major highlight. The couple’s dynamic, marked by tension and mutual support, reflects the family essence of the comics. However, some critics noted that the focus on Sue’s pregnancy limited her development, reducing her to a maternal role at the expense of her heroic strength.
- Reasons for Kirby’s standout role:
- Emotional performance that humanizes Sue Storm.
- Preparation rooted in Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s comics.
- Natural chemistry with the cast, especially Pedro Pascal.
- Convincing use of Invisible Woman’s powers in action scenes.
Production context and Marvel’s challenges
Fantastic Four: First Steps is Marvel’s third attempt to adapt the First Family for the big screen, following the 2005 and 2015 versions that failed to resonate with audiences. Led by producer Kevin Feige, the new production sought a fresh approach, skipping the heroes’ origin story and betting on a retro-futuristic 1960s setting, which brought visual flair but narrative challenges.
Directed by Matt Shakman, known for WandaVision, the film boasts confident direction, but the screenplay by Josh Friedman, Eric Pearson, Jeff Kaplan, and Ian Springer was criticized for not fully exploring the characters’ potential. The focus on family dynamics, while well-received by some, was seen as predictable by others expecting a bolder approach.
The production faced pressure to overcome the shortcomings of past adaptations. The 2005 version, starring Jessica Alba, was criticized for its overly comedic tone, while the 2015 reboot with Miles Teller was deemed disjointed. With a reported budget of $200 million, the new film banked on a strong cast and cutting-edge visual effects to draw audiences.
Critical reception: Praise and reservations
Fantastic Four: First Steps received mixed reviews, holding an 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on initial critiques. The retro-futuristic aesthetic and visual effects were widely praised, particularly the portrayal of Galactus, played by Ralph Ineson, and the Silver Surfer, brought to life by Julia Garner. Michael Giacchino’s score was also hailed as one of the MCU’s best.
However, the film’s under-two-hour runtime drew criticism, with some noting that character development, particularly for Galactus and the Silver Surfer, suffered. While visually stunning, the narrative was seen by some as adhering to conventional superhero formulas, lacking the innovation expected.
- Key critical points:
- Praise for the cast’s chemistry and Matt Shakman’s direction.
- High-quality visual effects, especially in cosmic sequences.
- Criticism of the screenplay for lacking originality and depth.
- Short runtime, limiting some characters’ development.
Vanessa Kirby’s impact on the MCU
Kirby’s performance not only solidified her as a standout in the film but also positioned her as a central figure in the MCU’s future. Her Sue Storm is seen as a bridge to the events of Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, set to close Phase 6 in 2026 and 2027, respectively. Two post-credits scenes suggest her character will play a significant role in upcoming chapters.
At the Los Angeles premiere on July 21, 2025, Kirby moved audiences by sharing that working with Pedro Pascal and joining the MCU was the most surreal moment of her career. Fan reactions on social media reinforced her impact, with many calling her performance a highlight of the film.
Kirby’s casting sparked debates, with some fans celebrating her selection while others questioned if she could capture Sue Storm’s essence. Her performance, however, dispelled doubts, with critics noting she brought a fresh layer to the character, balancing strength and emotion.
Production trivia
The production of Fantastic Four: First Steps included details that enriched the film:
- The robot H.E.R.B.I.E., from the comics, appears as a key support for the team.
- The retro-futuristic New York drew inspiration from Jack Kirby’s designs, evoking the 1960s.
- Filming took place in locations recreating an alternate Manhattan with cutting-edge technology.
- Michael Giacchino’s score was compared to Interstellar for its grandeur.
- Julia Garner’s casting as Silver Surfer sparked debate but earned praise for her performance.
Future expectations
The release of Fantastic Four: First Steps marks a transitional moment for Marvel, aiming to regain momentum after criticism of recent projects. Kirby’s performance, combined with the cast’s chemistry, provides a solid foundation for the franchise’s future. Despite its flaws, the film is seen as a step in the right direction, with potential to explore the characters further in sequels.
Kirby’s Sue Storm also underscores the importance of strong female characters in the MCU. Her performance, paired with the innovative design and visual effects, ensures the film is a visual milestone, even if it falls short of the narrative depth some desired. The focus now is on how Marvel will leverage Kirby’s success to expand the Fantastic Four’s role in the cinematic universe.
