Marvel Comics' first superhero team, the Fantastic Four, is once again returning to audiences in a new form. This film marks the fifth cinematic adaptation, a testament to the fact that the 'Fantastic Four' IP possesses a charm and potential that are by no means small. Curiously, however, previous iterations have consistently fallen short of audience expectations, always leaving something to be desired. They boast a peculiar history of surviving despite cool reviews from critics, achieving ambiguous results that are hard to define as outright box-office failures.
A common criticism leveled against past films was their somewhat childish settings and plot developments. The concept of four heroes with distinct personalities is certainly appealing, but previous attempts repeatedly failed to fully capture that charm on screen, often being criticized for a lack of sophistication. For this reason, they remained one-off attempts and showed the limitation of not developing into a robust series. From the production team's perspective, it must have been a perplexing franchise, constantly walking a tightrope between box office performance and critical reception.
Returning a full decade after the 2015 film, this new installment declares a break from the past and a new beginning right from its subtitle, 'First Steps.' The most significant change is its official entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The rights were originally held by 20th Century Fox, but they returned to Marvel Studios following Disney's acquisition of Fox. This means the Fantastic Four will now share a universe with other heroes within the grand narrative of the MCU, a crucial factor that has significantly raised fan expectations.
This film not only aims for standalone completeness but also serves as a vital bridge to the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, scheduled for release in 2026. Perhaps because of this narrative importance, the movie cultivates a distinctly different atmosphere from previous 'Fantastic Four' films. The most noticeable difference is its time period. The film is set in the 1960s, presenting a unique visual style steeped in retro sensibilities. The very premise of showcasing cutting-edge technology that surpasses imagination within the constraints of the 1960s is an intriguing point of interest.
The spacecraft boarded by the Fantastic Four demonstrates astonishing technology, launching from downtown New York and executing a precise vertical landing back in the same spot after its mission. This visually proves their era-transcending genius, appearing as if they had already implemented the reusable rocket technology of modern-day SpaceX back in the 1960s. The overall tone of the film also diverges from the light and cheerful mood of its predecessors. Coupled with the 1960s backdrop, a deliberately dark and subdued color palette lends the film a serious weight and establishes a solemn atmosphere.
Following the trend of recent hero reboots, 'Fantastic Four: First Steps' does not dwell on a lengthy explanation of the team's origins. Under the assumption that the audience is already familiar with the basic setup, the story moves forward quickly by having the Fantastic Four members briefly introduce their experiences and abilities during a talk show appearance early in the film. This abbreviated narrative structure might feel slightly unfriendly, but it appears to be an effective choice to avoid unnecessary repetition and focus on the core events.
At the heart of the story are the team's leader, 'Mister Fantastic' Reed Richards, played by Pedro Pascal, and 'Invisible Woman' Sue Storm, portrayed by Vanessa Kirby. They are more than just colleagues; they are lovers, and a particularly crucial plot point in this film is that Sue Storm is pregnant with Reed's child. This transcends simple romance, serving as a key device that heightens the drama and suspense by heralding the birth of a new life that may possess unpredictable powers.
The real crisis begins with the sudden arrival of an enigmatic cosmic being, the Silver Surfer. Riding his silver surfboard, he has appeared as a formidable villain in previous 'Fantastic Four' series. However, in this film, he is not the final boss but rather a herald—an intermediate villain—for the ultimate cosmic predator, Galactus, who destroys planets and absorbs their energy. Galactus possesses the overwhelming power to effortlessly annihilate entire planets, giving a scale of the desperate threat the Fantastic Four must confront.
Faced with Galactus's unimaginable power, the abilities of the Fantastic Four feel utterly helpless. In a desperate situation where a physical battle seems unwinnable, it is the child Sue Storm is carrying that provides an unexpected clue to the solution and plays a pivotal role. The climactic confrontation with Galactus might leave a slightly underwhelming impression relative to his immense scale, but the process of overcoming the crisis through intellect and unforeseen variables, rather than brute force, showcases the unique charm of the Fantastic Four.
Finally, setting the film in the 1960s may have been a deliberate strategic choice. If this film is successful and a sequel is produced, it lays the groundwork for them to naturally join the present-day MCU timeline after a time jump of several decades. After the movie ends, two post-credit scenes await. The first features the appearance of Doctor Doom, the Fantastic Four's arch-nemesis and an iconic Marvel Comics villain, signaling his full-fledged introduction into the MCU's future. The final, second cookie contains lighthearted content that has little impact on the story's flow, so it can be skipped if you're short on time.
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