The Fantastic Four: First Steps is a 2025 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics team the Fantastic Four. Produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, it is the 37th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and the second reboot of the Fantastic Four film series. Directed by Matt Shakman, the film was written by Josh Friedman, Eric Pearson, Jeff Kaplan, and Ian Springer.
The film stars Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn as the titular heroes, alongside Julia Garner, Sarah Niles, Mark Gatiss, Natasha Lyonne, Paul Walter Hauser, and Ralph Ineson. Set in a retro-futuristic 1960s alternate universe (Earth-828), the story follows the team as they confront Galactus, a cosmic entity that devours planets, while also navigating the birth of Reed Richards and Sue Storm’s son, Franklin Richards.
The film premiered on July 21, 2025, at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and was released in the United States on July 25, 2025, as the first installment of Phase Six of the MCU. It grossed over $491 million worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing Fantastic Four film to date.
Plot
Set in 1964, the Fantastic Four—Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic), Sue Storm (Invisible Woman), Johnny Storm (Human Torch), and Ben Grimm (The Thing)—are celebrated as global heroes. When the Silver Surfer (Shalla-Bal) warns Earth of impending destruction by Galactus, the team faces a moral dilemma as the cosmic being seeks Sue and Reed’s unborn child, Franklin, whose powers could relieve Galactus of his eternal hunger.
The heroes refuse to sacrifice Franklin and instead develop a plan to teleport Earth away from Galactus. With global cooperation through the Future Foundation, they build massive teleportation bridges. The Silver Surfer ultimately helps banish Galactus into a portal after Sue nearly sacrifices her life, only to be revived by Franklin. The film ends with the Fantastic Four continuing their mission, as a mid-credits scene teases the arrival of Doctor Doom.
Cast
- Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic
- Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm / Invisible Woman
- Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm / The Thing
- Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm / Human Torch
- Julia Garner as Shalla-Bal / Silver Surfer
- Ralph Ineson as Galactus
- Paul Walter Hauser as Harvey Elder / Mole Man
- Natasha Lyonne as Rachel Rozman
- Sarah Niles as Lynne Nichols
- Mark Gatiss as Ted Gilbert
- Matthew Wood (voice) as H.E.R.B.I.E.
Cameos include the original 1994 Fantastic Four cast and an uncredited appearance by Robert Downey Jr. as Victor von Doom.
Production
Development
Following the critical failure of Fantastic Four (2015), Disney’s 2019 acquisition of 20th Century Fox transferred rights to Marvel Studios. Kevin Feige confirmed a new reboot in July 2019. Jon Watts was initially attached to direct but stepped down in 2022. Matt Shakman was hired later that year, pitching a family-centric, optimistic story set in the 1960s.
Casting
Casting began in 2023 with a focus on Sue Storm. After months of speculation, Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach were announced in February 2024 as the Fantastic Four. Later additions included Julia Garner as Silver Surfer and Ralph Ineson as Galactus.
Filming
Principal photography began in July 2024 at Pinewood Studios in England, with additional filming in Spain. Shakman sought a 1960s Kubrick-inspired aesthetic, using retro-futuristic sets and practical effects. The Baxter Building, Fantasticar, and H.E.R.B.I.E. were recreated with physical props and enhanced by CGI.
Post-production
The film underwent edits and script refinements through early 2025. Composer Michael Giacchino scored the film, blending heroic orchestration with retro-space motifs. A mid-credits scene introducing Doctor Doom was directed by the Russo brothers to tie into Avengers: Doomsday (2026).
Music
The score by Michael Giacchino debuted in July 2025, with the main Fantastic Four theme previewed during a drone show at San Diego Comic-Con. The single “Let Us Be Devoured” accompanied the release.
Marketing
Marvel Studios promoted the film through “4–4 Day” campaigns, teaser trailers, retro-styled posters, and tie-ins with Marvel Comics, Little Caesars, and AMC Theaters. The teaser trailer was viewed over 200 million times in 24 hours, making it the third most-watched Marvel teaser.
Release
The film premiered on July 21, 2025, in Los Angeles, streamed live on Disney+, and was released worldwide on July 25, 2025, in IMAX and other formats.
Reception
Box office
By August 2025, The Fantastic Four: First Steps had grossed $491.1 million globally, ranking as the tenth highest-grossing film of 2025.
Critical response
- Rotten Tomatoes: 87% approval rating.
- Metacritic: Score of 65/100 (“generally favorable”).
- Audiences awarded an A− CinemaScore.
Critics praised the retro 1960s aesthetic, ensemble chemistry, and visual design, though some felt the dialogue was uneven.
Future
A sequel is in development, with Matt Shakman expected to return as director. The Fantastic Four are also confirmed to appear in Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027).
