‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ marks a significant chapter for Marvel Studios, especially after a string of box office setbacks and a wavering outlook for the franchise. As they approach the release of this new installment, the stakes couldn’t be higher. This film could potentially redefine Marvel’s direction moving forward, particularly when weighed against the backdrop of previous entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The anticipation surrounding this release is palpable, as it arrives at a crucial moment not just for Marvel but for Disney as a whole, especially in light of its competition with Warner Bros.
A delicate moment. The past year has been somewhat of an impasse for Marvel. They released only one film in 2024, ‘Deadpool and Wolverine,’ which, despite its box office success, lacks the narrative integration into the larger Marvel storyline that fans crave. This disconnect leaves uncertainty about the franchise’s future, particularly as 2025 delivered two films, ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ and ‘Thunderbolts,’ that only performed moderately well at the box office. These outcomes create a frustrating landscape for Marvel, especially concerning their most iconic heroes. Therefore, it is clear that the success of ‘The Fantastic Four’ is not just important; it is essential for the company’s viability and an indication of what the future holds.
What comes next. The arrival of the Fantastic Four signals more than just a much-anticipated shift in tone and aesthetics within the MCU; it also opens avenues for future storytelling, most notably in connection to the forthcoming Avengers films and the ‘Doomsday’ event directed by the Russo brothers. Early reports suggest that ‘The Fantastic Four’ will tease elements that directly tie into the upcoming Marvel narratives, thereby piquing public interest in what lies ahead.
What came before. Historically, the Fantastic Four have had a tumultuous relationship with the cinema. Despite being a fundamental cornerstone of Marvel’s comic library, previous cinematic outings have faltered. The adaptation produced by Roger Corman in the early ’90s is often highlighted for its disastrous quality and contentious history, providing more intrigue than actual cinematic merit. Moving into the 2000s, two films featuring the team emerged but were considered generic and forgettable , ultimately leaving little impact, save for launching Chris Evans’ career as Human Torch before he became Captain America. In 2015, a much-hyped version was released but ultimately fell flat, failing to resonate with audiences and critics alike.
And what is looking like. As ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ hits theaters, the early reviews are promising. Currently, it boasts an impressive 89% score on Rotten Tomatoes and a more reserved 65 on Metacritic—both significant improvements compared to previous Fantastic Four films, which typically scored abysmally. For instance, the 2015 version holds the dubious honor of having just a 9% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, marking it as one of the lowest-rated Marvel films ever.
Critics have weighed in favorably, with Variety suggesting the film delivers “what is needed to rekindle public interest in superhero tales,” while Screen Rant asserts it brings Marvel “back to basics” with a heartfelt narrative, despite a lack of overall spectacle. Moreover, Empire praises the film for its impressive cast and a fresh take on the universe, declaring it the best Fantastic Four movie yet—and perhaps the best Marvel film in years.
With nuances. However, despite the positive reception, there are clouds on the horizon. ‘Thunderbolts’ , despite its lackluster box office performance, shares similar ratings with ‘The Fantastic Four’ on Rotten Tomatoes, showing how subjective critical reception can be. Moreover, ‘The Fantastic Four’ does not even make it into the Top 10 highest-rated Marvel films on Rotten Tomatoes, calling into question its potential long-term impact. Critics like those from Espinof noted that the film loses momentum in the second act, comparing it to a moral *Space Opera*, which can disrupt the pacing and thrill established initially. That said, the consensus remains largely positive and emphasizes the film’s ability to remind audiences of why Marvel captured their hearts in the first place.
Header | Disney
In Xataka | Marvel chronological order. The definitive guide to see all the MCU films and series