Fantastic Four: First Steps Brings Babyproofing and Big Stakes to the MCU’s Freshest Family Adventure
Fantastic Four: First Steps is Marvel Studios’ fresh take on the iconic superhero family, offering a simple, family-friendly entry point into the MCU’s Phase Six. Unlike previous films, this one is set on a retro-futuristic Earth 838, where the Fantastic Four are already established heroes with a beloved animated TV show. The movie leans into a lighthearted vibe, focusing on the challenges of babyproofing their home as Reed Richards and Sue Storm prepare for their first child, all while facing a cosmic threat from Galactus.
- A straightforward origin recap set within an in-world TV special
- Focus on family dynamics and babyproofing adventures
- Galactus as the looming cosmic threat
- Simple morality and humor reminiscent of classic cartoons
- MCU Phase Six kickoff with no prior knowledge required
A New, Accessible Starting Point for the MCU
Fantastic Four: First Steps offers the easiest MCU movie to jump into so far. It takes place in a different universe, Earth 838, allowing new viewers to dive straight in without any background knowledge. The film cleverly uses the Fantastic Four’s animated TV show within the story to introduce Johnny Storm and Ben Grimm’s classic catchphrases like “Flame on!” and “It’s clobbering time!”—but without taking itself too seriously. This approach keeps things light and fun, much like the original 1967 Fantastic Four cartoon.
Family First: Babyproofing and Bonds
The heart of the movie lies in the family dynamic. Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal) and Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby) are expecting their first child, which leads to a series of parenting gags and challenges. From assembling cribs to figuring out car seats in their flying car, the film brings humor and relatability to superhero life. Reed’s pessimistic outlook adds depth, especially when he worries about passing on his worldview to his child. Meanwhile, Sue’s role as both a powerful hero and nurturing mother shines through, showcasing her ability to unite the world with an inspiring speech.
Teamwork and Action
The Fantastic Four feel like a tight-knit family, with moments of playful teasing and strong teamwork. Their battles, while heavy on CGI, highlight their distinct powers—burning, blinding, pushing, and climbing their way through fights with Galactus. Though the villain lacks depth compared to Pixar’s The Incredibles’ antagonist, the movie still delivers exciting team action sequences.
Galactus and World-Building Woes
Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his herald Shalla-Bal (Julia Garner) bring the classic apocalyptic stakes. However, the exposition explaining their roles feels clumsy and underdeveloped, clearly setting up future MCU films. The film might have benefited from portraying Galactus as a cosmic force of nature rather than trying to humanize him. This results in some narrative disconnect, especially since the movie’s tone is mostly light and intimate.
Wholesome, Straightforward Fun
Fantastic Four: First Steps embraces a simple, wholesome tone, avoiding complex superhero deconstructions or heavy political themes. It’s a nostalgic throwback with retro styling reminiscent of WandaVision, but unlike that show, it keeps things light without hidden sinister layers. The film feels like a Saturday morning cartoon come to life, perfect for viewers looking for an easygoing superhero story without needing to catch up on extensive MCU lore.
Overall, Fantastic Four: First Steps is a charming, family-centric film that welcomes new fans and offers a fresh start for the Fantastic Four within the MCU. It premieres in theaters on July 25, so get ready for some flame, clobbering, and babyproofing fun!
