The Fantastic Four: First Steps SPOILER Review – Galactus, A Baby, Oh My!

Set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps introduces Marvel’s First Family—Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Ben Grimm/The Thing, and Johnny Storm/Human Torch—as they face their most daunting challenge yet. Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, they must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer. And if Galactus’ plan to devour the entire planet and everyone on it weren’t bad enough, it suddenly gets very personal.

Personal is the key: the Fantastic Four are a relatable family—one that bickers, loves, and struggles just like any other. While often celebrated as heroes, they are emotionally complex characters who question whether their powers are a blessing or a curse. The Fantastic Four are people first—and inventors, leaders, astronauts, and explorers second. They’re superheroes only when they have to be. They are messy. They’re like us. They struggle with problems the way that we do. But sometimes because they are superheroes, the stakes are higher, especially when they have a son that could become one of the greatest superheroes ever seen. Something a cosmic god needs to end his suffering.

Filling the shoes of Marvel’s First Family are Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing, and Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch. The action-adventure also stars Ralph Ineson as Galactus, Julia Garner as Shalla Bal/Silver Surfer, Natasha Lyonne as Rachel Rozman, Paul Walter Hauser as Harvey Elder/Mole Man, Sarah Niles as Lynne Nichols, and Mark Gatiss as Ted Gilbert.

Fantastic Four: The First Steps balances the real-life relatability with the fantastic. Matt has an incredible ability to take both, creating a blended mix of a grounded story and spectacle. As seen in the video above, our Entertainment Editor and Contributor come together to discuss their SPOILER-filled review of the movie, how director Matt Shankman handled the look and feel of the movie, the after-credit scene, how The First Steps focuses on intellect rather than brute force, and more.