'Fantastic Four' Early Reactions Are Overwhelmingly One-Sided
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Most of us are going to have to wait until this weekend to see "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" but on Monday world premiere was held at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles.
If the early reactions on social media are to be believed, Marvel fans are in for the best Marvel movie in years. The reactions are extremely one-sided, with critics praising the cast, the story, the score, and the production value.
Read More: John Malkovich Cut From 'The Fantastic Four'
A common sentiment among the reactions is that "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" represents a welcome return to form for Marvel.
Critic Nick Zednik wrote the film "is pun-intended, fantastic and the best pure MCU film since GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 3 and that's not hyperbole The story is clear, tight, and the family dynamic is so emotionally effective. Giacchino score rocks. Visually astounding. Galactus was great and it's just the right amount of everything. Vanessa Kirby ate and left no crumbs. Kirby and Stan would be proud of this one."
#TheFantasticFour is pun-intended, fantastic and the best pure MCU film since GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 3 and that's not hyperbole The story is clear, tight, and the family dynamic is so emotionally effective. Giacchino score rocks. Visually astounding. Galactus was great and… pic.twitter.com/xps7GsCJDZ — Nick Zednik (@NickZednik) July 22, 2025
Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/The Human Torch and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing in "The Fantastic Four: First Steps".
Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/The Human Torch and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing in "The Fantastic Four: First Steps".
DISNEY
Vanessa Kirby's performance as Sue Storm/The Invisible Woman seems to be the standout of the film, as evidenced by the praise in the rest of the reactions.
For example, Lyra Hale writes of the cast, "Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn & Ebon Moss-Bachrach were fantastic. But Vanessa Kirby? Oh she ate."
Likewise, Jack McBryan said, "All 4 of the main cast members kill it, with Vanessa Kirby being the standout."
#TheFantasticFour is on par w/ #Superman when it comes to a story about hope, love & family. It's also probably the easiest access point for people that want to get into Marvel. Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn & Ebon Moss-Bachrach were fantastic. But Vanessa Kirby? Oh she ate 💅🏻👑 pic.twitter.com/qKoRJNm58V — Lyra Hale ✍️🇵🇷🏳️🌈 (@MsLyraHale) July 22, 2025
#FantasticFour is the most visually stunning and tonally distinct MCU movie yet. All 4 of the main cast members kill it, with Vanessa Kirby being the standout. Giacchino's score is an all timer. You will regret not watching this movie in the biggest theater possible. pic.twitter.com/1gdoH71LuD — Jack McBryan (@McBDirect) July 22, 2025
The visuals of "The Fantastic Four: First Steps are receiving a lot of positive attention overall, but in particular, everyone seems to love Ralph Ineson's incarnation of the world devouring Galactus.
"Matt Shakman delivers the goods with an emphasis on character and story while still providing the most gorgeous visuals ever conceived for a MCU film," Dan Marcus write. "The anatomically correct Galactus has a huge part."
Cris Parker warns, "Galactus is a spectacle that MUST be seen in IMAX."
Simon Thompson writes, "Genuinely engaging lead performances, thrilling action, and the most formidable villain in a cycle."
THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS is the best MCU film in ages. Matt Shakman delivers the goods with an emphasis on character and story while still providing the most gorgeous visuals ever conceived for a MCU film. The anatomically correct Galactus has a huge part. Loved this. pic.twitter.com/2BwfkiyIgH — Dan Marcus (@Danimalish) July 22, 2025
#FantasticFour The MCU nailed it! The stake haven't felt this high in a long time. All 4 members of the team play the roles exceptionally & share perfect chemistry. Galactus is a spectacle that MUST be seen in IMAX. Best balance of tone in an MCU film. I LOVED so much about this! pic.twitter.com/tGMEQnb7MV — Cris Parker (@3CFilmss) July 22, 2025
#FantasticFour is the most consistent and satisfying Marvel Universe for a long while. Genuinely engaging lead performances, thrilling action, and the most formidable villain in a cycle. Brilliant use (not overuse) of the powers. It's a really good time - and it looks amazing! pic.twitter.com/FdwdXUvGWC — Simon Thompson (@ShowbizSimon) July 22, 2025
"The Fantastic Four: First Steps" releases in theaters July 25. Tickets are on sale now. The film is directed by Matt Shakman. It stars Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Paul Walter Hauser, Natasha Lyonne, Julia Garner, Ralph Ineson, Mark Gatiss, and Sarah Niles
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