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THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS Preview Reactions Hail It as the Best MCU Movie Since AVENGERS

THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS Preview Reactions Hail It as the Best MCU Movie Since AVENGERS

Geek Tyrant10-07-2025
Marvel fans have been cautiously optimistic about The Fantastic Four: First Steps , but if early reactions out of Brazil are any indication, the MCU might finally have its groove back.
During a recent international promo stop, Marvel Studios screened a 30-minute preview of First Steps—featuring key scenes from the film's first and second acts for fans and press, and the response was overwhelmingly positive, with some calling it Marvel's best outing since Avengers: Endgame .
@mpmorales praised director Matt Shakman's take on Marvel's first family, calling the world-building 'incredible,' and describing the footage as 'a cool introduction to the quartet, their powers, and the looming threat of Silver Surfer.'
Another viewer, @GoodNerd23, said: ' The Fantastic Four: First Steps might be the best Marvel movie post-Endgame. It feels a lot like The Incredibles , super fun, colorful, and different from other Marvel films. The Silver Surfer steals the show!'
One of the more detailed takes came from @4FantasticoBRA, a Brazilian fan account that offered a heartfelt breakdown of what they saw:
'What was shown not only surprised me...but genuinely moved me. The entire setting of this universe is unique. It's a great gift for the fans. It all starts with an intimacy we're not used to seeing in this type of movie. It feels like we're meeting a real family, with vulnerabilities, humor, affection, and purpose.'
The praise didn't stop there.
'The dynamic between Reed and Sue is one of the highlights. We saw many scenes of the two together, and Vanessa and Pedro are in perfect sync, truly conveying the feeling of a couple that's been together for a long time. Their relationship shows, right from the start, that this movie goes far beyond just showcasing superpowers.'
Ben and Johnny also got their moment to shine:
'Each has a very well-defined personality, and the chemistry between them works from the first moment. The jokes come at just the right time, and you know how it is: Johnny being Johnny!'
The inclusion of baby Franklin Richards seems to play a pivotal emotional role:
'The plot has a family-oriented tone, and this becomes clear with the arrival of baby Franklin. This is pure Fantastic Four! They're not just facing a major threat: family bonds are at the heart of the story.'
And the final moments of the preview left a strong impression:
'The final sequence of the preview I watched is one of those that makes the entire room hold its breath. The CGI? Flawless. And the buildup of danger feels real—you sense the weight of what's at stake.'
This kind of enthusiastic response feels like a breath of fresh air for Marvel Studios, especially after a rocky year. Captain America: Brave New World landed with a thud, and Thunderbolts* while critically better received, struggled to gain momentum at the box office.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps carries more weight than usual. Not only is it the formal introduction of Marvel's first family into the MCU, but it also leads directly into Avengers: Doomsday , set to hit theaters next December.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps opens in theaters July 25, 2025. So far, things are looking good.
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Katie Walsh from Tribune News Service said: 'Perhaps it would have been best relegated to the small screen then, because the biggest one isn't doing this movie any favors. A message this urgent shouldn't be rendered in such a forgettable fashion.' Boston Globe's Odie Henderson was a bit more savage: 'Unfortunately, neither a timeframe change nor the work of four screenwriters (Josh Friedman, Eric Pearson, Jeff Kaplan, Ian Springer) can fix the central problem with Fantastic Four movies: With one exception, the team members are colossal bores.' Esther Zuckerman from Bloomberg News even compared it to 'Superman,' saying: 'While Superman felt bracingly modern with the political sentiments to boot, The Fantastic Four has a halo of cobwebs it can't quite shake off.' 'Fantastic Four: First Steps' is clearly off to a strong start, with critics largely praising its charm, visuals, and return to classic comic book storytelling. It's being hailed as the best take on Marvel's first family yet, though everyone is fully convinced. While some find it refreshing and heartfelt, others feel it falls short of greatness. Still, if early reactions are anything to go by, this could mark a much-needed turning point for the franchise. If you're still on the fence about heading to the theaters for 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps,' it's worth remembering that some movies are just made for the big screen, and this is one of them. While it might hit streaming in a few months, the scale and visual ambition of 'First Steps' are probably best experienced in a dark theater, not your living room. Between the sweeping shots, retro-futuristic design, and Michael Giacchino's soaring score, the movie seems to lean into a sense of wonder that benefits from the immersive setting of the theater. Even if you're not fully sold on the Fantastic Four as a team, the spectacle alone gives it an edge that might be lost when viewed at home. So if you're even a little curious, this might be one to catch while it's still on the big screen. My ticket is booked, and I'm ready to see it on July 25. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.

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