The Fantastic Four: First Steps has achieved a gross revenue of $57 million at the US box office, as reported by Variety. Furthermore, Sacnilk indicates that the film, directed by Matt Shakman, has earned approximately 11 crore within its first two days of release in India.
This new installment revives Marvel’s First Family—Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic), Sue Storm (Invisible Woman), Johnny Storm (Human Torch), and Ben Grimm (The Thing)—as they face an unprecedented challenge. Their mission is to protect Earth from a catastrophic cosmic entity known as Galactus and his mysterious Herald, the Silver Surfer. Amidst this battle, the heroes must also balance their superpowers and family obligations while fulfilling their broader responsibility to defend the planet.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) hinges on its superheroes, but these heroes need formidable adversaries who challenge their might and authority. Since the MCU’s inception with Iron Man in 2008, Phase One introduced various villains, including Obadiah Stane and Loki, who posed significant threats. Over time, as familiar origin stories and predictable foes became stale, Marvel escalated the stakes with nearly indestructible villains like Ultron and unique foes like Dormammu, Ego, and Killmonger. Each villain enhanced our heroes’ journeys, as they often faced challenges that redefined their powers as “super.” Following the events involving Thanos, the multiverse opened up even greater possibilities for conflict. Marvel continues to expand its roster of villains, with newcomers like Void from Thunderbolts and Mephisto from Ironheart, the latter already stirring discussions about his potential lethality. Through numerous films and adversaries, Marvel maintains an innovative edge. The introduction of Galactus in The Fantastic Four: First Steps serves as a tantalizing hook, one they didn’t even need to overtly advertise.
While the 2005 film and its 2007 sequel weren’t failures and retain commendable charm thanks to their cast, retelling a story for the third time presents a challenge in exceeding audience expectations. Now, anticipation is extraordinarily high. The Fantastic Four: First Steps begins anew, disregarding previous iterations and offering a fresh take without lingering on standard origin narratives. The story unfolds through a Ted Gilbert show that serves as a documentary flashback, revealing who they are and how they became Fantastic. The narrative starts not with an explosion, but rather with Sue Storm’s unexpected pregnancy—a poignant, human moment that sets a relatable tone. Notably absent is Dr. Doom, a strategic choice by Marvel to build momentum for Avengers: Doomsday, yet the film still includes Easter eggs referencing Latveria, alongside a mid-credits scene that shouldn’t be missed.
Running just shy of 120 minutes, Marvel manages to deliver a packed experience efficiently. There are hints of upcoming plotlines, including nods to the Mole Man and Reed’s seemingly trivial experiment, which later culminate in thrilling moments. As promised by Pedro Pascal and director Matt Shakman, the film attributes Reed’s superpowers to intelligence rather than mere elasticity. When the MCU began, audiences cheered as Tony Stark improvised a suit in a cave; the excitement came from Tony’s ingenuity, not just his technology. Similarly, Shakman avoids easy shortcuts—the cosmic powers of Franklin Richards are not deployed as instant solutions. Throughout their trials, Reed, occasionally joined by Johnny, Sue, and Ben, discover practical solutions. They are superheroes, yet fundamentally human, reflecting the relatable struggle to overcome challenges. This blend of humanity and heroism makes this retelling genuinely remarkable.
Beyond a compelling screenplay, the film excels in its visual presentation. Director Matt Shakman, noted for his work in the retro environments of Wandavision, strikes an impressive balance between nostalgic and futuristic aesthetics. The lead characters have a charming robot companion, H.E.R.B.I.E., while the media still employs vintage camera styles from the 1960s. Times Square features massive television screens, and the Excelsior rocket is capable of faster-than-light travel. The Baxter Building also undergoes a stunning redesign. Yet, it is Ralph Ineson’s rendition of Galactus that propels the narrative forward. While not an entirely original concept, the execution is striking. The climax, showcasing Galactus’s immense form navigating New York City, enthralls viewers even if he doesn’t conquer the world.
If narrative depth, visual splendor, and performances constitute the three foundational pillars of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, then its fourth pillar is its core messaging. The recurring theme of family resonates throughout the film, echoing the popular notion of ‘The World is One Family.’ Sue’s powerful monologues underscore that success is unattainable without unity, reinforced by Uncle Ben and Johnny’s fierce protection of baby Franklin, even as he proves to be incredibly powerful. After a close encounter with Galactus and Shalla-Bal, Sue goes into labor, emphasizing her craving for her husband’s presence as their child enters the world. Shalla-Bal’s motivations, portrayed with exceptional skill by Julia Garner, center around her devotion to her family. By the film’s conclusion, it is evident that a mother’s love can unlock the most potent superpower of all.
Post-Avengers: Endgame, Marvel has aimed for every film to be extraordinary or fan-driven. With The Fantastic Four: First Steps, however, we see a refreshing emphasis on intellect over strength, emotion over mere exposition, and storytelling over spectacle, prioritizing narrative over an onslaught of cameos and nostalgic references. Ultimately, it seems that all it took was the Fantastic Four to restore the magic of Marvel. As the initial steps into Phase Six, this film sets the stage for future grandeur without sacrificing the compelling stories fans hope for. As we look to Marvel for a robust and engaging future, we leave theaters not only with spectacular visuals but with lasting memories of what makes these heroes truly fantastic.
