"It is amazing that in 2025 we have a comic book accurate Galactus, rather than the space cloud of yesteryear"

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is the latest entry in the ever expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe directed to perfection by Matt Shakman and is billed as the lead up to Avengers: Doomsday, and following the release of Thunderbolts* it further shows that Marvel Studios are back on track with their cinematic offerings.

So we meet Marvel’s first family, the Fantastic Four; Reed Richards aka Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm aka Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm aka Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) and Ben Grimm aka The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) on their fourth anniversary as the super team, they’ve gone from Astronauts to the protectors of Earth 828. The family dynamic and chemistry between Kirby’s Sue and Pascal’s Reed is wonderful.

I was extremely grateful that we didn’t have to sit through another origin story, we know it, we don’t need to sit through half a film depicting them getting their powers and then another half of them working out how to use them, however, this is cleverly handled through video history promos on the Ted Gilbert Show, with the incredible Mark Gatiss portraying the inematic chat show host.

The MVP of the film for me was Vanessa Kirby as Sue, she’s incredible and gives heart to the proceedings, I really loved how they visualised her powers on screen, infact there are no slouches in the film, everyone brings their A game. However, I do feel that Natasha Lyonne as Rachel Rozman was underused, great to see her, and she is clearly being set up to do more in future instalments, as the potential love interest to Moss-Bachrach’s The Thing. Out of all the members of the core quartet, The Thing has less to do, but there are scenes that show his stregth and potential for his future in the MCU.

As the film goes on, we are introduced to Shalla-Bal aka Silver Surfer (played by the incredible Julia Garner) who is beautifully brought to the screen, she heralds the coming of Galactus (Ralph Ineson) to consume the planet. Silver Surfer has some wonderful action scenes that beauifully show her powerset, as well as showing the tragedy of the character. Galactus is terrifying and imposing, pairing that with the booming and authoritative voice of Ineson is just perfect for the Devourer of Worlds. It is amazing that in 2025 we have a comic book accurate Galactus, rather than the space cloud of yesteryear.

Music wise, Michael Giacchino always brings it, and I was privileged enough to see The Fantastic Four: First Steps in IMAX, seeing Galactus in all his glory adds a lot of gravitas to the film, but also the intergalactic sequences are just breathtaking, so if you get the chance, see it in IMAX!

Packed full of references and easter eggs, this 828 retro futuristic world is fully lived in and the inclusion of Paul Walter Hauser as reformed villain and ally Harvey Elder aka Mole Man the ruler of Subterranea is intergral to the plot. All in all, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is a triumph from start to finish, Pascal was the right choice for Mister Fantastic, Matt Shakman and his creative team must be applauded for bringing the Fantastic Four into the MCU in such a smart and entertaining way. The future of the MCU is bright again, Roll on Avengers: Doomsday and stay tuned for the post credit scenes, they’re great too.