The Fantastic Four: First Steps – Review & Box Office Breakdown
Marvel’s First Family is back in action—this time in a bold, retro-futuristic reimagining that blends cosmic stakes with a stylish 1960s vibe. The Fantastic Four: First Steps has been one of the most talked-about superhero films of the year, with glowing praise from some critics, mixed reviews from others, and a box office journey worth analyzing.
In this post, we’ll dive into the film’s plot, critical reception, strengths and weaknesses, and its detailed box office performance.
A Fresh Take on Marvel’s First Family
Instead of retelling the team’s origin story for the millionth time, First Steps drops us into a world where Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) are already seasoned heroes. The film’s aesthetic—a retro, space-age 1960s vision—gives it a distinct personality in the MCU lineup.
The central conflict? The arrival of the awe-inspiring Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) and the planet-devouring Galactus. This isn’t just about punching bad guys—it’s about confronting existential threats on a cosmic scale.
Critical Reception – A Mixed Yet Fascinating Response
The film currently sits at 86% positive on Rotten Tomatoes and a 65/100 Metacritic score, with an audience CinemaScore of A-.
What Critics Loved
- Visual style: The retro-futuristic production design was widely praised, with its bold colors, mid-century tech vibes, and larger-than-life sets.
- Performances: Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm has been called the “emotional core” of the movie, while Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer drew particular acclaim.
- Tone: Many appreciated the lighter, nostalgic tone that still carried emotional stakes.
RogerEbert.com called it “a solid, intelligent, occasionally inspired comic book movie.” The Guardian labeled it “an entertaining spectacle in its own innocent self-enclosed universe of fantasy wackiness.”
Where It Fell Short
- Pacing & depth: Some reviewers felt the movie raced through big emotional beats without giving them room to breathe.
- Dialogue: A few found the script clunky, leaning too heavily on exposition.
- Character arcs: Critics from The Popverse and The Australian noted that the Fantastic Four felt “too perfect” and “untested,” making them less relatable.
Box Office Performance – Big Start, Sharp Drop
| Region | Gross (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Domestic (U.S./Canada) | $230 million |
| International | $204 million |
| Worldwide Total | $434 million |
- Opening weekend: A huge domestic debut of $117.6 million and a $216.7 million global launch.
- Following weekends: A steep 66–80% drop occurred as competition from films like Weapons took over.
- Record: Despite the decline, First Steps is now the highest-grossing Fantastic Four movie of all time.
Why the Drop?
Industry analysts point to a few factors:
- Mixed reviews dampened repeat viewing.
- Strong competition from other blockbuster releases.
- Limited casual audience draw—comic book fans showed up opening weekend, but general audiences were less consistent.
Final Thoughts – A Stylish Yet Imperfect Step Forward
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is a bold move for Marvel—one that’s visually dazzling and full of potential, even if it doesn’t completely stick the landing. For fans tired of formulaic MCU entries, it offers something different: a period-piece superhero epic with a cosmic twist.
Whether you loved it or felt it missed the mark, there’s no denying it has reignited excitement around Marvel’s First Family—and set the stage for even bigger cosmic stories in the MCU’s future.
Also Read: Michigan Dad Built a Solar Power System Using Temu and Cut His Energy Bill by 90%
FAQs
Are shock collars good for training a dog?
Oops—wrong FAQ list 😄 Let’s keep this one film-focused.
Will there be a sequel to The Fantastic Four: First Steps?
While Marvel hasn’t officially confirmed it, strong fan interest and the film’s box office standing make a follow-up very likely.
Is this connected to the wider MCU?
Yes. There are multiple Easter eggs and subtle links to other MCU characters and events, setting up potential crossovers.
