Movies THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS (Passes $400 Million Globally; Dragonlord's Review, post #1)

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

Even though I'm still not sold on Pasquel as Reed, the movie did an excellent job of portraying the character. I see others aren't liking how his powers were portrayed, but Reed was never really a wacky shapes type of guy.
(Him doing an awesome Stretch Armstrong impersonation was a nice touch).

Spoiler

For me, I wasn't really complaining that he couldn't turn himself into wacky shapes like Plastic Man. I am just disappointed that the lack of creativity on how his elastic powers was utilized. It doesn't help that it seemed like the maximum length his limbs could stretch was around 10-15 feet only.

The Thing, Invisible Woman, and Human Torch were perfect (minus Johnny becoming a linguistics expert). I didn't have any issues with Silver Surfer being Shala Bel and it felt right for the film (still need a 616 Norrin Radd Surfer).

Spoiler

I did like that they gave Johnny some (more) brains in this version. Plus he had months and months to try to decipher the alien language. Still a bit of a stretch but at least they tried.

Also I'm sure Reed could have deciphered the alien language faster than Johnny but Reed was preoccupied with how to save the world from Galactus and didn't think the alien language was that important.

Spoiler

Not sure what they were doing with the Thing's "romance".

Spoiler

Yeah, it felt there were more scenes of Ben's romantic subplot that got cut out in the final film

Spoiler

Hot take here #1 but they blew it with Galactus. He should have been set up as the next big universal threat on a Thanos level, but he got shoved though a door... and that scene felt weird since Sue was "pushing" him and it looked like he should have been falling over, but didn't? Didn't like it. Give me the Ultimate Nullifier and it would have worked much better and been more in line with the comics.

Spoiler

I agree with you that Galactus should have been a big crossover event for the MCU - The Galactus Saga.

I really think that having Galactus as the first foe that they faced on screen wasn't a good choice, but I get they couldn't use you know who with the next Avengers movie coming out, but there are many other villains that could have been used in his place and still worked (Frightful Four, Annihilus, Blastarr, Skrulls, Puppet Master, Diablo, etc). Galactus should have been a slow burn just like they did with Thanos.

Yep. My consolation is that they still have not introduced Annihilus yet and I am hoping one of the next big crossover saga for the MCU is an Annihilation Saga. This is a wonderful big event that will use the GotG, the Earth heroes and other cosmic characters.

I thought the movie was really good and a great way to introduce the Fantastic Four into the MCU without having to shoehorn them into the existing timeline (I know people hate the alternate universes and stuff, but it can work really well if done right). They nailed got so much right, but a few things I think they missed on that hurt it in my eyes. Still 100% worth seeing on the big screen.

8/10

Big hot take - I think Thunderbolts* was the better overall movie.

I feel the same. I love Superman and First Steps, but Thunderbolts is my favorite CBM of the year.

 

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

When even the Critical Drinker can't find something to bitch about, you know your movie done good

Even ‘Critical Drinker’ had to basically make an apology video about this one lol

I'm not surprised he's softening his stance on Marvel's F4 after the major blowback he received from his own viewers for his tone deaf disingenuous Thunderbolts review. Glad a lot of people are slowly wising up to the grift.

Here are the Top Comments from his video:

Spoiler: More Top Comments

People who watched movies at the cinemas tend to give a more favorable reaction. So out of curiosity, I looked at the Newest Comments since the movie has already come out on home media. And they still disagree with his terrible take.

Spoiler: Newest Comments

 

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

Update: July 27, 2025

FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS Rockets to Solid $118 Million in U.S. Box Office Launch for a $218M Debut Globally

Mister Fantastic and his family are back on the big screen, only this time under the rule of Marvel Studios instead of 20 Century Fox.

In a needed for win for both Kevin Feige‘s Marvel and the franchise, Matt Shakman‘s Fantastic Four: First Steps rocketed to a franchise-best global opening of $218 million, including $118 million domestically and $100 million overseas, not adjusted for inflation. That’s almost on par with the recent $220 global box office debut of DC’s Superman, who, alongside Spider-Man and Batman, is one of the most famous comic book heroes of all time.

Fantastic Four opened ahead of tracking domestically, although on Saturday morning, many thought it could open to $120 million to $25 million based on a huge opening day gross of $57 million. However, slower-than-expected traffic on Saturday changed the landscape. Numbers could always shift again by Monday.

The early performance of Fantastic Four: First Steps, which is winning over critics and audiences, is welcome news for the Disney-owned Marvel, where Feige and his team are looking for redemption after a rough few years (Deadpool & Wolverine being the exception). Outside of Deadpool 3 — the Fantastic Four reboot marks one of the best domestic openings for Marvel in several years outside of Deadpool.

It is also the 37th title in the Marvel Cinematic Universal to open in first-place, as well as helping Disney became the first Hollywood studio to cross $3 billion in 2025 worldwide ticket sales.

In terms of the box office, the hope is that Fantastic Four will play to both families and fanboys/fangirls alike, which should help combat lingering superhero fatigue at the box office. It’s earning glowing responses from moviegoers, including an A- CinemaScore, stellar exits on PostTrak and a 93 percent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. (Superman has almost identical scores.)

“The pleasing back-to-basics feel in The Fantastic Four: First Steps suggests Marvel has learned valuable lessons from its recent box office underperformers. There’s a fresh willingness to prioritize character over the usual barrage of interchangeable CG action sequences that often overwhelm them, instead giving us relatable folks to invest in,” Hollywood Reporter chief film critic David Rooney writes in his review.

Elsewhere, Superman flew past the $500 million mark domestically in its third outing. It held in nicely despite losing Imax screens to Fantastic Four, grossing $24.9 million domestically and $19.8 million internationally to finish Sunday with a North American total of $289.5 million and $213.2 million.

‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Lighter At $118M, But Still Super In Opening – Box Office Update

'Fantastic Four: First Steps' is looking at a $125 million at the U.S box office on its opening weekend.

deadline.com

 

[HavenMess]

I thought it was good...however the ending kind of ruined it for me.

 

[TuBB]

This is the best Marvel movie since Infinity War. I would put it top 5 among my favorites of the genre.

 

[TrueBias]

The actual runtime for the film is 114 or 115 minutes. There are a few scenes from the trailers that are not present in the final film. The shortest MCU film was The Marvels clocking in at 105 minutes.

Spoiler: post credits scene spoilers

Yes, it sets up Avengers: Doomsday. But it's only a really brief scene.

Spoiler: If you want to know the details on the post-credits scene

In the mid-credits scene, 4 years have passed. Franklin Richards is 4 years old. Sue is reading a book to Franklin inside the Baxter Building. Sue leaves Franklin alone for a while. When she comes back, she sees a mysterious figure crouching down and interacting with Franklin. The figure was wearing a green hood and cloak. His back was turned, so you don't see his face. On his hand was an iron mask.

There are 2 post credit scenes? I only saw the....mid one you described.

 

[TrueBias]

Not understanding the praise for Thing. He was ok, but everyone else was better.

 

[Pittie Petey]

Big hot take - I think Thunderbolts* was the better overall movie.

 

[Anung Un Rama]

Not understanding the praise for Thing. He was ok, but everyone else was better.

I prefer the design, but the CGi still isn't there (I bet it will be great in Doomsday with that Russo red panty money).
But I wasn't impressed. Granted, Thing is a top 4 favorite character of mine and I have impossible standards for these things, but lacked characer imo.
I don't think thats a fault fo the actor as much as the script. Thing needs to be shown to have a temper and opinions beyond marinara.
Also, don't gatekeep his power behind a out of focus really bad cgi punch (its spoiler territory so IYKYK)

 

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

There are 2 post credit scenes? I only saw the....mid one you described.

The 2nd post credits scene wasn't a big deal. It was just a fun, throwaway gag.

Spoiler

It featured a clip of the Fantastic Four cartoon from their universe done in a retro 1960s style of animation. It also featured cartoon villains of Diablo and, I'm not entirely sure, Wizard and Puppet Master. I think Ben also yelled his catchphrase "It's clobberin' time!"

 

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

I prefer the design, but the CGi still isn't there (I bet it will be great in Doomsday with that Russo red panty money).
But I wasn't impressed. Granted, Thing is a top 4 favorite character of mine and I have impossible standards for these things, but lacked characer imo.
I don't think thats a fault fo the actor as much as the script. Thing needs to be shown to have a temper and opinions beyond marinara.
Also, don't gatekeep his power behind a out of focus really bad cgi punch (its spoiler territory so IYKYK)

Just like Gunn's Superman, First Steps is set years after they first became superheroes. This film in a way feels like a sequel. So maybe if they told the first movie, we would get a more grumpy and sullen Ben Grimm and they would further explore his pain and frustration for being turned into a living rock. We probably would see Johnny with his usual ladies man exploits, hot temperedness and more immature behavior.

 

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

Here's a behind-the-scenes look at Ralph Ineson in his Galactus costume.

 

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

Fun fact: Ralph Ineson was also in Guardians of the Galaxy as an unnamed Ravager. From Ravager to Devourer, makes sense to me.

 

[Pittie Petey]

Here's a behind-the-scenes look at Ralph Ineson in his Galactus costume.

He looks better in that first pic than he did in the movie

They CGI'd the heart and soul right out of him

 

[Anung Un Rama]

Just like Gunn's Superman, First Steps is set years after they first became superheroes. This film in a way feels like a sequel. So maybe if they told the first movie, we would get a more grumpy and sullen Ben Grimm and they would further explore his pain and frustration for being turned into a living rock. We probably would see Johnny with his usual ladies man exploits, hot temperedness and more immature behavior.

I didn't need to see the ever lovin' clinically depressed Thing, but emotionally numb Thing isn't great either. A flash of emotion at a parking ticket or missed field goal would have been nice. Didn't even need to do structural damage. He could just use his words. He still has Yancy Street roots and is a former fighter pilot.

Chiklis' Thing is technically pretty good, especially as an origin Thing. First Steps Thing is a big improvement, but its mostly aesthetic. Hopefully the next CGI budget will take care of his beard.

And don't get me started on Alan Turning, the Human Torch lol (again was more of a script gripe even thought its a departure from the traditional Torch characteristics).
These are just the gripes of nerd with ridiculous standards who liked the movie.

 

[Anung Un Rama]

Update; my nephew loved it

 

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

I didn't need to see the ever lovin' clinically depressed Thing, but emotionally numb Thing isn't great either. A flash of emotion at a parking ticket or missed field goal would have been nice. Didn't even need to do structural damage. He could just use his words. He still has Yancy Street roots and is a former fighter pilot.

Chiklis' Thing is technically pretty good, especially as an origin Thing. First Steps Thing is a big improvement, but its mostly aesthetic. Hopefully the next CGI budget will take care of his beard.

And don't get me started on Alan Turning, the Human Torch lol (again was more of a script gripe even thought its a departure from the traditional Torch characteristics).
These are just the gripes of nerd with ridiculous standards who liked the movie.

I totally understand where you are coming from.

Whenever I rewatch a movie that I was disappointed with many years later, I sometimes grow to like and appreciate some of them. Maybe it will be the same case for you and First Steps where you view it again 4 years from now under softer lens and not having the any sort of expectations or surprises.

 

[Streeter]

Just saw it. Definitley better than any other f4 movies. Look was great. Pedro wasnt terrible but I have never been a Julie Gardner fan and Im not here.. Gslactus was done like tbe comics and was very good. Kirby was the best in tbe movie imo.

I was expecting them to teleport earth to the Avengers universe but that didn't happen so Im still wondering how they tie it in .

Overall I thought Thunderbolts was better movie but this was a fun experience. With all the great reviews I expected a little better but still very good

 

[Anung Un Rama]

I totally understand where you are coming from.

Whenever I rewatch a movie that I was disappointed with many years later, I sometimes grow to like and appreciate some of them. Maybe it will be the same case for you and First Steps where you view it again 4 years from now under softer lens and not having the any sort of expectations or surprises.

i'm definitely seeing this again before it leaves theatres

 

[Dizzy]

Man, this was great. I loved it. The cast was great, story was great though I would’ve liked more Silver Surfer, the art style was incredible. Just such a good movie top to bottom. I genuinely liked and cared about every character, even the weird CGI Franklin.

Marvel seems to be hitting their stride again and I’m 100% back on board after feeling largely apathetic to pretty much everything they’ve put out since Endgame.