'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' leaps over box office competition

Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, August 2nd 2025 at 22:00 GMT by NY Post
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"The Fantastic Four: First Steps" leaped into the No. 1 spot on Friday, its second in theaters, with $11,7 million in earnings.

Fantastic Four: First Steps Leaps into the Spotlight with Retro Vibes and Cosmic Adventures

In a thrilling reveal that has Marvel fans buzzing, the upcoming film "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" is set to bring the iconic superhero team back to the big screen with a fresh, retro-inspired twist. Directed by Matt Shakman, known for his work on "WandaVision," the movie promises to blend nostalgic 1960s aesthetics with high-stakes cosmic storytelling, marking a significant entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The film's title, "First Steps," evokes the early days of space exploration, fittingly tying into the team's origin story rooted in a fateful space mission that grants them extraordinary powers.

The cast is a powerhouse ensemble, led by Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, aka Mr. Fantastic, the brilliant scientist who can stretch his body to incredible lengths. Vanessa Kirby steps into the role of Sue Storm, the Invisible Woman, bringing her force-field generating abilities and invisibility to life. Joseph Quinn, fresh off his breakout role in "Stranger Things," portrays Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, whose fiery personality and flame-based powers are sure to ignite the screen. Rounding out the quartet is Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm, the Thing, the rock-skinned powerhouse with superhuman strength and a heart of gold. This lineup has generated immense excitement, with fans praising the chemistry evident in early promotional materials.

Set against the backdrop of a stylized 1960s New York City, the film draws heavy inspiration from the era's optimism and the Space Race. Visuals tease a world where futuristic technology coexists with mid-century modern design, from sleek spacesuits to vintage architecture. The narrative kicks off with the team's experimental rocket launch, which exposes them to cosmic rays, transforming them into the Fantastic Four. But this isn't just a straightforward origin tale; the story delves into their struggles to adapt to their new abilities while facing off against formidable threats from beyond Earth.

One of the standout elements highlighted in recent previews is the introduction of Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds, portrayed by Ralph Ineson. This cosmic entity, a staple of Fantastic Four lore, is depicted as a massive, planet-consuming force, bringing a sense of epic scale to the film. Early concept art shows Galactus looming over Earth, his herald, the Silver Surfer (played by Julia Garner), scouting ahead on her gleaming board. This choice to feature such a grand villain right out of the gate signals Marvel's ambition to elevate the Fantastic Four beyond previous adaptations, which often struggled to capture the team's exploratory spirit.

Director Matt Shakman has emphasized the film's unique tone, describing it as a "love letter to the optimism of the '60s." In interviews, he explained how the production team meticulously recreated the era's look, from costume designs inspired by Jack Kirby's original comics to practical effects that evoke the wonder of early space films like "2001: A Space Odyssey." Shakman noted that the decision to set the story in an alternate 1960s allows for creative freedom, distancing it from the modern-day MCU timeline while still paving the way for crossovers. This period setting also influences the soundtrack, with hints of retro-futuristic scores composed by Michael Giacchino, blending orchestral swells with electronic motifs to capture the era's sense of boundless possibility.

The cast has been vocal about their enthusiasm for the project. Pedro Pascal, in a recent panel discussion, shared how Reed Richards represents the pinnacle of intellectual curiosity, a character driven by science but grounded by his relationships. "Reed is this elastic mind, always stretching for the next discovery, but it's his family that keeps him from snapping," Pascal quipped. Vanessa Kirby echoed this sentiment, highlighting Sue's role as the emotional core of the team. "She's not just invisible; she's the unseen force holding everything together," Kirby said, teasing moments where Sue's powers are used in innovative ways, like creating invisible barriers during intense action sequences.

Joseph Quinn's Johnny Storm is portrayed as the hot-headed younger brother, bringing levity and energy to the group. Quinn described his preparation, which included studying flame dynamics and performing wire work for flight scenes. "Johnny's all about that rush – the fire, the speed, the showmanship," he explained. Meanwhile, Ebon Moss-Bachrach delved into the pathos of Ben Grimm, whose transformation into the Thing leaves him feeling like an outsider. "Ben's journey is about accepting who you've become, rock skin and all," Moss-Bachrach noted, hinting at emotional depth amid the spectacle.

Production insights reveal a commitment to practical effects alongside CGI. The team's Baxter Building headquarters is a marvel of set design, featuring hidden labs and high-tech gadgets that nod to the comics' inventive spirit. Filming took place on elaborate soundstages, with actors praising the collaborative atmosphere. Shakman mentioned incorporating Easter eggs for longtime fans, such as references to the Negative Zone and other dimensions, expanding the MCU's multiversal scope.

Fan reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with social media ablaze after the release of the first teaser footage. The clip, which debuted at a major convention, showcases the team suiting up for their cosmic voyage, intercut with glimpses of Galactus's shadow eclipsing the sun. Viewers have lauded the vibrant color palette and the film's departure from the gritty realism of past superhero flicks, embracing its pulpy, adventurous roots. Comparisons to "The Incredibles" have surfaced, noting similarities in family dynamics and heroic flair.

Beyond the main plot, "First Steps" explores themes of family, discovery, and the human spirit's resilience. The Fantastic Four aren't just heroes; they're explorers pushing the boundaries of what's possible. This is evident in subplots involving Reed's inventions, like the Fantasti-Car, a flying vehicle that promises exhilarating aerial chases. Sue's protective instincts clash with Johnny's impulsiveness, while Ben grapples with his monstrous appearance, adding layers of interpersonal drama.

The film's place in the broader MCU is intriguing. While set in the past, there are subtle hints of connections to future events, potentially tying into "Avengers: Doomsday" or "Secret Wars." Kevin Feige, Marvel Studios president, has teased that "First Steps" will introduce elements that ripple across the universe, including new cosmic lore that could influence characters like the Guardians of the Galaxy or Captain Marvel.

Visually, the movie stands out with its bold, comic-book-inspired cinematography. Cinematographer Jess Hall, who worked on "Ghost in the Shell," employs wide-angle lenses to capture the grandeur of space and the intimacy of the team's bonds. Special effects teams have pushed boundaries, creating realistic depictions of Mr. Fantastic's elasticity and the Human Torch's flames without relying solely on digital trickery.

As anticipation builds for the July 25, 2025 release, "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" positions itself as a rejuvenation of the franchise. After previous iterations that didn't quite capture the essence of Marvel's First Family, this version aims to honor the source material while innovating for modern audiences. With its blend of heart, humor, and high-flying action, the film is poised to launch the Fantastic Four into a new era of cinematic glory.

Critics and insiders predict that the movie could redefine superhero team-ups, emphasizing collaboration over conflict. The emphasis on science fiction elements, rather than street-level heroics, sets it apart from the Avengers' ensemble dynamics. Moreover, the inclusion of diverse talents behind the scenes, from writers to VFX artists, underscores Marvel's evolving approach to storytelling.

In essence, "First Steps" isn't just about taking a leap into space; it's about the Fantastic Four taking their rightful place as pioneers in the MCU. Fans old and new are eagerly awaiting this cosmic adventure, ready to see how Reed, Sue, Johnny, and Ben navigate the stars and their own transformations. With its retro charm and forward-thinking narrative, the film promises to be a fantastic journey indeed.

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