The skies above Los Angeles blazed with the Fantastic Four’s iconic “4” logo on July 21, 2025, as Pedro Pascal (Reed Richards), Vanessa Kirby (Sue Storm), Joseph Quinn (Johnny Storm), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Ben Grimm) arrived at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion for the world premiere of The Fantastic Four: First Steps. First reactions unanimously declare the film a triumph:
“#FantasticFour is a visual feast with snappy storytelling and the best on-screen depiction of this quartet. Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby are pitch-perfect!” — Matt Neglia, Next Best Picture.
Critics highlight Galactus’ jaw-dropping IMAX-scale menace, Julia Garner’s “elegantly chilling” Silver Surfer, and the retro-’60s aesthetic that channels Jack Kirby’s original artistry. Director Matt Shakman (WandaVision) crafts what many call “Marvel’s best film yet,” balancing emotional family dynamics with cosmic stakes.
Inside the Premiere: Nostalgia Meets Next-Gen Heroes
The blue carpet shimmered with MCU stars and surprise legacy guests:
- Former Fantastic Four actors Ioan Gruffudd (2005’s Reed) and Rebecca Staab (1994’s Sue) paid tribute to the new cast.
- Julia Garner (Silver Surfer) praised the motion-capture tech: “They made me look cooler than I am!”
- H.E.R.B.I.E. the robot and a life-sized Fantasticar wowed fans alongside cosplayers.
Why This Fantastic Four Breaks New Ground
Set in Earth-828, a 1960s retro-futuristic universe, the film sidesteps origin tropes to focus on the team as established heroes. Key innovations:
- Sue Storm’s pregnancy mirrors Vanessa Kirby’s real-life journey: “Motherhood makes Sue stronger—she’s never sidelined,” Kirby emphasized.
- Joseph Quinn’s Human Torch modernizes Johnny Storm: “Less womanizing, more self-aware humor,” per Quinn.
- Practical Galactus armor worn by Ralph Ineson, combined with VFX, creates a comic-accurate terror.
Release Strategy: Theatrical Immersion First
- Theatrical Release: July 25, 2025, exclusively in theaters. IMAX is essential—Shakman designed sequences to expand the screen for Galactus’ arrival.
- Digital Purchase: Expected by September 2025 (~$24.99).
- Disney+ Debut: Late October/November 2025, dependent on box office.
Cross-Universe Bonuses: Avatar & Fortnite Tie-Ins
- Avatar: Fire and Ash Trailer: James Cameron’s threequel trailer debuts exclusively before Fantastic Four screenings. It introduces Pandora’s new tribes—Wind Traders and Fire People—clashing in aerial battles.
- Fortnite Fantastic Four Cup: On July 23, top squads win free MCU-style skins of Pascal, Kirby, Quinn, and Moss-Bachrach’s characters. All participants earn sprays and emoticons.
Future Teases: Spider-Man & Doom on the Horizon?
- Joseph Quinn wants a Spider-Man team-up: “Tom Holland is our best Peter Parker—let’s make it happen!”
- Though Doctor Doom was cut (sigh), Shakman confirmed the sequel is in development.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps isn’t just a film—it’s a love letter to Marvel’s foundational heroes, blending Kirby-esque visuals with heart. As Kevin Feige declared: “They’re finally A-listers where they belong.” Secure IMAX tickets now; the universe awaits.
We’re hyped about the new FF—share your first reactions with us! 💬