Marvel Studios and director Matt Shakman deliver a film that soars on a wavelength of retro-futurism, pop-art exuberance, and pure Kirby-inspired grandeur. With this vibrant and kinetic entry, the MCU taps back into the essence of what made the Marvel mythos great in the first place — family, imagination, and the eternal pull of the unknown. It’s a bold new direction for the franchise, and one that feels like the MCU rediscovering its soul.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, Marvel Studios’ “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” introduces Marvel’s First Family — Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) and Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) as they face their most daunting challenge yet. Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, they must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). And if Galactus’ plan to devour the entire planet and everyone on it weren’t bad enough, it suddenly gets very personal.

Set in the alternate multiversal realm of Earth-828, The Fantastic Four: First Steps introduces audiences to a world unlike any we’ve seen before in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. A place where the sleek optimism of the 1960s still reigns supreme — a Kennedy-era utopia filled with wonder, art deco sci-fi aesthetics, and futurist promise. Think vintage NASA merged with classic Jack Kirby panel art, and you’re starting to get the picture.

It’s in this world that we meet our heroes: Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), a haunted genius with a troubled heart; Sue Storm/The Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), the emotional core of the group and a commanding presence in her own right; Johnny Storm/The Human Torch (Joseph Quinn), a brash, cocky firestarter with a rockstar edge; and Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), the gravel-voiced, brokenhearted bruiser with a heart of gold.

They’ve already become legends on their Earth—protectors of a bizarre, monster-laden New York City, and defenders of the cosmic balance. And when a universe-threatening crisis looms in the shape of a shimmering messenger from the stars and an all-devouring celestial titan, these four extraordinary beings must band together like never before.

Director Matt Shakman, no stranger to Marvel fans after WandaVision, turns up the emotional volume and visual scale here—and the results are staggeringly good. He leans hard into the classic works of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, channelling their wide-eyed cosmic pulp wonder and melding it with modern cinematic spectacle. If Guardians of the Galaxy is Marvel’s punk rock space opera, then First Steps is its cosmic golden age love letter—a film brimming with ambition, heart, and visual inventiveness.

Shakman’s take on the Fantastic Four is equal parts space-race epic and interdimensional soap opera, and it works wonders. He understands the dynamic that makes these characters sing: the family friction, the scientific curiosity, the emotional baggage, and the raw courage. There’s style and substance in every frame, from the high-concept cosmic action sequences to the quietly devastating emotional beats between characters. It’s a film that breathes, pulsing with equal measures of drama, humour, and wonder.

Leading the charge is Pedro Pascal, whose Reed Richards is a more introspective take on the brilliant scientist. Pascal plays him not as a cold intellectual, but as a man weighed down by consequence — a leader riddled with guilt and desperation, especially regarding his best friend Ben Grimm’s tragic mutation into The Thing. There’s a beautiful tension between Pascal’s cerebral nature and his emotional struggle, and it adds gravitas to the team’s dynamic.

But the film belongs to Vanessa Kirby. As Sue Storm, she is fierce, intelligent, and emotionally resonant—the lynchpin of the team and the story. Kirby brings nuance, power, and vulnerability to every scene, and she shines both in the high-stakes battles and the quieter, human moments that define her role. It’s a star-making turn that puts her firmly at the centre of the MCU’s future.

On the flip side, Joseph Quinn and Ebon Moss-Bachrach absolutely steal the show with their sibling-style chemistry and raw charisma. Quinn brings heat and swagger to Johnny Storm, channelling that teen idol recklessness and cocky grin that defined the character in the comics. But there’s an arc of growth here too; one that gives Quinn the space to move from impetuous thrill-seeker to genuine hero.

And then there’s Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm, and folks, he’s the beating heart of this entire movie. With gruff charm and bruised soulfulness, Moss-Bachrach nails the character’s iconic line, “It’s clobberin’ time!”, with the full force of emotional resonance. He’s tragic, lovable, and fiercely loyal, and his performance is a beautiful tribute to Kirby’s original vision of The Thing as both monster and man.

As a Marvel cosmic story, First Steps doesn’t hold back. The introduction of The Silver Surfer, played with icy allure by Julia Garner, is one of the film’s most captivating moments. Garner brings regal poise and existential sorrow to the role of Shalla-Bal, a twist on the original comic canon that works wonderfully. She’s magnetic, mysterious, and otherworldly, gliding through scenes like a celestial spirit of doom and salvation.

And then there’s Galactus.

Yes, the Devourer of Worlds finally makes his full-on debut in the MCU, and it is nothing short of jaw-dropping. Voiced with gravely menace by Ralph Ineson, this version of Galactus is more than just a cosmic threat — he is an elemental force of nature, rendered in colossal scale and terrifying grandeur. His presence is felt long before he’s seen, and when he finally appears, it’s one of the most awe-inspiring moments in superhero cinema.

Visually, this film is a feast. From the chrome-slick vistas of deep space to the futuristic architecture of 1960s-inspired Earth-828, every shot is dripping with artistic detail. The costume design, production aesthetic, and visual effects are a loving homage to Kirby’s art, filled with swirling colours, cosmic energy blasts, and impossible geometry. This is a movie that wants you to believe in the impossible, and makes you believe in it, wholeheartedly.

Two standout action sequences in particular will have fans buzzing: a hyperspace chase between the Fantastic Four and the Silver Surfer that’s equal parts F1 race and astral ballet; and a monumental final battle against Galactus, filled with epic teamwork, desperate last stands, and emotional sacrifice.

And yes, stick around for the post-credit sting — because Doom is coming!

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is everything fans have hoped for and more. It’s Marvel Studios reclaiming its mythic grandeur and reminding audiences why these characters are so beloved. This isn’t just another entry in the MCU — it’s a rejuvenation, a celebration, and a statement.

For fans of classic Marvel, for lovers of bold storytelling, and for anyone seeking that old-school sense of comic book wonder, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is a celestial gift. Bursting with heart, charged with cosmic energy, and anchored by an all-star cast, this is the kind of superhero film that comes along only once in a generation.

Image: Walt Disney Pictures

The post ‘Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ – Review appeared first on SpicyPulp.

Marvel fever hit Sydney in a big way tonight as the glittering stars of Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps turned out in style for a sizzling fan screening that lit up the Harbour City.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Marvel Australia / New Zealand (@marvelaunz)

Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn brought pure superpowered swagger to the blue carpet, electrifying fans with their presence and teasing what’s set to be one of the most exciting blockbusters of 2025.

Held against the stunning backdrop of a retro-futuristic 1960s-inspired set-up that perfectly captures the film’s bold aesthetic, the atmosphere was abuzz with anticipation and fandom energy as Aussie fans and local celebs packed in to get a first glimpse of Marvel’s latest cinematic epic.

Check out the awesome video capture below of this fantastic event in celebration of The Fantastic Four: First Steps:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Marvel Australia / New Zealand (@marvelaunz)

Pedro Pascal leads the charge as Reed Richards aka Mister Fantastic, bringing brains and bravery in equal measure. Vanessa Kirby turns heads as the strong and stylish Sue Storm, the Invisible Woman. Ebon Moss-Bachrach brings serious heart and grit to Ben Grimm, better known as The Thing, while Joseph Quinn is pure heat as the swaggering Johnny Storm, the Human Torch.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is more than just another Marvel movie — it’s a fresh and bold reimagining of these iconic characters set in a jaw-dropping retro world, packed with psychedelic visuals, intergalactic threats, and plenty of heart. This time, the Fab Four face their most monumental challenge yet — a planet-devouring space god named Galactus (played by the always menacing Ralph Ineson) and his cryptic, chrome-plated herald, the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner in a bold new take).

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Marvel Australia / New Zealand (@marvelaunz)

But as the universe trembles, things get personal — and fans can expect deep emotional stakes alongside high-octane action. With an ensemble that also features Paul Walter Hauser, Natasha Lyonne and Sarah Niles, and direction by WandaVision’s Matt Shakman, The Fantastic Four: First Steps looks set to be a nostalgic, vibrant and utterly thrilling entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Produced by Marvel’s mastermind Kevin Feige, and with an all-star creative team backing it, this one’s got all the hallmarks of a must-see.

Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps lands in cinemas across Australia and New Zealand on July 24. Don’t miss your chance to witness the birth of a new era in superhero cinema.

Image: Walt Disney Pictures

The post The Stars of Marvel Studios’ ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Arrive Down Under For A Star-Studded Fantastic Fan Screening appeared first on SpicyPulp.

Watch the all-new final trailer for Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps below:

Here’s the official synopsis:

Set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, Marvel Studios’ “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” introduces Marvel’s First Family — Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) and Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) as they face their most daunting challenge yet. Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, they must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). And if Galactus’ plan to devour the entire planet and everyone on it weren’t bad enough, it suddenly gets very personal.

Filmmaker Matt Shankman, who helmed the acclaimed WandaVision, has stepped into the director’s chair bring the FF to live for a new generation in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and this new trailer promises a film filled with family drama, hyperbolic sci-fi action, and plenty of touching heartfelt moments. Shankman digs deeper into the central theme of the Fantastic Four as a family, and how in their greatest hour, it’s their bonds and love for one another that will see them through their darkest test. With the impending arrival of Galactus, and a fight to save their Earth, it’s their bond as a family that gives them, the power to fight with all theur strength, and what a fight it will be.

This trailer further teases out the all-new retro-future Earth vibes of this story, and Shankman and his team have really let their imagination go crazy in creating a film filled with homages to the space-race, and the optimistic ealy years of the 1960s and the Camelot era of JFK that defined it. The film appears to be filled with a rich texture, and there’s plenty of scene chewing sparkle for you to gaze on with amazement.

While Shankman and Marvel Studios only tease out the impending action of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, it’s clear that Galactus has arrived and that it will be an utterly epic showdown. And more importantly it will be comic accurate, Shankman and his team have leaned all the way into the classic art and style of the great Jack Kirby and this shows through in the new trailer.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is shaping up to be an exciting, action-packed rollercoaster ride of fun, and will showcase the originators of the Marvel Universe in all their glory when it arrives on the big screen (and you’ll want to watch this one on the biggest screen possible) on July 24.

Image: Walt Disney Pictures

The post The heroics get super in final trailer for Marvel Studios’ ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ appeared first on SpicyPulp.