Through news headlines, mug shots, and reels, we see flashes of classic Fantastic Four comic book villains like Red Ghost (John Malkovich) and his team of Super-Apes (who once played a larger role in the film before being cut for time), Mad Thinker, and Puppet Master.

Despite the slight butchering in the editing room, it hasn't deterred fans or critics. It's currently sitting at an 87% review score on aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, four points ahead of Superman. The verified fan score is even better, standing at an exceptional 93%.

First Steps is coming in lighter than projections in its first box office weekend with $117.6 million. Still records were broken.

As the filmmaker’s three-year journey wound down on the project, he realized a key moment was missing, and managed to shoot it within a few months of the film's opening.

First Steps to bring you an in-depth breakdown of all the Marvel Studios movie's biggest Easter Eggs, comic book references, and cameos. Check it

"First Steps" promises to push the MCU out of its comfort zone, but the movie quickly retreats into a tired version of the same old story.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is slated for a release on July 25, 2025, in theaters (USA).

First Steps director Matt Shakman addresses a big Sue Storm moment in the movie's final act and reveals original plans for Franklin Richards' Marvel Cinematic Universe's introduction.