It was a Fantastic Four night last night in Los Angeles. Ahead of its release in two months, Marvel Studios held a recent test screening for The Fantastic Four: First Steps, referred to as a “public test screening,” and we have some early reactions from a viewer.
According to a viewer, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps was enjoyable,” and he gave the movie a rating of 7/10. The entire film focuses on the Fantastic Four dealing with the inevitability of their extinction. It has a very Lovecraftian and desperate feel throughout. However, the issue lies in the character development. The cast performances were good, but there is virtually no character development, and their relationship as a family isn’t explored much.
Pedro Pascal‘s Reed Richards’ powers were disappointing and weak, while The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) was also underwhelming. He gets a few scenes where he’s sad about being an ugly rock monster, but nothing too deep — he’s just kind of there. As for Sue (Vanessa Kirby) and Johnny (Joseph Quinn): “Those two were the best of the four.”
Ralph Ineson’s Galactus is the best part of the movie. He has an incredible sense of scale and looks like he was ripped straight from the comics.
The biggest problem with the movie is the lack of character development, and the VFX weren’t finished — everything looked like an N64 game. It’s 100% focused on the Fantastic Four dealing with Galactus, leaving no room for character moments. The pacing was really, really fast. It’s frustrating that there are no family or fun character dynamics.
Here’s the plot details for The Fantastic Four: First Steps:
Opening in theaters July 25, Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps introduces Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic (Pascal), Sue Storm / Invisible Woman (Kirby), Johnny Storm / Human Torch (Quinn), and Ben Grimm / The Thing (Bachrach) 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 (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.
The film also stars Paul Walter Hauser, John Malkovich, Natasha Lyonne, and Sarah Niles. Directed by Matt Shakman, produced by Kevin Feige, and executive produced by Louis D’Esposito, Grant Curtis, and Tim Lewis.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps hits theaters and IMAX on July 25, 2025.
Source: Marvel Studios Spoilers
