It’s been a long road to this moment—five years since Endgame, multiple multiverse tangents, and more than a few “wait, who is this character again?” post-credits scenes later, The Fantastic Four: First Steps arrives as something that feels both brand new and strangely familiar.

And that’s exactly why it works.

There’s a strong sense from the first few scenes that this isn’t trying to be the next big franchise launchpad or crossover hype machine. In fact, one of the most refreshing things about First Steps is what isn’t in it. No multiversal cameos. No shoehorned references to future phases. Just the story of four brilliant, flawed, and human characters navigating their new powers and purpose, with a surprisingly grounded heart at the center of it all.

A Return to Character-First Storytelling

The best way to describe First Steps? It feels like a Phase 1 Marvel film—but with better acting, bolder aesthetics, and tighter focus. Think Iron Man meets Guardians, but filtered through a retro-futurist lens. Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards leads the cast with a cool, understated energy, while Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm finally gives the Invisible Woman the emotional depth she’s long deserved. Joseph Quinn and Ebon Moss-Bachrach bring fun and vulnerability to the mix as Johnny and Ben, rounding out a team that actually feels like a family.

And this is what longtime fans have been asking for: characters with clear motivations, strong relationships, and real stakes. First Steps delivers all that while still throwing in enough sci-fi spectacle to remind you you’re in a Marvel movie.

They Actually Listened

There’s a quiet triumph in how Fantastic Four: First Steps avoids the pitfalls that post-Endgame MCU projects have stumbled into. No narrative bloat. No forced IP crossovers. Just a self-contained, emotionally grounded adventure that makes you care about the people behind the powers. It feels like Marvel finally listened—like they read every Reddit thread, every fan critique, and said, “Okay, let’s reset.”

And for OG MCU fans (and older Marvel heads who grew up on the comics), it hits that nostalgic sweet spot. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel, but it is trying to remind you why you loved the MCU in the first place.

More Fun Than You Might Expect

It’s also worth saying: this movie’s fun. Like, genuinely fun. Not quip-every-five-seconds kind of fun, but earnest, heartfelt moments mixed with well-timed humor and strong team dynamics. Migo from VRSUS said it best—it’s more enjoyable than Thunderbolts or even recent Superman reboots because it doesn’t get lost in itself. It’s confident in its tone, stylish in its worldbuilding, and just earnest enough to win over even the most skeptical fans.

It’s Clobberin’ Time… And About Time

The Fantastic Four: First Steps may not be the flashiest Marvel movie, but it might be the most reassuring. It tells a story with purpose, features characters you actually want to follow, and most importantly, feels like a step in the right direction for a cinematic universe that desperately needed one.

Welcome back, Marvel. We missed this.

Be sure to check out our very own Migo’s spoiler-free reel review on our Facebook page!

Read More:

The Fantastic Four Lands in the Philippines This July 23 – VRSUS

Fantastic Four First Steps: Our Initial Thoughts and Reaction – VRSUS

Thunderbolts* Brings B-Team Energy With A+ Potential – VRSUS