Marvel’s Fantastic Four: First Steps is in TROUBLE! 😱 Early test screenings are reportedly “mid” and “meh,” with weak character development and shaky CGI. Worse, Pedro Pascal’s political outbursts are sparking backlash, with fans on X comparing him to Rachel Zegler, whose Snow White flopped hard. Is Pascal’s Reed Richards doomed to tank this MCU reboot?
Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps, set to launch the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) Phase Six on July 25, 2025, has been one of the most anticipated films in the franchise’s storied history. With a star-studded cast led by Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, alongside Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, the film promises to reintroduce Marvel’s First Family in a retro-futuristic 1960s-inspired alternate universe. However, recent rumors of disappointing test screenings and growing backlash against Pascal’s public persona have cast a shadow over the project. Posts on X and web reports suggest the film is struggling with narrative issues, while Pascal’s political comments are drawing comparisons to Rachel Zegler, whose Snow White became a box office disaster. Is Fantastic Four doomed to fail, or can Marvel turn the tide? Let’s unpack the rumors, the controversy, and what they mean for the MCU’s future.
Test Screening Troubles: “Mid” and “Meh”
In late May 2025, reports surfaced about test screenings for Fantastic Four: First Steps held in Los Angeles, with feedback painting a less-than-stellar picture. Insiders described the film as “mid” and “meh,” citing weak character development and unpolished CGI as major flaws. The plot, which follows the Fantastic Four as they battle the planet-devouring Galactus and his herald, the Silver Surfer, was praised for its “Lovecraftian” cosmic horror angle and Ralph Ineson’s terrifying portrayal of Galactus. However, audiences reportedly felt the film failed to capitalize on the powers and personalities of key characters like Reed Richards and Ben Grimm/The Thing. One source noted that the movie felt “not that bad, but not that good, either,” raising concerns about its ability to live up to the MCU’s high standards.
Test screenings are a standard part of the filmmaking process, designed to identify weaknesses before a film’s release. Marvel has a history of using feedback to refine projects, as seen with James Gunn’s Superman, which improved after adjustments based on early reactions. However, the timing of these screenings—close to the film’s July premiere—has fueled speculation about deeper issues. Reports of last-minute reshoots to rework the film’s ending suggest Marvel is scrambling to address audience concerns, a move that echoes the troubled production of Captain America: Brave New World, which suffered from a jumbled narrative after similar eleventh-hour fixes. Reshoots are costly, potentially inflating the film’s already substantial budget and raising the stakes for its box office performance.
The mixed reactions also highlight broader challenges for Marvel. The MCU’s recent theatrical slate, including The Marvels and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, has struggled to match the success of the Infinity Saga, with bloated budgets and inconsistent quality drawing criticism. Fantastic Four carries added pressure as the first film in Phase Six, setting the stage for Avengers: Doomsday. A lackluster debut could undermine confidence in Marvel’s ability to deliver on its ambitious Multiverse Saga, making the test screening feedback a potential warning sign.
Pedro Pascal: Box Office Poison?
Compounding the film’s challenges is the growing controversy surrounding Pedro Pascal, who plays the stretchy genius Reed Richards. Pascal, a fan favorite for roles in The Mandalorian, The Last of Us, and Gladiator II, has recently faced backlash for his outspoken political comments, drawing comparisons to Rachel Zegler, whose Snow White flopped spectacularly in 2025. Zegler’s film, which grossed just $143.1 million against a $350 million budget, was plagued by controversy over her criticism of the 1937 original and her pro-Palestinian social media posts, which alienated some audiences. Fans on X and web outlets like Bleeding Fool and Hollywood in Toto now fear Pascal’s actions could similarly harm Fantastic Four.
Pascal’s troubles began in earnest in early 2025, when he publicly supported Zegler, calling her an “icon” on Instagram amid her Snow White backlash. His comments drew ire from fans who blamed Zegler for the film’s failure, with X users warning, “Pedro’s mouth is gonna tank the Fantastic Four.” The criticism escalated in April 2025, when Pascal called for a boycott of the Harry Potter franchise in response to J.K. Rowling’s celebration of a U.K. Supreme Court ruling on biological sex. His remarks, which included endorsing an activist’s call to avoid all Harry Potter-related products, were seen as divisive, with some labeling them “in poor taste” for targeting a rival studio’s property. Posts on X accused Pascal of alienating conservative fans, with one user stating, “The core fanbase, who will tend to be older, wiser, and therefore more right wing, will boycott this movie.”
The comparison to Zegler stems from a broader narrative about actors’ off-screen behavior impacting box office performance. Zegler’s Snow White became a cautionary tale, with her political outspokenness blamed for turning away audiences already skeptical of Disney’s live-action remakes. Pascal, who has previously likened Trump supporters to Nazis and voiced support for transgender rights, is now seen by some as following a similar path. Critics argue that his actions risk alienating the MCU’s broad fanbase, particularly at a time when superhero fatigue is already a concern. However, Pascal’s defenders point to his proven track record and charisma, noting that his casting as Reed Richards initially generated excitement due to his popularity.
The Rachel Zegler Parallel: Fair or Overblown?
The “box office poison” label draws heavily on Zegler’s experience with Snow White. The film’s failure was attributed to multiple factors: a high budget, critical panning (41% on Rotten Tomatoes), and Zegler’s polarizing comments about the original’s outdated gender roles and “stalker” prince. Her pro-Palestinian posts and refusal to retract them further fueled backlash, with Disney reportedly hiring a social media consultant to manage her online presence. Some fans and outlets, like Variety, suggested Disney scapegoated Zegler to deflect from the film’s broader issues, such as poor CGI and Gal Gadot’s performance. Supporters, including journalists on Bluesky, called the narrative a “hit job,” arguing Zegler’s performance was a highlight and that Disney’s history of mishandling diverse casts—seen with actors like John Boyega and Halle Bailey—played a role.
Pascal’s situation shares similarities but also key differences. Like Zegler, he’s been vocal about progressive causes, including trans rights and Palestinian advocacy, which have drawn ire from conservative fans. His support for Zegler and comments against Rowling have amplified the backlash, with X posts warning of a “Zegler effect” on Fantastic Four. Yet Pascal’s established star power—bolstered by hits like The Last of Us and The Mandalorian—sets him apart. Unlike Zegler, who was a rising star during Snow White, Pascal has a loyal fanbase and a string of successes, suggesting he may weather the storm better. Additionally, Fantastic Four benefits from the MCU’s built-in audience, unlike Snow White, which faced skepticism as part of Disney’s faltering remake trend.
The Bigger Picture: Marvel’s High-Stakes Gamble
The Fantastic Four franchise has a checkered history, with the 2005 and 2007 films earning modest success and the 2015 reboot bombing critically and commercially. Marvel Studios, now in control of the property, aims to deliver a definitive take, with director Matt Shakman (WandaVision) and a script designed to honor the comics’ cosmic roots. The casting of Julia Garner as a female Silver Surfer and the inclusion of characters like Franklin Richards and H.E.R.B.I.E. signal ambition, but also risk, as fans have criticized deviations like the gender-swapped Surfer. Posts on X reflect skepticism, with users calling the film a “complete miss” for traditional fans due to its modernized approach.
Marvel’s recent struggles add context to the Fantastic Four concerns. Films like Eternals and The Marvels faced similar test screening issues, and Captain America: Brave New World underperformed after reshoots failed to salvage its narrative. The MCU’s reliance on big-name stars and high budgets—The Marvels cost $274 million—has led to risk-averse decisions, with studios prioritizing safe, formulaic outcomes over bold storytelling. Pascal’s casting, while a draw, reflects this trend, with some arguing Marvel opted for a bankable name over a lesser-known actor who could embody Reed Richards’ cerebral nature more authentically.
Can Fantastic Four Overcome the Odds?
Despite the red flags, there’s reason for optimism. Test screenings are not final verdicts, and Marvel has time to refine the film’s CGI and character arcs. The cosmic horror angle and Galactus’ menacing presence could resonate with audiences, tapping into the same otherworldly allure that made Guardians of the Galaxy a hit. Pascal, despite the backlash, remains a talented actor capable of delivering a compelling Reed Richards, provided the script plays to his strengths. The ensemble cast, including rising stars like Joseph Quinn, adds further potential, and Marvel’s track record of course-correcting—seen with Iron Man 3 and Thor: Ragnarok—suggests the studio can address the current issues.
The Pascal controversy, while concerning, may be overstated. Fan backlash on X often amplifies vocal minorities, and Zegler’s case showed that box office failures are rarely the fault of one actor. Fantastic Four’s success will likely hinge on its quality, marketing, and ability to capture the spirit of Marvel’s First Family, rather than Pascal’s off-screen comments alone. As the film nears release, Marvel’s ability to navigate these challenges will determine whether Fantastic Four: First Steps becomes a triumphant launch for Phase Six or another cautionary tale in the MCU’s evolving saga.
