The Fantastic Four: First Steps—Marvel’s Big Gamble or Impending Disaster?
The Fantastic Four: First Steps, set to premiere on July 25, 2025, was heralded as the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) chance to finally deliver a definitive adaptation of Marvel’s First Family. Directed by Matt Shakman and boasting a stellar cast—Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing—the film promised a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic spectacle with cosmic villains like Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). Yet, as the release date looms, whispers of doom have grown louder. Reports of disastrous test screenings, lackluster audience reactions, and Marvel’s waning confidence have sparked claims that the film is “f-ked” and beyond Disney’s ability to salvage. With the MCU at a crossroads, what’s gone wrong, and can First Steps avoid becoming a fantastic failure?
A High-Stakes Reboot for Marvel’s First Family
The Fantastic Four hold a unique place in Marvel’s history. Debuting in 1961, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, they were Marvel’s original superhero team, paving the way for characters like Spider-Man and the Avengers. Their blend of family dynamics, scientific exploration, and cosmic adventures made them comic book icons. However, their cinematic track record is less illustrious. The 2005 and 2007 films, starring Chris Evans as Johnny Storm, were criticized for their campy tone, while the 2015 Fant4stic reboot was a critical and commercial disaster, grossing just $168 million against a $120 million budget.
First Steps was meant to change that narrative. Set in an alternate universe with a retro-futuristic aesthetic, the film skips the origin story, beginning four years after the team gains their powers from cosmic rays. The plot centers on their battle against Galactus, a planet-devouring cosmic entity, and his herald, Shalla-Bal, the Silver Surfer, played controversially by Julia Garner. With a runtime of 130 minutes—the longest Fantastic Four film yet—and a reported $200 million budget, the stakes are enormous. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has called the project a “dream come true,” emphasizing its role in launching Phase Six of the MCU.
Test Screening Troubles: A “Meh” Reception
The alarm bells began ringing after public test screenings in Los Angeles in late May 2025. Unlike Marvel’s typical “friends and family” screenings, the decision to hold public sessions suggested internal concerns about the film’s readiness. Feedback was mixed at best, with some attendees describing the film as “mid” or “meh,” citing weak character development and subpar CGI. Others praised its ambitious cosmic scope and retro aesthetic but noted that the narrative felt disjointed. The lack of emotional depth for characters like Reed Richards and Ben Grimm was a recurring critique, with audiences feeling disconnected from their struggles.
The CGI, particularly for The Thing and the Silver Surfer, drew significant criticism. Fans on social media platforms expressed disappointment with visuals that appeared unfinished, comparing them unfavorably to the polished effects of Avengers: Endgame. While incomplete CGI is common in test screenings, the volume of negative feedback raised red flags. Some speculated that Marvel rushed the screenings to gauge public reaction, a tactic used for other troubled projects like Eternals and Captain America: Brave New World.
Marvel’s Waning Confidence: A “Huge Problem Movie”?
Behind the scenes, reports suggest Marvel’s initial optimism has faded. Industry insiders have described First Steps as a “mess” and a “huge problem movie,” with concerns about its ability to resonate with audiences. The decision to conduct reshoots in June 2025, just weeks before release, has intensified fears. Reshoots are standard for blockbusters, but their timing—combined with the test screening feedback—suggests significant fixes are needed. Potential changes include enhancing character arcs, refining CGI, and possibly tweaking the ending to better set up Avengers: Doomsday, where Robert Downey Jr. will debut as Doctor Doom.
The involvement of multiple writers—Jeff Kaplan, Ian Springer, Josh Friedman, Cameron Squires, Eric Pearson, and Peter Cameron—has raised concerns about narrative coherence. Friedman was reportedly brought in to align the film with Feige’s vision of a cosmic, 1960s-inspired epic, but the patchwork script may have contributed to the “disjointed” feel noted by test audiences. Director Matt Shakman, known for WandaVision, has emphasized the film’s unique world design, but his ability to unify the sprawling story remains in question.
Disney’s Role: Can the Mouse House Save the Day?
As Marvel Studios’ parent company, Disney has a vested interest in First Steps’ success. The 2019 acquisition of 20th Century Fox for $71.3 billion gave Disney control of the Fantastic Four, X-Men, and Deadpool, enabling their integration into the MCU. CEO Bob Iger championed the deal, seeing the Fantastic Four as key to revitalizing Marvel’s cinematic dominance. However, Disney’s influence has been a double-edged sword. The push for rapid content output, including Disney+ series like Secret Invasion and She-Hulk, has led to accusations of oversaturation, diluting the MCU’s brand.
Disney’s marketing for First Steps has been aggressive, with trailers garnering 19.8 million views and events like a drone show at San Diego Comic-Con showcasing Michael Giacchino’s soaring score. Yet, the trailers have also drawn scrutiny, with some fans questioning the absence of Reed’s stretching powers, sparking theories about incomplete VFX or narrative choices. A tie-in comic recapping the team’s origin later debunked these concerns, but the initial omission fueled skepticism.
Despite Disney’s resources, the test screening backlash suggests that financial might alone cannot fix creative issues. Posts on social media platforms have echoed this sentiment, with some fans declaring they “won’t be watching” due to dissatisfaction with the female Silver Surfer and perceived story weaknesses. Disney’s broader challenges, including a crowded 2025 release slate with Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts, add pressure to ensure First Steps stands out.
The MCU’s Precarious Position
The stakes for First Steps extend beyond the Fantastic Four. The MCU has struggled post-Avengers: Endgame, with films like Eternals ($402 million worldwide), Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania ($476 million), and The Marvels ($206 million) underperforming compared to pre-2019 hits like Captain America: Civil War ($1.15 billion). Thunderbolts was a box office success, but Captain America: Brave New World faced mixed reviews, amplifying concerns about “Marvel fatigue.” First Steps is seen as a make-or-break moment to restore fan confidence before Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars.
The film’s narrative choices, such as setting it in an alternate universe and introducing Franklin Richards—Reed and Sue’s son, hinted at through Sue’s pregnancy—add complexity. Fan theories suggest the Fantastic Four may fail to save their world from Galactus, only to be rescued by a multiversal figure like Loki, setting up their integration into the main MCU timeline. Such a dark outcome risks alienating audiences expecting a hopeful, family-driven story, especially given the franchise’s history of failed adaptations.
Fan Reactions: Hope, Skepticism, and Outrage
The First Steps controversy has divided fans. Some remain optimistic, citing the all-star cast and comic-accurate elements like Galactus’ design, a stark improvement over the 2007 film’s cloud-like depiction. Supporters argue that test screenings are snapshots of unfinished work, and Marvel’s track record of refining films like Endgame bodes well. They point to Paul Walter Hauser’s claim that First Steps will “reinvigorate” the MCU, reflecting confidence from within the production.
Others are less forgiving. Social media posts have labeled the film a “flop” in waiting, criticizing everything from the female Silver Surfer to the “boring” story. The backlash mirrors broader cultural debates, with some accusing Marvel of prioritizing “woke” casting over quality, though defenders note that diversity has always been part of the Fantastic Four’s comic legacy. The skepticism is compounded by Bethesda’s recent struggles with Starfield and Fallout 76, drawing parallels to fears of a beloved franchise faltering under modern pressures.
The Galactus Factor: A Double-Edged Sword
Galactus, one of Marvel’s most iconic villains, is central to First Steps’ appeal. Unlike the 2007 film, where he was reduced to a nebulous cloud, Ralph Ineson’s portrayal promises a comic-accurate, towering figure. Trailers depict a thrilling sequence where the Fantastic Four evade the Silver Surfer near a black hole, with Sue’s pregnancy adding personal stakes. However, adapting Galactus is a gamble. His cosmic scale requires flawless VFX, and any misstep could undermine the film’s credibility, especially after CGI criticisms.
The choice of Shalla-Bal as the Silver Surfer, rather than Norrin Radd, has also polarized fans. While rooted in the Earth X comics, the gender swap has been mocked as a superficial nod to diversity, with some questioning Garner’s motion-capture performance. Supporters argue that Shalla-Bal’s moral conflict as Galactus’ herald adds depth, but the character’s success hinges on execution.
Can Marvel and Disney Turn the Tide?
Despite the grim outlook, First Steps has time to course-correct. The reshoots could address character development and CGI issues, while marketing efforts, like the “4-4 Day” teaser poster and H.E.R.B.I.E.-themed QR codes, aim to rebuild hype. Shakman’s vision of a “Kirby meets Kubrick” aesthetic, blending Jack Kirby’s cosmic grandeur with Stanley Kubrick’s cerebral style, could differentiate the film in a crowded superhero market.
Disney’s involvement, while not a cure-all, provides resources to polish the film. The acquisition of Fox enabled this reboot, and Feige’s passion for the Fantastic Four suggests a commitment to quality. However, Marvel must navigate fan expectations carefully. A failure could damage the MCU’s credibility, especially with Superman (2025) looming as a rival reboot promising a return to classic heroism.
Why Everyone’s Talking
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is a crucible for Marvel and Disney, testing their ability to revive a storied franchise amid a challenging MCU landscape. Test screening woes, reshoots, and fan skepticism have cast a shadow, but the film’s cosmic ambition and talented cast offer hope. As Galactus looms over Tamriel, the real battle is for audience trust. Will First Steps soar or stumble? The answer will shape the MCU’s future, and fans are watching with bated breath.
