This blog contains affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
The Fantastic Four are back, and this time, Marvel’s taking it seriously. The Fantastic Four: First Steps is one of the most anticipated new movie releases of 2025 and marks the official introduction of Marvel’s original superhero team into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). While previous Fantastic Four films received mixed reviews, this reboot promises a fresh start , full of heart, intelligence, and cosmic adventure. Designed to blend science, family, and superpowers, this new take is not just another superhero movie. It’s the first step in a larger story that could reshape the MCU. If you’re wondering what to watch now or searching for the best new movies, this one should be at the top of your list.
What Is the Movie About?
First Steps is an origin story, but with a twist. Instead of focusing solely on how the team got their powers, the film dives deep into who these characters are as people. Reed Richards, also known as Mr. Fantastic, is a brilliant scientist whose ability to stretch his body mirrors his flexibility in solving problems. Sue Storm, the Invisible Woman, balances strength with emotional depth, wielding force fields and invisibility powers. Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, is fiery in both attitude and power, bringing humour and energy to the team. And Ben Grimm, The Thing, is the muscle , a man with a rock-like body but a heart of gold. Together, they form Marvel’s “First Family,” using their powers not just to fight villains, but to solve cosmic-level threats, explore alternate dimensions, and protect the world, and each other.
Where Does the Story Take Place?
The movie starts in New York City at the famous Baxter Building, where the team’s scientific journey begins. But things quickly move beyond Earth. The origin of their powers in this version comes from a failed experiment with interdimensional travel. This leads the team into unknown realms, possibly even the Quantum Realm or parts of the multiverse we’ve never seen. Marvel fans will love the sci-fi elements and the strange new locations, offering something very different from the traditional hero-on-the-street approach. If you’re into multiverse stories or exploring alternate realities, this will be one of the most exciting parts of the latest movies to watch this year.
Why Is This Film So Important?
First Steps isn’t just another superhero movie. It is a major turning point for Marvel. For one, the Fantastic Four are the very first superhero team created by Marvel Comics. They laid the foundation for everything we now know as the MCU. Including them at this stage helps reset the MCU’s direction and introduces new storytelling possibilities. It also paves the way for massive characters like Doctor Doom and Galactus. Plus, the tone of this film is a big shift, expect more science and emotion, less generic action. Marvel is investing in deeper stories, stronger connections, and smarter characters. This positions First Steps as one of the must-watch shows and movies of 2025.
Who’s Playing the Fantastic Four?
Marvel has cast a fresh and exciting lineup of actors to bring the Fantastic Four to life. While the full cast list is still under wraps, insiders say this version focuses on strong chemistry, emotional depth, and a real family dynamic. Each actor embodies their character beyond the powers. Reed as the genius leader, Sue as the emotional anchor, Johnny as the energetic spark, and Ben as the gentle giant. The casting alone is creating buzz across fan forums, social media, and trending TV series discussions, making it one of the most talked-about new movie releases of the year.
How It Connects to the MCU
This isn’t a standalone adventure. First Steps plays a big role in the upcoming phases of the MCU. It’s set within Phase 6 and ties directly into major storylines, including multiverse exploration, Kang’s legacy, and the long-awaited Secret Wars. If you want to be ready, now is a great time to catch up on key Marvel titles like Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness, Loki (Season 2), Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, and What If…? These shows and films help explain the time-travel, multiverse logic, and cosmic science that the Fantastic Four will dive into. Add them to your list of new streaming series and series to binge before First Steps hits theatres.
What Makes This Version Different?
Unlike the previous versions of the Fantastic Four, like the 2005 and 2015 films, First Steps offers a more mature, modern, and emotionally grounded take. The powers are the same, but the story dives into the why behind each character. It focuses on emotional struggles, teamwork, and what it means to be a family, even when you’re battling across dimensions. Visually, the movie uses advanced effects to create mind-bending worlds and battles. The storytelling style is a mix of Guardians of the Galaxy’s fun, Interstellar’s sci-fi depth, and The Incredibles’ family dynamics. All of this helps elevate the film into one of the best movie series starters Marvel has made to date.
A New Game Is Coming Too!
For gamers, the excitement doesn’t stop at the movies. Marvel is releasing a video game called Fantastic Four: Quantum Rift, which will tie into the movie’s story and characters. It’s expected to be one of the best game launches of 2025. The game allows players to control each team member, switch between powers, and explore alien dimensions. With a combination of action, strategy, and teamwork mechanics, it’s one of the top new games and hottest upcoming video games this year. Keep an eye out for game reviews 2025, game news 2025, and specific launch dates especially if you love games with rich storytelling and superpowers.
What Are Fans Saying?
Online excitement is through the roof. Reddit threads, YouTube breakdowns, and TikTok theories are everywhere. Fans are digging through trailers for hidden Easter eggs, analysing possible cameos, and speculating on the villain. Will Doctor Doom show up? Could Galactus be teased? The community is alive with speculation, and early buzz suggests that this film could go down as one of the most critically acclaimed shows and newest film releases of 2025. If you’re into theories, trailer analysis, or just love Marvel fan hype, this is the movie to follow.
Is It Kid-Friendly?
Yes! The film is rated PG-13, but it’s suitable for kids aged 10 and up. There’s action, sure, but the focus is more on science, teamwork, and adventure than on violence. If your kids enjoyed Spider-Man: No Way Home or Big Hero 6, they’ll love First Steps. Plus, it offers great messages about family, responsibility, and courage, making it one of the most binge-worthy series and film franchises for families.
What’s Coming Next?
First Steps is just the beginning. Marvel already has sequels and spinoffs in the works. The rumoured sequel, Fantastic Four: Rise of Doom, is expected in 2027, and Disney+ may launch a limited streaming series centred on Sue and Reed’s early relationship. There’s also talk of Doctor Doom getting his own movie. With this reboot, the Fantastic Four could quickly become a central piece of Marvel’s future possibly even replacing the Avengers as the MCU’s main team. These will definitely be the top game recommendations and must-watch shows of the next few years.
Why You Should Care
The Fantastic Four are not just superheroes. They are a family of explorers, thinkers, and fighters. “First Steps” is about starting over, learning from mistakes, and facing the unknown together.
It’s also a perfect entry point for New Marvel fans, gamers looking for crossover titles and streamers who love connected universes.
Related Content to Explore Now:
Here’s what to add to your watchlist and game radar:
Movies & TV
Secret Wars
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
Games
Marvel’s Wolverine (game 2025)
Avengers Legacy (upcoming video games)
Spider-Man 3 PS5 ( game launches 2025)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the Fantastic Four movies in order?
Fantastic Four (1994) – unreleased, bootleg
Fantastic Four (2005)
Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007)
Fantastic Four (2015) – reboot
The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025, MCU)
2. Who is starring in the new Fantastic Four (2025)?
Reed Richards — Pedro Pascal
Sue Storm — Vanessa Kirby
Johnny Storm — Joseph Quinn
Ben Grimm — Ebon Moss-Bachrach
Silver Surfer (Shalla-Bal) — Julia Garner
Galactus — Ralph Ineson
3. Why is Silver Surfer a woman in the new movie?
Because the MCU version features Shalla-Bal, a female Herald of Galactus from Marvel Comics, not the original Norrin Radd.
4. Will Robert Downey Jr. be in Fantastic Four (2025)?
Yes, he appears in a mid-credits scene as Doctor Doom (unmasked briefly).
5. How can I watch Fantastic Four: First Steps?
It will be released theatrically in 2025 and will later stream on Disney+.
6. Is Fantastic Four: First Steps in the main MCU universe?
No, it takes place in an alternate 1960s-styled reality, Earth‑828.
7. Where can I watch the 1994 Fantastic Four?
It was never officially released; only available as a bootleg.
8. Who is playing Johnny Storm in the new movie?
Joseph Quinn (best known from Stranger Things).
9. Why isn’t John Krasinski playing Mr. Fantastic?
He was only a fan-service cameo in Doctor Strange 2 from Earth‑838. The 2025 movie starts fresh in another universe with Pedro Pascal.
10. Who is John Malkovich playing in Fantastic Four?
He was cast as the villain Red Ghost (Ivan Kragoff), but his scenes were cut.
11. Who is Jake Gyllenhaal going to play in Fantastic Four?
He wasn’t cast. He was rumoured early on but declined due to contract issues.
12. Who is Zac Efron playing in Fantastic Four?
He’s not in the film. He was a fan-casting favourite for Johnny Storm but was not chosen.
13. Why did Pedro Pascal replace John Krasinski?
Marvel chose Pascal to lead a new universe’s version of the team; Krasinski was never intended for a long-term role.
14. Is Reed Richards smarter than Tony Stark?
Yes, in most Marvel rankings, Reed Richards is considered the smartest man on Earth, ahead of Stark.
15. Is John Krasinski in the new Fantastic Four?
No, he only appeared briefly in Doctor Strange 2 and does not return.
16. Who is playing Doctor Doom in the new movie?
Robert Downey Jr. appears as Doctor Doom in a teaser scene.
17. Is Reed Richards autistic?
Yes, several comic runs and creators have confirmed Reed is canonically autistic.
18. What is Reed Richards’ weakness?
His overconfidence in logic and detachment from emotions often lead to poor judgment in personal relationships.
19. Why is Reed Richards’ hair grey?
The grey hair (especially at the temples) is a side effect of early stress and radiation exposure from the space mission.
20. How many PhDs does Reed Richards have?
In the comics, Reed is said to have multiple advanced degrees at least 6 PhDs in fields like physics, engineering, and biology.
21. Is Thanos smarter than Tony Stark?
No. Thanos is strategic, but not on the same scientific or intellectual level as Tony Stark.
22. Who is more intelligent: Bruce Banner or Tony Stark?
They are close, but most agree Tony Stark is more versatile, while Banner is top in gamma and biological sciences.
23. What is Peter Parker’s IQ?
Peter Parker’s IQ is estimated at around 250 making him a genius-level intellect.
24. Who’s smarter: Reed Richards or Tony Stark?
Reed Richards is considered smarter due to his mastery of theoretical and cosmic science.
25. Are Jenna Fischer and John Krasinski still friends?
Yes, they have stayed friendly since The Office ended.
26. Does Pedro Pascal actually voice the Mandalorian?
Yes, but in some scenes (especially action-heavy), body doubles wear the suit and Pascal adds voice later.
27. Do Steve Carell and John Krasinski get along?
Yes, they’ve stayed on good terms post-The Office and praise each other publicly.
28. What was Jenna Fischer diagnosed with?
There is no verified public diagnosis of a condition for Jenna Fischer.
29. Did Pam and Jim date in real life?
No, John Krasinski and Jenna Fischer never dated in real life.
30. Do Tony Stark and Reed Richards get along?
They have a mutual respect but clash often due to ego and contrasting approaches.
31. Which actor has an autistic daughter?
Anthony Hopkins has spoken about autism, though he was self-diagnosed late in life.
32. Are George Clooney and John Krasinski friends?
Yes, they co-starred in Leatherheads and have remained friendly.
33. Does Jenna Fischer wear a wig?
No, she typically wore her natural hair on The Office.
34. Why did Jenna Fischer stop acting?
She hasn’t stopped entirely but has focused more on family, writing, and podcasting.
35. Did any of the Office cast date in real life?
No major romantic pairings occurred within the cast.
36. Are John Krasinski and Rainn Wilson friends?
Yes, though their off-screen relationship is more casual than close.
37. Was Pam actually pregnant in The Office?
Yes, Jenna Fischer was pregnant in real life during Season 8.
38. Is Pam from The Office sick?
No. Jenna Fischer is not publicly known to have any illness.
39. How is Ben Grimm related to the Fantastic Four?
He’s Reed Richards’ best friend and pilot of the space mission that gave them powers.
40. What is Bella Ramsey’s diagnosis?
Bella Ramsey has openly stated they have anxiety and eating disorders, and are non-binary, but not diagnosed as autistic.
41. What actress has twins with autism?
Actress Holly Robinson Peete is an advocate and has a son with autism.
42. What actress is married to an autistic man?
Mayim Bialik has spoken about relationships and neurodiversity, but has not confirmed this.
43. What was the age gap between Reed and Sue?
In early comics, Reed was about 10 years older than Sue. Modern versions have narrowed this gap.
![Fantastic Four Epic Collection: The Coming Of Galactus [New Printing 2]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51hUyjLiWkL.jpg)
![Fantastic Four / Fantastic Four - Rise Of The Silver Surfer [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51b5Bb7TxlL.jpg)
Final Thoughts
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is more than a reboot. It’s a statement. Marvel is going back to its roots, not just to repeat old stories, but to retell them in smarter, richer ways. The film blends science, adventure, and emotion into a cinematic experience that feels fresh, bold, and deeply human. Whether you’re into superhero action, sci-fi stories, family drama, or epic crossovers, this film is one of the best new movies to keep on your radar. As Marvel continues to evolve, the Fantastic Four look ready to take the lead and their journey begins with First Steps.