The Fantastic 4: First Steps (2025) Movie: Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards Finally Gets It Right

Marvel Studios finally brings the Fantastic Four back to life in what feels like their most genuine attempt yet. Matt Shakman takes the director’s chair for this Phase Six opener, leading an impressive cast that includes Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn.

The film also features Ralph Ineson, Julia Garner, Paul Walter Hauser, and Natasha Lyonne in supporting roles. What strikes me most is how the movie embraces a 1960s retro-future aesthetic that feels fresh. Released on July 25, 2025, the film currently holds a 7.3 rating on IMDb.

The Story That Works

This version smartly sidesteps the origin story trap. Instead, we meet the Fantastic Four already dealing with their powers and family dynamics. The main threat comes from Galactus, the planet-eating cosmic entity, along with his herald Silver Surfer.

I appreciate how the writers use this cosmic threat to explore deeper family themes. The Richards family faces real stakes that go beyond just saving the world. The 1960s setting isn’t just style – it creates a world where optimism about science and space exploration feels natural.

The script moves at a comfortable pace. Action scenes serve the story rather than overwhelming it. Every major plot point connects to character development in meaningful ways.

Performance Breakdown

Pedro Pascal brings warmth to Reed Richards that previous versions lacked. His Mr. Fantastic feels like an actual father and husband, not just a walking science textbook. Pascal’s natural charm makes Reed’s leadership feel organic rather than forced.

Vanessa Kirby delivers a fierce Sue Storm who commands respect. Her Invisible Woman balances protective instincts with genuine power. I found her scenes with the family particularly compelling – she feels like the emotional anchor.

Joseph Quinn gives us a Human Torch who’s more awkward than cocky. This Johnny Storm works because Quinn makes him relatable instead of annoying. Ebon Moss-Bachrach brings real pathos to Ben Grimm, making The Thing’s struggles feel authentic rather than just tragic.

What Impressed Me

The production design deserves major credit. This retro-future world feels lived-in and believable. Every set piece, from the Baxter Building to alien landscapes, shows incredible attention to detail.

I was particularly impressed by how the film handles the team’s powers. Reed’s stretching looks natural, Sue’s force fields feel powerful, Johnny’s flames are spectacular, and Ben’s strength has real weight behind it.

The family dynamic works because these actors genuinely seem to care about each other. Their conversations feel real, not like superhero movie dialogue. The film trusts these relationships to carry emotional weight.

Where It Falls Short

Galactus feels somewhat generic despite being a cosmic-level threat. The design is impressive, but the character lacks the philosophical depth that makes this villain interesting in the comics. More exploration of his motivations would have helped.

Silver Surfer looks amazing but doesn’t get enough development. The herald concept could have been explored more deeply. I wanted to understand his relationship with Galactus better.

Some action sequences rely too heavily on visual spectacle. While impressive, a few set pieces could have used more creative choreography that showcases the team’s unique abilities working together.

Critical and Audience Response

Most critics have praised the casting choices and visual design. Professional reviews consistently mention the strong family chemistry as the film’s biggest strength. The technical craftsmanship has earned widespread recognition.

Audience scores across major platforms show positive reception. IMDb’s 7.3 rating reflects solid viewer satisfaction. Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic scores indicate both critic and audience approval.

Many reviews highlight how this version succeeds where previous Fantastic Four films failed. The focus on family relationships over superhero tropes seems to resonate with viewers.

My Final Take

The Fantastic 4: First Steps succeeds by remembering what makes these characters special – they’re a family first, superheroes second. Shakman’s direction keeps the focus on relationships while delivering solid action sequences.

The retro-future aesthetic gives the film a unique visual identity. While not groundbreaking, it provides an entertaining and emotionally satisfying superhero experience.

Minor villain issues aside, this film accomplishes its main goal – introducing the Fantastic Four as credible players in the modern MCU. The family dynamics feel genuine, the action works, and the performances sell every emotional beat.

Rating: 4/5