As summer at the box office heats up, MCU fans are sharing their first reactions to The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
Following first screenings for the debut entry in Marvel Studios‘ Phase 6, which hits theaters July 24, audiences have praised the visual artistry, impeccable writing and performances from Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Julia Garner.
On X, one fan called it “Quite possibly the best Marvel Studios film ever released. Absolutely loaded with talent and standout performances from Vanessa Kirby and Joseph Quinn. If you thought the MCU died with Endgame, think again. Thoughtfully crafted and easily a genre-defining classic.”
Several fans praised the VFX of the movie, including the design of Julia Garner‘s Galactus. “#FantasticFour First Steps is visually one of the best things Marvel has ever made. Parts feel like Interstellar & demand IMAX,” wrote another fan. “Galactus is awesome. Silver Surfer looks really, really good. VFX were often immaculate. Cosmically and on Earth, Matt Shakman dropped a visual feast.”
Others also noted their appreciation for the film’s social and political commentary. “#FantasticFour is a triumph. A pitch-perfect script backed by great performances — particularly from Pedro Pascal — turns what could be a simple superhero movie into a sharp commentary on our society that makes its nuance palatable for those that may not take it at face value,” one person posted.
Following James Gunn’s DCU launch with Superman‘s $220 million opening weekend, Matt Shakman‘s The Fantastic Four: First Steps is tracking for a $100-110M opening. It’s a needed win for Marvel Studios after several box office upsets in recent years.