Fantastic Four: First Steps—Marvel’s retro cosmic adventure that might actually work (trailer).

Here we go again, folks! Another Fantastic Four reboot is upon us, but this time, it promises not to be a flaming wreck of disappointment (no shade, 2015 version… well, maybe a little). With Marvel Studios now holding the reins and Matt Shakman at the helm, Fantastic Four: First Steps isn’t just another origin story but a wild 1960s-inspired cosmic adventure complete with Galactus, Silver Surfer, and all the retro-futuristic charm you can throw a vintage lava lamp at.

This is Marvel’s 37th film in the MCU, but don’t let the impressive mileage scare you off. With First Steps, the studio is hitting the refresh button and giving us a new take on the superhero family that started it all—without the usual “Oops, we accidentally got superpowers!” backstory. No lab accidents, no space storm disasters, just pure space-age superheroing.

Pedro Pascal leads the team as Reed Richards (because, let’s face it, Pascal is now legally required to appear in everything). Joining him are Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm (yes, Stranger Things fans, it’s Eddie Munson with superpowers), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing—rock-hard and ready to smash. Together, they must protect their 1960s-inspired alternate Earth from the planet-eating Galactus, played by Ralph Ineson, who—let’s be honest—already sounds like a giant cosmic being when he talks.

And if you’re worried this might be another bleak, brooding superhero flick, rest easy. The film’s aesthetic is retro-futuristic chic—all chrome spacecraft, snazzy uniforms, and a vibe that feels like The Jetsons met Mad Men in a Marvel multiverse. The Fantasticar makes a comeback (because who doesn’t want a family car that can fly through space?), and there’s even an appearance by H.E.R.B.I.E., the robot sidekick who looks like he wandered off the set of Lost in Space.

Of course, no Fantastic Four film would be complete without the Silver Surfer. This time, Julia Garner dons the motion-capture suit as Shalla-Bal, a gender-swapped take on the character, surfing the cosmos while helping (or hindering) our heroes. Meanwhile, there are rumours of John Malkovich and Natasha Lyonne in undisclosed roles, which is bound to add some wonderfully weird energy to the whole affair.

Marvel’s decision to set First Steps in an alternate 1960s-inspired universe is a stroke of genius. It gives the film a unique flavour in the sea of modern superhero movies while staying true to the comic’s origins during the optimistic days of the Space Race. Expect sleek design, space helmets aplenty, and lots of futuristic gadgets that look suspiciously like toasters.

And don’t forget the villain: Galactus, the planet-devouring cosmic force, will make his full MCU debut. No purple helmeted cloud-monster nonsense here—Shakman promises a proper, towering Galactus, terrifying in scale but not without a sense of awe. Think giant cosmic god, not angry sky fog.

Finally, the post-credits scene (yes, you know there will be one) is already causing a stir, with Robert Downey Jr. returning to the MCU—not as Tony Stark but as Victor Von Doom. If that doesn’t get Marvel fans buzzing, nothing will.

So, is Fantastic Four: First Steps destined to break the so-called “Fantastic Four Curse”? It might just. The mix of retro charm, cosmic threats, and Marvel’s proven track record gives us reason to hope. At the very least, it won’t be worse than that 2015 version. Here at SFcrowsnest, we’re cautiously optimistic. After all, it’s about time Marvel’s First Family finally got a film worthy of their name.

Prepare for liftoff on July 25th, 2025.