I really needFantastic Four: First Stepsto break a tragic and disappointing Marvel movie trend that’s lasted for 20 years. 2005 saw the release of the first major blockbuster-levelFantastic Fourmovie from 20th Century Fox. Since then, the originalFantastic Fourmovie received a sequel withThe Rise of the Silver Surferin 2007, while 2015 saw Fox’s controversial reboot attempt. Now, Marvel Studios is set to reboot Marvel’s First Family once more, and it certainly looks primed to break what’s been an ongoing negative trend for these particular Marvel movies.
Releasing in July,Fantastic Four: First Stepswill star Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm, and Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm. Set in an alternate retro-futuristic reality apart from the main MCU timeline, this new version of The Fantastic Four will attempt to protect their world from Galactus and his herald, the Silver Surfer.However, I really do believe the MCU’sFantastic Fouris in the best position to break what’s been a 20-year curse for the classic Marvel team and their on-screen endeavors.
Not The Greatest For Either Version
Across the board, the previousFantastic Fourmovies have not had great reviews. This goes for both versions of Marvel’s First Family on the big screen. Tragically,none ofThe Fantastic Fourmovies produced by 20th Century Foxever broke past a negative “rotten” critics score onRotten Tomatoes:
27%
45%
37%
51%
9%
18%
While the original twoFantastic Fourmovies were critically panned, they did receive a somewhat modest reception from audiences, with scores sitting around 50%.This speaks to both of the original movies' campy tone and formulaic execution, while also having their share of narrative problems/issues. However, that criticism is nothing compared to 2015’sFantastic Fourreboot by director Josh Trank, a movie that is still often cited as one of the worst comic book movies of all time in the decade since its release.
Beyond the early 2000sFantastic Fourmovies' aforementioned campy tone and basic narrative that was fairly common for superheroes movies of its era, there was also strong controversy regardingRise of the Silver Surferand its differing depiction of Galactuscompared to what’s seen on the page, as the decision was made to make him look like nothing more than a giant space cloud. This was something that many Marvel Comics fans found to be quite frustrating and damaging to the movie’s third act.
Likewise, 2015’sFantastic Fourwas far worse. To name just a few of the biggest grievances,the back half of Trank’sFantastic Fouris so rushed it feels as though it’s completely devoid of a second act entirely. Also, the depiction of Doctor Doom in 2015’sFantastic Fourwas highly controversial, as was the decision to inflect almost body-horror-like tones into the origin of The Fantastic Four’s powers. That said, it’s worth noting that the best thing all three movies did fairly well was casting, something that was largely received positively across the board.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps Looks Like The Perfect Movie To Break The Fantastic Four’s Review Trend
A Unique Take With Strong Comic Accuracy
10 years after the last attempt, Marvel Studios is ready to rebootThe Fantastic Fouronce more, having secured the rights back from Fox in 2019 (along with the X-Men).Based on the trailers forFantastic Four: First Steps, it certainly looks as though director Matt Shakman intends to bring back the sense of exploration and adventure The Fantastic Four are known for in the comics. This was something fell fairly flat in the 2015 reboot, largely due to the movie’s overall darker and more gritty aesthetic (which just didn’t fit).
Additionally, theMCU’s teases for Galactus as the main villain inFirst Stepsalready support an exciting comic-accurate depiction, and the opportunity for the FF to connect with MCU heroes and villains in the future is a unique and exciting opportunity none of the previousFantastic Fourfranchises had either.With any luck, the MCU’sFantastic Four: First Stepswill finally break the curse that has long plagued the First Family on the big screen for 20 years.
Fantastic Four: First Stepsreleases in theaters on July 25th from Marvel Studios.
