Matt Shakman’s, “Fantastic Four: The First Steps” highlights that regardless of external challenges — be it societal disapproval or threats from formidable cosmic entities — family remains united and prioritizes one another above all else. We see this similar theme appear in Shakman’s work on the “WandaVision” show.
“The First Steps” focuses on the superhero team which goes by the name Fantastic Four. The team includes the leader, Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), his wife Sue Storm/the Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), her younger brother Johnny Storm/ the Human Torch (Joseph Quinn), and to tie it all together, their friend Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach). Together they fight the all-powerful cosmic being Galactus (Ralph Ineson) all while working through family issues and trying to protect the life of the newest member to the family, Reed and Sue’s son, Franklin Richards.
The movie begins with the Fantastic Four celebrating their fourth anniversary since becoming the superheroes they are famously known for, due to an exposure to cosmic rays during a space mission. Since then, they have faced numerous supervillains and Reed’s inventions transform the 1960s into a retro-futuristic world.
When Reed and Sue reveal to the team and the world that they are expecting, they worry about what powers the child might possess. To add to the tension, the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) arrives to inform them that their Earth was the next in line for destruction by Galactus, “a planet-devouring cosmic being.”
They track Galactus and learn his intentions on a new planet, where he senses Sue’s unborn child’s immense cosmic powers. So, he offers them a deal: he’ll spare their Earth in exchange for their child. They turn down this offer and escape. The rest of the movie focuses on the Fantastic Four family working together to protect Reed and Sue’s son, while also trying to save humanity from death.
The narrative weaves together high-stakes action and moments of vulnerability, reminding viewers that the strength of the Fantastic Four lies not merely in their superhuman abilities, but in their unity — facing the unknown together, determined to shape their own destiny amidst forces that threaten to tear them apart.
Thanks to Michael Giacchino — whose work includes the MCU’s “Spiderman” franchise and “The Incredibles” — this movie is brought to life through his intense scores during battle scenes. Softer scores in emotional moments help audiences connect with the family on screen. For instance, during a heartfelt reunion, Giacchino’s gentle melodies underscore the vulnerability of the characters, allowing viewers to empathize deeply with their emotions.
Another thing to note is the wardrobe used in the movie, which aligns with styles from the 1960s. Although the setting may appear futuristic, the characters’ clothing — including their superhero costumes — reflects the fashion of that period.
“Fantastic Four: First Steps” is the fifth remake and the first to be part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This film marks the beginning of the MCU’s sixth phase, which follows the initial five phases known as “The Infinity Saga” and “The Multiverse Saga.”
Additional movies are planned, including reports that former Iron Man actor Robert Downey Jr. may appear in future films portraying Dr. Doom.