Photo source : www.cbr.com
Marvel Studios officially launched Phase Six with The Fantastic Four: First Steps, released worldwide on July 25, 2025. Directed by WandaVision‘s Matt Shakman, the film reintroduces Marvel’s oldest superhero team—Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Human Torch, and The Thing—to the big screen in a stylish, fresh reboot that merges retro aesthetics with modern storytelling. This reboot is not just another superhero origin tale—it’s a strategic milestone for Marvel, aiming to rejuvenate the MCU’s cosmic saga and reset its tone after recent misfires.
The film opens in an alternate timeline, Earth-828, where Reed Richards and his team are astronauts and scientists navigating a retro-futuristic 1960s world. During a mission involving cosmic energy, they gain extraordinary powers and must quickly learn to function as a family of heroes. As they come to terms with their new identities, a larger cosmic threat looms: the planet-consuming Galactus, played by Ralph Ineson, and his herald, a newly reimagined Silver Surfer (Shalla-Bal) portrayed by Julia Garner. Central to the emotional core is Sue Storm’s unexpected pregnancy, adding depth to the film’s family dynamic.
Critically, First Steps has been praised for its strong cast—Pedro Pascal (Reed), Vanessa Kirby (Sue), Joseph Quinn (Johnny), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Ben)—and its visual world-building. The retro-inspired setting offered a unique break from the tech-heavy style of earlier Marvel films. While some critics felt the plot leaned more on visuals than substance, the film’s core message of unity, family, and scientific curiosity resonated with fans.
In India, Fantastic Four: First Steps had a solid theatrical debut, collecting around ₹26 crore in its opening weekend. It opened strong in metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, where Marvel’s loyal fan base turned out in large numbers. Audiences responded positively, particularly appreciating the emotional depth and the fresh visual direction. Social media buzz and multiplex turnout confirmed the Fantastic Four’s strong fan recall in India, even among Gen Z viewers unfamiliar with earlier versions.
For Marvel, this film is more than a franchise revival. It lays the groundwork for future cosmic stories, potentially connecting to characters like Doctor Doom or the multiverse saga. With box office collections crossing $218 million globally in its first weekend, The Fantastic Four is not just a return—it’s a statement.
