Fantastic Four: First Steps Debuts with Mixed Reviews Amid MCU Multiverse Saga

Marvel Studios' The Fantastic Four: First Steps has been widely praised for successfully bringing the iconic team into the Marvel Cinematic Universe with strong casting and chemistry, although Reed Richards' signature stretching powers are used sparingly, lacking the imaginative displays seen in earlier adaptations. A deleted scene revealing The Thing, Ben Grimm, on a dating show was cut to preserve the narrative focus on his acceptance of his transformed identity and his romantic connection with Rachel Rozman. The film also sets up important plotlines for upcoming MCU events, notably the potential for Franklin Richards, son of Reed and Sue Storm, to inherit cosmic powers linked to Galactus, which may be central to future story arcs like the Doomsday and Secret Wars films. Critics note that while the film embraces its 1960s roots and mid-century design, it follows familiar Marvel movie templates despite unique elements such as a zero-gravity birth scene. Additionally, Ioan Gruffudd, who played Reed Richards in the 2000s Fox Fantastic Four films, revealed plans for a third movie were never realized, with the MCU later honoring that franchise by bringing back Chris Evans as Johnny Storm in Deadpool & Wolverine. Overall, First Steps revitalizes Fantastic Four's MCU presence while highlighting both creative choices and unresolved plot threads for future exploration.