Bigger Than Doom…and Hungrier

The inclusion of Galactus, the iconic Devourer of Worlds, has fans buzzing with anticipation. This cosmic titan brings an unprecedented scale of menace to the MCU, promising awe-inspiring visuals and high-stakes conflict. 

Galactus’s presence suggests a story that will test the Fantastic Four’s ingenuity and unity, offering a fresh dynamic distinct from recent MCU antagonists (The Leader, Sentinel, Mephisto).

The prospect of seeing this legendary villain realized with modern filmmaking technology is a major draw, setting expectations high for a visually stunning and narratively ambitious adventure.

The Family Out of Time

First Steps draws an intriguing parallel to Captain America: The First Avenger by stepping outside the MCU timeline to explore heroes rooted in a different era, albeit in a distinct universe.

While Steve Rogers was a hero displaced from the 1940s to the present, the Fantastic Four’s story will delve into a past setting, America in the 1960s, within an alternate universe. 

This approach is essential, since it establishes the FFs presence in a multiversal way, outside the realm of its 2 previous cinematic incarnations, which is in keeping with the MCUs expansion and Marvel Comics’ tradition.

Much like Captain America’s man-out-of-time trope, First Steps also allows the experience of heroism through a retro lens of color, integrity, and optimism, emphasizing the team’s resilience and adaptability when challenged by otherworldly threats.

First Among Talent

The film’s cast further fuels excitement. Pedro Pascal (The Mandalorian) as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby (the Mission Impossible franchise) as Sue Storm, Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Punisher [Netflix Series] as Ben Grimm, and Joseph Quinn (Stranger Things) as Johnny Storm form a powerhouse ensemble, with the inimitable Ralph Ineson (The Witch) lending gravitas as Galactus. 

Their collective talent promises to capture the Fantastic Four’s signature familial chemistry, blending humor, heart, and heroism. This casting elevates First Steps as a character-driven spectacle, poised to resonate with audiences.

Super Competition

In a competitive summer, First Steps will share the spotlight with James Gunn’s Superman, a bold reimagining of DC’s iconic hero.

Both films aim to redefine superhero storytelling, with Superman grounding itself in hope and legacy, (and Crypto the super dog) while First Steps embraces cosmic adventure and family bonds. 

This clash could inspire both projects to push creative boundaries, offering audiences complementary yet distinct cinematic experiences.

Love in a Time of Complaint

Despite the predictable and all-too-juvenile grumbling from the (so-called "fan") pan machines, Fantastic Four: First Steps has the potential to be a defining MCU chapter.

Its blend of epic stakes, emotional depth, and family dynamics positions it as a worthy peer to Pixar’s The Incredibles. So, don't be afraid to love what you love with this film.

To be certain, Marvel’s First Family needs no reiteration of their status as enduring pop-culture icons, but this new reboot of the franchise should prove that they can finally shine as brightly on screen as they do in the hearts of true believers.