“The Fantastic Four: First Steps” Rockets to 88% on Rotten Tomatoes in Early Reviews
Marvel Studios’ highly anticipated reboot, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, is off to a critically strong start, landing an impressive 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes as of July 22, 2025. This initial score comes from over 42 to 50 early reviews and signals a major win for Marvel’s “First Family”—a franchise that has historically had more misses than hits on the big screen.
A Promising Debut for Marvel’s First Family
After years of lukewarm to disastrous receptions (we’re looking at you, Fan4stic), The Fantastic Four: First Steps seems to be the course correction fans have been waiting for. Directed by Matt Shakman, the film is being praised as a fresh, character-driven revival of the iconic superhero quartet.
The Rotten Tomatoes score puts First Steps ahead of many early MCU entries and positions it as a key player in MCU Phase 6.
Praise for Cast Chemistry and Character Portrayals
Critics are raving about the film’s cast:
- Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic)
- Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm (Invisible Woman)
- Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm (Human Torch)
- Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm (The Thing)
Early reviews are highlighting the authentic chemistry among the leads and their faithful embodiment of Marvel’s First Family—something previous film versions have struggled to achieve.
“This is the Fantastic Four movie fans have been waiting for since the MCU began,” one reviewer wrote.
A New Era for the Fantastic Four
The 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes is more than just a number—it’s a symbolic rebirth for the Fantastic Four franchise within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While the score may change as more reviews roll in closer to release, the early consensus is clear: Marvel might’ve finally cracked the Fantastic Four code.
For a franchise that has struggled with three prior theatrical incarnations, this early reception is nothing short of… fantastic.
With The Fantastic Four: First Steps hitting 88% on Rotten Tomatoes, Marvel fans and skeptics alike are cautiously optimistic. This early momentum, if sustained, could mean First Steps becomes the breakout superhero hit of 2025—and a solid foundation for future cosmic MCU storylines.