Marvel Studios’ most significant release of the year, The Fantastic Four: The First Step of Heroes, is set to premiere in the U.S. on July 23! As a pivotal entry in the new phase of the MCU, this film marks the official debut of Marvel’s first superhero family, promising an unprecedented cosmic adventure. Starring powerhouse actors like Internet Dads Beijueluobasika and Professional Task Force Goddess Vanessa Jupee, the family unites to protect Earth against the planet-devouring Annihilator and formidable foes Silver Demon! Here are eight must-see highlights that reveal why this superhero blockbuster is rated by IMDB as one of the most anticipated films of 2025!
The Fantastic Four: The First Step of Heroes Movie Synopsis
The MCU’s new phase is officially kicking off! Renowned foreign film website IMDB has rated it as one of the most anticipated films of 2025: Marvel Studios’ grand production The Fantastic Four: The First Step of Heroes, produced by Marvel Studios mastermind Kevin Feige, proudly introduces Marvel’s first superhero family — Mr. Fantastic Reed Richards (played by Pedro Pascal), Invisible Heroine Susan Storm (played by Vanessa Kirby), Thunder Fire Johnny Storm (played by Jodie Comer), and Stone Man (played by Ebon Moss-Bachrach), united in facing the toughest challenge the MCU has ever encountered!
The Fantastic Four are coming together for a family showdown, battling against the terrifying villain Annihilator (played by Ralph Fiennes) and his mysterious henchman, the Silver Sorceress (portrayed by Julia Garner), who aim to devour planets and dominate the universe, all while defending Earth’s survival. Marvel Studios The Fantastic Four: The First Step of Heroes will be giving audiences in the U.S. an early release on July 23, 2025 (Wednesday).
Highlight 1: Step into the brand new universe of Fantastic Four and experience the power of Magical without any baggage.
Set in an unprecedented parallel universe, this film presents a retro-futuristic vibe reminiscent of the imaginative and stylish 1960s. It feels unlike the real world we know, blending vintage aesthetics with fascinating advancements like flying Fantasticar and the adorable household robot H.E.R.B.I.E. Since the heroic characters and the overarching worldview are completely different from the existing MCU (Earth-616), even those who haven’t watched a Marvel movie before can dive in without any baggage, fully experiencing the film’s Magical power!
Highlight 2: Kevin Feige confirms that the Fantastic Four will directly impact Avengers 5.
In the post-credits scene of Thunder Strike Squad, we see the spaceship of the Fantastic Four storming into the existing Earth-616 universe, indicating that this family will have a significant impact on the MCU. Moreover, Marvel Studios mastermind Kevin Feige has confirmed that the events in Fantastic Four: The First Step of Heroes will directly influence Avengers 5: The Battle of the Apocalypse (tentative translation). This has fans eagerly anticipating how this film will perfectly set the stage for the highly anticipated return of Robert Downey Jr. in Avengers 5: The Battle of the Apocalypse (tentative translation)!
Highlight 3: Each character is intricately portrayed, resonating with the audience.
Though the Fantastic Four come from the same family, each character has their own unique personality, background, and abilities. In the movie, viewers will experience the responsibilities and struggles that come with their powers. For instance, Thunder Fire Reed Richards is characterized by his arrogance and impatience, often causing concern for the world’s smartest yet slightly naive Mr. Fantastic Ben Grimm and his globally influential older sister Invisible Heroine Sue Storm. As for Stone Man, similar to the Hulk, he possesses immense strength but grapples with insecurities about his monstrous appearance. The distinct personalities of the Fantastic Four are sure to win the audience’s hearts!
Highlight 4: The Birth of Marvel’s Most Powerful Mutant?
In The Fantastic Four: The First Step of Heroes, the son of Mr. Fantastic and Invisible Heroine, Franklin Richards, is about to make his big-screen debut! The movie trailer shows Franklin in an incredibly adorable baby form, and fans are eagerly anticipating whether this character, who has been officially recognized by Marvel in comics as surpassing Omega-level, will showcase his amazing abilities and turn the tide in this film, and even in the upcoming Avengers series!
Highlight 5: Facing Two Major Rivals, the Star-Eater and the Silver Demon Make Their Powerful Entrance.
This time, the Fantastic Four face two formidable foes: Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds, and the Silver Surfer, making their mission incredibly challenging! In the trailer, we already catch a glimpse of the massive Galactus wreaking havoc on New York. As a powerful adversary of the Fantastic Four, he’s almost god-like—not only is he colossal, but he also consumes planets to sustain his life force. When he attempts to annihilate Earth, the Fantastic Four must step up and battle fiercely!
As for Silver Surfer, she was originally a young astronomer from the planet Zenn-La. However, to save her home, she chose to become a herald of Galactus, being infused with some of his powers. This transformation granted her immense strength, a sleek silver body, and a spacecraft capable of faster-than-light travel. Unlike previous portrayals, Silver Surfer now appears as a female character, embodying a terrifying yet incredibly alluring villain!
Highlight 6: The Fantastic Four in Non-Stop Action IMAX Shooting
The cosmic devourers from outer space are massive, while the Silver Surfer is a master of flight, transforming the battlefield for the Fantastic Four from the ground to the sky and even into space, leading to intense air-to-ground combat! Each member of the Fantastic Four possesses extraordinary abilities, including the power to change their form, turn invisible, transform into a fiery comet, and harden their skin to rock-like toughness. The production team has invested heavily in CGI effects, filmed in IMAXSpecial Edition to ensure that each hero’s unique powers are translated into stunning visual effects, delivering an exhilarating and thrilling viewing experience. Thus, the IMAX version is undoubtedly the top choice for film enthusiasts!
Highlight 7: Internet Dads Bezalel Bobesca leads the strongest cast to make their debut.
The four superheroes are all portrayed by popular and talented actors, with the leader being played by the rising star Pedro Pascal. In recent years, he has frequently taken on father roles that exude both style and warmth, earning him the title of “The Internet’s Daddy,” showcasing his incredible charm!
As for Invisible Heroine, it is portrayed by Vanessa Kirby in the role of crown and Professional Task Force series goddess. Meanwhile, the role of Thunder Fire is played by Joseph Quinn, and Stone Man features Ebon Moss-Bachrach. Both stars are rapidly rising in the industry, boasting impressive popularity and acting skills, making them crucial factors for any production.
This film is directed by Matt Shakman, known for his work on Wanda and Vision (Wanda Vision). His other notable works, including Game of Thrones and The Good Wife, have been hailed as masterpieces, showcasing his extraordinary ability to bring stories to life through captivating visuals and earning him the trust of The Fantastic Four: The First Step of Heroes!
Highlight 8: Staying true to the original comic, paying tribute to The Father of Marvel Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.
The first comic was published in 1961, created by Stan Lee and his partner Jack Kirby, and it became an instant hit. Given the context of that era, the design of the protagonist’s costume, the urban development, and the reflection of the space craze of the time all align with the 1960s setting. Unlike the modernized versions from 2005 and 2015, this time it takes viewers back to the 60s, making it the most faithful chapter to the original work and also paying homage to Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.
