Everyone’s favorite fearsome foursome is returning! “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” rockets into theaters this summer, bringing the cosmic action and iconic characters fans have loved for decades. Mister Fantastic, the Invisible Woman, the Human Torch, and the Thing must confront their greatest challenge yet — stopping villains from destroying an Earth unlike any we’ve seen before.
While our heroes fight villains on the big screen this July, StreamSafely wants to remind cinema fans about real-life villains who will undoubtedly take advantage of the film’s popularity to upload dangerous content and malware on piracy sites. Stay alert for signs of piracy websites to avoid falling victim to identity theft, malware, or other cybersecurity threats that could leave you needing a real-life rescue.
Hold on to your popcorn as we break down all the details that have been released so far about Marvel’s latest big summer release!
What to Know Before Watching The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Ever since it was announced that Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Julia Garner, and Natasha Lyonne were signed on for this reboot of the popular Fantastic Four franchise, fans have been chomping at the bit for any crumbs they can find.
Marvel comic lovers will know that this is far from the Fantastic Four’s first spin at the box office. Based on the comic book created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, “Fantastic 4” (2005) and “Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007)” notably starred Ioan Gruffudd, Michael Chiklis, Jessica Alba, and Chris Evans. There was also a 2015 version titled “Fantastic” starring Miles Teller, Michael B. Jordan, Kate Mara, and Jamie Bell.
This time around, we can tell you that the Fantastic Four will fight to protect a retro-style parallel Earth from being devoured by Galactus and Silver Surfer.
When the highly anticipated “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” lands in theaters this July, it will be the 37th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and is notably the very first film of Phase Six of the MCU. Phase Six includes all Marvel Studios productions slated for release from the middle of 2025 through the middle of 2027.
Cast and Crew
“The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is directed by Matt Shakman, a filmmaker known for his ability to blend character-driven storytelling with cinematic spectacle. Shakman previously wowed audiences with the Emmy-nominated “WandaVision,” where he brought emotional depth and visual inventiveness to the Marvel universe. He also directed pivotal episodes of “Game of Thrones,” showcasing his prowess with ensemble casts and high-stakes action.
For the 2025 reboot, Pedro Pascal takes on the role of the brilliant and elastic scientist Reed Richards, also known as Mister Fantastic. Often called the world’s smartest man in the Marvel Universe, Richards serves as the leader of the Fantastic Four. Pascal is expected to bring both cerebral depth and emotional weight to the character. He is best known for starring in major franchises like “The Mandalorian,” “The Last of Us,” and “Game of Thrones,” where his blend of charisma, vulnerability, and screen presence earned him critical acclaim and fan devotion.
Vanessa Kirby stars as Susan or Sue Storm, also known as the Invisible Woman. She’s a master of invisibility and force-field manipulation, and often regarded as the emotional backbone of the team. Kirby brings experience from emotionally complex and high-stakes roles, including standout performances in “The Crown” and the “Mission: Impossible” film series. Her introduction into the MCU brings both elegance and strength to this next era of Marvel storytelling.
Joseph Quinn joins the team as Johnny Storm, also known as the Human Torch. Quinn rose to fame with his breakout role as Eddie Munson in “Stranger Things,” where he quickly became a fan favorite. As the hotheaded and impulsive younger brother of Susan Storm, Johnny brings flash, fire, and plenty of comedic energy to the team. His fiery power set and rebellious nature are balanced by his deep loyalty, making him one of Marvel’s most entertaining characters.
Ebon Moss-Bachrach plays Ben Grimm, also known as The Thing. Once a skilled pilot and engineer, Grimm is transformed into a rock-covered superhuman with incredible strength and an unwavering heart. Moss-Bachrach has received widespread praise for his performances in “The Bear” and “Andor,” both of which showcase his ability to portray complex, grounded characters. His portrayal of Ben is expected to deliver emotional weight and relatable humanity beneath the gruff, tough exterior.
British actor Ralph Ineson plays the film’s cosmic villain, Galactus, a planet-consuming force unlike any seen before in the MCU. His signature voice and imposing presence make him a natural fit for such a massive threat. Emmy winner Julia Garner joins the cast as Shalla-Bal, a reimagined version of the Silver Surfer. As Galactus’s powerful and conflicted herald, her character brings both gravitas and emotional complexity to the story. Garner is best known for standout roles in “Ozark” and “Inventing Anna.”
The film also features Natasha Lyonne, John Malkovich, Paul Walter Hauser, and Sarah Niles in supporting roles, though Marvel has yet to reveal their specific characters. With this impressive ensemble, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is poised to be one of the most ambitious and star-powered entries in the MCU to date.
Cast
- Pedro Pascal – Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic
- Vanessa Kirby – Susan Storm / Invisible Woman
- Joseph Quinn – Johnny Storm / Human Torch
- Ebon Moss-Bachrach – Ben Grimm / The Thing
- Julia Garner – Shalla-Bal / Silver Surfer
- Ralph Ineson – Galactus
- Natasha Lyonne – Undisclosed Role
- John Malkovich – Undisclosed Role
- Paul Walter Hauser – Undisclosed Role
- Sarah Niles – Undisclosed Role
Crew
- Director: Matt Shakman
- Writers: Josh Friedman, Jeff Kaplan, Ian Springer, Cameron Squires
- Producers: Kevin Feige, Grant Curtis
- Production Companies: Marvel Studios, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
- Composer: TBD (to be announced)
Genre
“The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is a quintessential superhero movie that’s one of the centerpieces of Phase Six of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. According to IMBD, its main genre categories include Space Sci-fi, Superhero, Action, and Adventure.
Runtime
The expected runtime for “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is 115 minutes. That gives the Fantastic Four just enough time to fight Galactus and give fans the character development they crave.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps” Release Date for Theaters
Mark your calendars! “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” lands in U.S. theaters on July 25, 2025, which is Marvel’s prime summer movie slot, showing a clear vote of confidence in the film’s blockbuster potential.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps Official Trailer
Travel to a retro-futuristic planet that’s been marked by death in Marvel Studios’ first Phase Six film! Get a first look at teasers in the Fantastic Four trailer, which introduces Shalla-Bal’s Silver Surfer, the devouring force of Galactus, and the spectacular teamwork of Marvel’s first family. Watch the new trailer here:
How to Stream The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Like most Marvel movies, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is likely to be available for streaming on Disney+ roughly three months after its theatrical release. Fans who are eager to brush up on Fantastic Four lore before the release of 2025’s “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” can currently stream all past versions of Fantastic Four films on Disney+.
While you may be eager to be among the first to see “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” when it lands on streaming services, be wary of unfamiliar platforms that claim to offer Disney and Marvel content. Aside from standalone Disney+ or a Disney+ with Hulu bundle, platforms that promise access to MCU content are likely fraudulent. To be safe, check out StreamSafely’s comprehensive movie database for recommendations on ways to legally stream all of your favorite Marvel films.
As lifelong Marvel fans, we’re thrilled to see the new Fantastic Four finally step into the MCU with a story this big. From interdimensional worlds to cosmic forces that threaten the multiverse, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is poised to be an unforgettable cinematic ride. We’ll see you at the theater!
