As the filmmaker’s three-year journey wound down on the project, he realized a key moment was missing, and managed to shoot it just a few months before the film opened.

First Steps with love, they also don’t seem happy with many scenes deleted from the movie. Many are praising the story, but they have spotted some scenes that were originally a part of the trailer that were cut from the movie.

First Steps director Matt Shakman addresses a big Sue Storm moment in the movie's final act and reveals original plans for Franklin Richards' Marvel Cinematic Universe's introduction.

At the core of First Steps are Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Reed Richards, Sue and Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm. Each slips easily into their role like a customized astronaut suit, but special praise has to go to Kirby and Moss-Bacharach for giving the ensemble its real heart.

During the end credits of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, there is also another tribute, simply reading "For Inez Shakman". Inez Shakman is the mother of director Matt Shakman. She sadly passed away on April 3, 2025 at the age of 80.

Is the new “Fantastic Four” movie fantastic? No, and not everyone will love the amount of downtime in this one. But good is good enough for a Marvel superhero movie these days.

FANTASTIC FOUR: THE FIRST STEPS brings the team to us in a new and refreshing way. Matt Shakman's vision of their NYC is gorgeous and intoxicating and Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach are perfect. It's about family!!!! 💙 pic.twitter.com/ISdfduL6Su

Speaking of connections… During one of my recent fits of insomnia, I discovered a strange factoid that connects The Fantastic Four: First Steps with Saved by the Bell, at least an early version of the popular high school-centric sitcom many of us grew up watching. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since, and I have to talk it out.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is slated for a release on July 25, 2025, in theaters (USA).