Cover The Fantastic Four, Marvel’s first family, returns to the big screen. (Photo: IMDb)
The Fantastic Four, Marvel’s first family, returns to the big screen. (Photo: IMDb)
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As ‘First Steps’ breathes new life into the franchise, we revisit all the Fantastic Four films that came before
The Fantastic Four are back on the big screen, reintroduced through The Fantastic Four: First Steps. With fresh faces, a new director and a renewed vision, the film marks another attempt to bring Marvel’s original superhero team to life for modern audiences.
Over the years, the franchise has seen a number of interpretations—some more successful than others. As this latest chapter unfolds, we take a look back at every Fantastic Four film to date—what defined each era, what fans remember most, and how the newest instalment fits into the evolving Marvel universe.
‘Fantastic Four’ (2005)
Above Before he was Captain America, Chris Evans flamed on as the Human Torch. (Photo: IMDb)
Before he was Captain America, Chris Evans flamed on as the Human Torch. (Photo: IMDb)
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The first live-action Fantastic Four film to hit theatres starred a pre-Captain America Chris Evans as Johnny Storm, Jessica Alba (donning blonde hair and blue contact lenses) as Sue Storm, Welsh actor Ioan Gruffudd as Mr Fantastic and The Shield’s Michael Chiklis as Ben Grimm.
Staying largely faithful to the source material, the film served as an origin story, tracing how the group gained their powers. While it received lukewarm reviews from critics, it performed well enough at the box office to merit a sequel. Today, it enjoys a more nostalgic reception among fans—thanks in large part to Evans’ scene-stealing performance and the now-iconic “Flame on!” catchphrase. That nostalgia was cheekily acknowledged in a recent cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine.
‘Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer’ (2007)
Above Surf’s up! The Silver Surfer is front and center in the 2007 sequel. (Photo: IMDb)
Surf’s up! The Silver Surfer is front and center in the 2007 sequel. (Photo: IMDb)
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Two years later, Marvel’s original superhero team returned in Rise of the Silver Surfer. In this sequel, Sue Storm and Reed Richards are preparing for their long-awaited wedding when a new threat arrives on Earth: the mysterious Silver Surfer, who serves as a harbinger of the planet-devouring entity known as Galactus.
Once again, Chris Evans and Michael Chiklis delivered memorable moments as Johnny and Ben, with their banter providing much of the film’s heart. The pacing and action saw marked improvement from the first film, but critics noted the plot’s lack of emotional depth. Fans were especially dismayed by the depiction of Galactus as a vague cosmic cloud rather than his classic comic-book form. Disappointing box office returns meant plans for a third film were shelved, quietly ending this iteration of the franchise.
‘Fantastic Four’ (2015)
Dubbed “Fant4stic” in marketing materials, the 2015 reboot took a much darker approach, distancing itself from the light-heartedness of its predecessors. Starring a who’s who of young and upcoming actors—Miles Teller as Mister Fantastic, Kate Mara as Sue Storm, Michael B. Jordan as Human Torch, and Jamie Bell as Ben Grimm—the film certainly didn’t want for talent, even as viewers felt they were miscast.
Beyond a storyline that failed to connect with audiences, the production was reportedly marred by behind-the-scenes drama, including studio interference and creative clashes with director Josh Trank. The result was a film that felt disjointed and joyless—and was ultimately disowned by its own director.
‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ (2025)
With The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Marvel introduces a new vision for its original superhero team—this time as part of the broader MCU. Directed by WandaVision’s Matt Shakman, the film features Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm and Julia Garner as Shalla-Bal.
Rather than retelling the team’s origin story, First Steps places viewers in the middle of the action, exploring the family’s dynamics as they face new threats and challenges. The cast brings fresh energy to these well-known characters, and the film offers new interpretations while staying rooted in the essence of the original comics. While some elements—like Galactus and Shalla-Bal—are reimagined, the film makes space for character development and emotional stakes, setting the stage for the Fantastic Four’s place in the modern MCU.
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Maggie Adan is a content writer, editor, and strategist with extensive experience across print, digital, and social media publishing. Formerly editor-in-chief at K-Zone Philippines, Summit Books and Content Lab, she has written lifestyle stories covering everything from entertainment and travel to beauty and wellness. A storyteller at heart with a keen editorial eye and a passion for narrative, she contributes to various publications and helps brands create and curate content for their social media platforms.
