After years of lukewarm attempts, Marvel’s Fantastic Four has finally lived up to its name.
Early reviews are in, and they’re glowing. With an impressive 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the First Family has made a spectacular return, earning praise from critics who’ve often been tougher on the MCU post-Endgame.
Directed by WandaVision’s Matt Shakman, this ‘60s-era reimagining feels bold and refreshing. Critics are calling it “a breath of fresh air”, a much-needed win after the franchise’s recent misfires like Quantumania and Brave New World. And while it’s still early, that 88% puts it in strong company, tying with Thunderbolts and surpassing Deadpool & Wolverine (78%) and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (84%).
The standout? Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm. Long treated as the team’s quieter force, Kirby reportedly brings grace, strength, and surprising emotional depth to the role, with many calling her the film’s anchor.
What makes Fantastic Four special is also what sets it apart: it’s set in an alternate universe, completely disconnected from the main MCU timeline, until it’s not. With Avengers: Doomsday on the horizon, Marvel is clearly setting the stage for a multiverse clash that brings together the Thunderbolts, mutants, and the First Family.
In a post-Endgame world where the MCU has struggled to regain its footing, Fantastic Four isn’t just a win. It’s a signal that Marvel still has some magic left. And with the new DC up in the horizon, Marvel can really use some of these magic tricks.
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