The Fantastic Four: First Steps – Marvel’s Retro Reboot in Earth-828

🕳️ Introduction

This review is part of the MCU Watch Order 2025 – explore all MCU movies and shows in timeline order!

The Fantastic Four: First Steps gives Marvel’s first family a fresh cinematic start – but not in the familiar world of Earth-616. Instead, this story unfolds on Earth-828, a parallel timeline where science, politics, and technology evolved along very different lines.

Set in a stylized version of the early 1960s, the film mixes retro design with modern effects, offering something unique in Marvel’s growing Multiverse Saga. It's a sleek, spirited take on the origin story – with classic team dynamics and a vintage charm that sets it apart from recent MCU entries.

🌐 Earth-828 & the Multiverse

One of the most interesting aspects of First Steps is its position in the multiverse. Earth-828 is an alternate reality, distinct from the mainline MCU (Earth-616). Here, the Fantastic Four emerge not as present-day heroes, but as early 1960s icons shaped by Cold War science, analog tech, and a world on the brink of interdimensional discovery.

This multiversal framing allows the film to explore its own tone, style, and continuity – without needing to adhere to the events of Endgame or Kang Dynasty. That freedom leads to bold production choices and a tone that feels closer to classic sci-fi than standard superhero fare.

The result? A movie that feels like both a throwback and a bold new start.

🧬 Story & Characters

The story follows four brilliant test pilots and scientists selected for a cosmic research mission that takes an unexpected turn – granting them strange powers and thrusting them into the public spotlight. Their journey from reluctant anomalies to a cohesive heroic team forms the emotional and narrative backbone.

• Reed Richards is a cool-headed inventor haunted by the consequences of his decisions.
• Sue Storm brings emotional grounding and scientific brilliance to the group.
• Johnny Storm adds energy, swagger, and impulsive charm.
• Ben Grimm is the heart – stoic, loyal, and full of quiet strength.

The villain is a mysterious interdimensional threat (light spoiler: not Doom... yet), serving mostly as a catalyst for team growth rather than a deep antagonist.

🛰️ Visuals, Tone & Direction

Visually, First Steps is a treat. The film embraces its 1960s setting with everything from set design and costuming to musical scoring and typography. Think NASA meets Jack Kirby – with chrome corridors, glowing circuits, and patriotic billboards about “Project Futurewatch.”

The effects are slick but not overdone, leaning into practical stylization and warm color palettes. Director [REDACTED] balances worldbuilding with character, never losing the personal stakes in the cosmic spectacle.

The tone is lighter and more optimistic than most Phase 5–6 entries – and that’s refreshing.

👨‍👧‍👦 Our Experience & Recommendation

Seeing First Steps together im Kino was a reminder of how fun superhero movies can be. My daughter loved the humor and powers, I appreciated the style and pacing. We both enjoyed the wholesome but clever energy the film brings – not everything needs to be multiversal doom.

While it’s not Marvel’s deepest or most emotional film, it’s clean, confident, and fun. A fresh timeline, a new tone, and a team that feels ready for much bigger things to come.

📌 FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions