The Fantastic Four: First Steps Streams on Disney+ This November 5

After its explosive run in theaters, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is officially heading to Disney+ on November 5 – a fitting release date that adds a curious twist for British fans, as it coincides with Guy Fawkes Night.

The MCU’s latest take on Marvel’s first family managed to pull in an impressive $521.8 million globally, securing the best Marvel opening weekend of the year and standing just behind DC’s Superman as the second-biggest superhero hit of 2025.

Directed by Matt Shakman and written by Josh Friedman, Eric Pearson, Jeff Kaplan, and Ian Springer, the film represents Marvel Studios’ boldest attempt yet at reviving the iconic team. Unlike the earlier versions – Tim Story’s 2005 and 2007 films, which had Jessica Alba and Chris Evans, or Josh Trank’s 2015 darker reboot with Miles Teller and Michael B. Jordan – Shakman’s version doesn’t dwell on origin stories. Instead, it throws viewers straight into the era when the Fantastic Four are already beloved public figures, operating at the height of their fame.

Stylistically, First Steps stands apart from its predecessors. The movie embraces a retro-futuristic aesthetic inspired by the original 1960s comics, blending bright sci-fi optimism with a campy yet heartfelt tone. This nostalgic vibe has won over both longtime fans and newcomers tired of Marvel’s increasingly complex continuity. The production design, paired with a shimmering, jazz-infused soundtrack, evokes an era when superhero adventures still felt like pulp magazine dreams come alive.

Leading the new ensemble, Pedro Pascal brings charisma and warmth to Reed Richards, while Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach round out a team that finally feels balanced between brains, emotion, and banter. Critics note that even if Pascal may not perfectly match the traditional image of Mr. Fantastic, his performance grounds the film emotionally. The movie’s ending teases major events leading directly into next year’s anticipated Avengers: Doomsday, setting the stage for a cosmic-scale crossover that could redefine Marvel’s next phase.

While opinions remain divided – some call it overhyped, others a refreshing reset – The Fantastic Four: First Steps proves that Marvel’s oldest heroes can still find new life in the modern age.