Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures/Everett Collection SATURDAY AM: The Fantastic Four: First Steps at $120M-$125M is one of the sixth best openings for a Marvel Cinematic Universe title post Covid and that’s a great thing.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe now has two back-to-back successes, Thunderbolts and The Fantastic Four: First Steps, both sitting with an 88% Rotten Tomatoes score.

The upcoming film stars Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing and Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch.

First Steps director Matt Shakman was discreet when questioned about Robert Downey Jr.’s role in the post-credits scene, choosing not to reveal any details and leaving the discussion to fans.

Pedro Pascal is the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, but he is not the new leader of the Avengers. At least that’s what the actor says… for now.

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.

The Fantastic Four director Matt Shakman spoke with CBR's Deputy Editor Sean O'Connell about bringing Marvel's First Family into the MCU, casting Vanessa Kirby, and the trust his team has in Reed Richards.

“He goes from being the nerdy scientist who’s locked away in the lab, to the husband and the father who’d do anything to protect his family, to the guy who’s leading the Avengers. I realized that the version we were building had to have all of those elements.”

First Steps' premiere and reveals some easter eggs fans should look out for in the movie. Plus, he describes how his own life experiences influenced the film and how it is different than other interpretations.

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.