The first reactions for 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' are in — 'one of the best things Marvel has ever made'

"The Fantastic Four: First Steps" comes out later this week, marking the next installment in the MCU, but early reactions are already in.

Things haven't always gone smoothly for this production. This movie has been pushed back in the calendar multiple times and just last week it was revealed that director Matt Shakman removed John Malkovich's Red Ghost from the movie.

But a select few already have now seen the movie at an exclusive Los Angeles premiere, and there's good news. The vast majority of social media reactions have been positive, with one person even going as far as to say it's visually " one of the best things Marvel has ever made" (h/t Brandon Davis on X).

Full disclosure: Take these reactions with a grain of salt. While some critics are throwing their opinions in the mix, it's largely influencers, superfans and those most inclined to give the movie positive buzz who are posting these early reactions. There's nothing nefarious about it, but they also don't always represent the final critical or audience consensus around the film.

So without further ado, here are some of the first reactions from the premiere of "The Fantastic Four: First Steps."

'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' first reactions — 'a genre-defining classic'

The Fantastic Four: First Steps | Final Trailer | Only in Theaters July 25 - YouTube

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I know I just told you to temper expectations, but let's start with some potential hyperbole right out of the gate.

"#FantasticFour Quite possibly the best Marvel Studios film ever released," writer George McKay unequivocally stated on X. "Thoughtfully crafted and easily a genre-defining classic."

While not quite so declarative about the movie's standing in the MCU pantheon, People Magazine writer Sharareh Drury had plenty of praise for the film.

"Stunning visuals, a moving story, witty banter and epic action," she declared. "Marvel’s First Family delivers one awesome ride."

Finally, let's wrap things up with my personal favorite.

Content creator and actor Matt Ramos took to X to declare the movie's characters a delight. "The cast & their chemistry hold this film up," he posted. "Pedro delivered my favorite performance as Reed."

And yet, for all that praise, the movie is merely a "Solid 8/10."

Something about the shift from euphoric delight to tempered praise really summed things up neatly for me. I'm hopeful Marvel truly has hit the mark, but I'm keeping my expectations in check on this one. I'd gladly settle for "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" to be a solid eight out of 10.

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Malcolm McMillan

Malcolm has been with Tom's Guide since 2022, and has been covering the latest in streaming shows and movies since 2023. He's not one to shy away from a hot take, including that "John Wick" is one of the four greatest films ever made.

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