Summary
- Fantastic Four: First Steps had a disappointing test screening, lacking character development and with bad CGI.
- Marvel will address the CGI issues in June before the film's release on July 25, 2025, according to an insider.
- The test screening feedback will impact Marvel's decisions on improving the film before its release.
Marvel Studios' latest film, Thunderbolts*, was a massive success, but the upcoming one isn't as promising, according to an insider. An entertainment scooper shared the reaction they heard from a source who had the privilege of attending the test screening for The Fantastic Four: First Step s.
Marvel spoiled their fans this year by delivering three films. Captain America: Brave New World was released in February and while it received a mixed reception from critics, it was a commercial success. Its second film, Thunderbolts*, was a massive hit. It dominated the box office with $76 million on its May 2, 2025, opening weekend. It wasn't surprising because even before its release, there were positive talks about the film following its test screenings. There were high expectations for the upcoming Fantastic Four reboot, but the early test screening reactions did not align with the hype.
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Some fans have decryed one specific character after watching the latest The Fantastic Four: First Steps trailer
Entertainment journalist Jeff Sneider shared his latest scoop on The Fantastic Four: First Steps in the latest issue of his newsletter, The InSneider. According to him, there was a "not-so-secret test screening" of the movie and the reaction wasn't promising. "My source called it both 'mid' and 'meh,' and 'not that bad, but not that good, either,'" Sneider shared. Among the concerns were the lack of character development and "bad CGI." However, he believed that the CGI problems would be addressed next month. Sneider added that Marvel was initially "high on First Steps," but another insider, who hasn't watched the film, told Sneider that the upcoming film was "a mess" and "a huge problem movie." It appeared that the source was right because the reaction to the latest screening reflected that.
The test screening was set in Los Angeles, Murphy's Multiverse reported. The outlet noted that based on the unified responses, the Fantastic Four: First Steps was fortnight and similar to the story from the comics. Additionally, Ralph Ineson's Galactus, the big bad in the film, is reportedly "terrifying." The outlet quoted one of the viewers, who found the plot "Lovecraftian" with a "cosmic horror angle," giving it "a lot of personality." However, just like Sneider's source, Murphy's Multiverse also acknowledged that the film wasn't perfect, noting its "lack of character development." It didn't reportedly take advantage of Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic's (Pedro Pascal) power, as well as Ebon Moss-Bachrach's Ben Grimm/The Thing.
The reaction to The Fantastic Four: First Steps' test screening was disappointing because many expected it to be as cool and great as Thunderbolts*. However, that's the good thing about test screenings; they will help Marvel spot the film's weak spots and gauge audience reaction. Marvel usually responds to test screenings, so they will likely address some criticisms against the movie. As Sneider said, they will fix the poor CGI in June and that's possible. However, fixing CGI could take weeks or even months, and there are only eight weeks until the film is released. Marvel Studios can likely fix the bad CGI by reworking the visuals, improving the integration with real footage for a smooth transition, and editing the flawed scenes. However, it's nearly impossible for them to rewrite the story and address the issue of the lack of character development because that will be a major rework of the script. They might be able to work on that if they delay the film, which is unlikely to happen but possible. It all depends now on Marvel's decision after the initial reactions to Fantastic Four' s test screening.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps will hit theaters on July 25, 2025.
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Julia Garner shares her initial reaction when she was cast as the Silver Surfer in Fantastic Four: First Steps.
Source: The InSneider