10 Fantastic Four: First Steps Moments That Still Hit Hard On Disney+

As a longtime fan, I can honestly say the Fantastic Four finally got the big-screen treatment they deserved with their MCU debut! Streaming on Disney+, “Fantastic Four: First Steps” isn’t just visually amazing and full of energy—it’s a fantastic introduction to this new take on the team, and honestly, it gets even better the more you watch it. It really feels like a love letter to the First Family!

The last Marvel movie planned for 2025, Fantastic Four: First Steps, is designed to be easy for anyone to enjoy, even if they haven’t seen much of the wider Marvel Cinematic Universe. It takes place in a separate reality – a 1960s-inspired world called Earth-828 – that doesn’t directly connect to the main timeline. Despite this separate setting, the film still tells a compelling story about family, all while featuring a threat that could destroy the world.

We revisited the animated series Fantastic Four: First Steps on Disney+ and picked out our 10 favorite, most memorable moments.

The Perfect Opening Montage For The MCU’s First Family

Marvel/Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

The opening scene of Fantastic Four: First Steps is arguably one of the strongest beginnings in any Marvel Cinematic Universe film.

This special presents the Fantastic Four’s early adventures as if they were a 1960s TV show, similar to those hosted by Ed Sullivan. It’s a fast-paced look at their heroic deeds, ending with a memorable scene that recreates The Beatles’ first American performance on the Ed Sullivan Show – complete with the same stage and a playful reference to both groups being known as ‘The Fab Four’.

This fantastic recreation of the cover of Fantastic Four #1, featuring Giganto and quick appearances by classic villains like Mole Man, The Mad Thinker, and even one of Red Ghost’s Super-Apes, is a clever and enjoyable look back at the Fantastic Four’s history as astronauts, heroes, and public figures. It’s a piece you can enjoy repeatedly.

“I Herald His Beginning, I Herald Your End…”

Marvel/Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

I was completely captivated by Julia Garner’s first appearance as the Silver Surfer in ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’! It’s just as chilling as I’d imagined. The confirmation that Galactus is on his way, and that Earth is doomed – especially with Shalla-Bal announcing his arrival – sent shivers down my spine. And then, the scene where Johnny Storm sees his reflection in her… it was absolutely stunning, a truly beautiful moment.

Galactus Makes His Massive MCU Debut

The moment Galactus appeared on screen was stunning for audiences, particularly in IMAX with its expanded aspect ratio. This version of Galactus completely makes up for the disappointing “space cloud” depiction in the 2007 film, The Rise of the Silver Surfer, and feels like the powerful being he truly is.

Ralph Ineson delivers a truly terrifying performance as Galactus reveals his plans to consume Reed and Sue Storm’s child, seeking its hidden cosmic energy. Though his initial appearance in the streaming episode ‘First Steps’ may seem understated, it still marks a remarkably strong introduction for a villain in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Silver Surfer Pursuing The Fantastic Four

While the final battle between the Fantastic Four and Galactus is exciting, the most visually impressive part of Fantastic Four: First Steps is definitely the Silver Surfer chasing Excelsior-One.

Shalla-Bal’s actions are incredible – she skillfully rides waves of magma and then glides through wormholes as the Fantastic Four’s ship jumps into faster-than-light speed. She even manages to slow down the Silver Surfer by using the time-bending effects of a black hole, making the whole scene thrilling and non-stop.

Sue Storm Giving Birth Next To A Black Hole

The Silver Surfer is chasing after Sue Storm, who is in labor and giving birth in the weightlessness of space, dangerously close to a dying star. This scene is a remarkable combination of grand cosmic visuals and deeply personal emotion. The acting is excellent across the board, especially from Vanessa Kirby as Sue and Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards.

It’s hard to imagine a more dramatic or fitting introduction to one of Marvel’s strongest characters than Franklin Richards’ birth in deep space, complete with an actual black hole nearby.

Mister Fantastic’s Classic Struggle

One of the best lines in Fantastic Four: First Steps comes from Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards:

You know, I’ve always felt…off. Like there’s something fundamentally broken inside me, and it’s been that way for as long as I can remember. When I look at you, it just…complicates things. The more I try to understand, the more lost I feel, and honestly, that’s terrifying.

Even though Reed Richards is known as a genius, he acknowledges that his intelligence can make him feel lonely and strain his relationships. This issue came up when the Fantastic Four faced the difficult choice of saving their world at the cost of their son, Franklin. Reed initially approached the situation using logic rather than emotion, a point Sue Storm brought to his attention.

Reed explained that, according to their calculations, giving Franklin over to Galactus seems like the most sensible solution, even though simply suggesting it to his wife is incredibly painful.

Seeing Reed Richards grapple with his well-known weaknesses from the comics, all while navigating the challenges of becoming a father, gives his Marvel Cinematic Universe character a lot more depth. This makes their conflict one of the most powerful and memorable parts of the movie, even when you watch it again.

We Needed So Much More MCU Mole Man

Paul Walter Hauser plays Mole Man, who is introduced early in Fantastic Four: First Steps during an ABC special as the leader of the underground world of Subterranea. However, he really shines when the Fantastic Four need his assistance during the movie’s climax.

Harvey Rupert Elder perfectly embodies the Mole Man, one of Marvel’s earliest supervillains, blending a threatening presence with a surprising sense of humor.

When Sue asked Elder to help move New York City underground to escape Galactus, he couldn’t resist teasing his old enemies. This moment really makes Mole Man a standout villain, even though he doesn’t have much screen time. It’s a genuinely funny scene featuring one of the movie’s best supporting characters.

As a huge fan, I was really disappointed to hear that even more scenes with Mole Man didn’t make it into the final version of First Steps. It’s a shame, because I was already hoping for more of him!

The Thing’s “Clobbering Time” Team-Up With Human Torch

In the climactic fight against Galactus in First Steps, The Thing is hurled high into the Earth’s atmosphere. Luckily, the Human Torch manages to catch him and guides them both in a controlled descent back to New York.

Throughout the movie, Johnny repeatedly tries to get Ben to say his famous catchphrase, “It’s Clobbering Time,” which Ben stubbornly refuses. Finally, just before Johnny drops Ben onto Galactus to rescue Reed, Ben relents and says it.

Just like Captain America’s iconic call to action in Endgame, “Clobbering Time” is a hugely memorable moment in First Steps. It’s become even more popular recently thanks to the game Marvel Rivals, which lets players using the Human Torch and Thing characters perform the same team-up move.

Sue Storm’s Resurrection (Confirming A Major New MCU Superpower)

Despite knowing it would happen, Sue Storm’s revival by her baby son remains a truly powerful and memorable scene, and one of the most impressive demonstrations of power we’ve seen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

It’s fascinating to consider the implications of Franklin’s immense power for what’s to come. This is especially true considering his importance in the 2015 comic book event Secret Wars, and with the MCU’s adaptation of that story planned for 2027—plus, the ending of the movie sets up a lot of potential for his future.

Doctor Doom’s MCU Debut

The first post-credits scene of Fantastic Four: First Steps is widely considered the best of 2025. It takes place four years after the fight with Galactus and shows Sue Storm returning home to a shocking sight: Doctor Doom kneeling before her son.

In his brief appearance in First Steps, the MCU’s Doctor Doom is only seen from behind, sporting his signature green hood. He’s also holding his familiar metal mask, which Franklin reaches out to touch.

I’m really intrigued by what Doctor Doom is planning for Franklin Richards and his incredible abilities – it seems like it’s all building towards next year’s Avengers: Doomsday! And honestly, I’m so glad they included a post-credits scene we can really see – it gives us a great first look at what appears to be the MCU’s next huge villain. It’s exciting to finally get a good glimpse!

2025-11-07 05:01