The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has long been a juggernaut in the world of cinema, delivering blockbuster after blockbuster with a formula that blends spectacle, character, and storytelling. However, the recent release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Marvel’s latest attempt to bring its First Family to the big screen, has ignited a firestorm of controversy, thanks to a blistering critique from Deadpool co-creator Rob Liefeld. In a viral post on X, Liefeld called the film “impossibly dull & boring,” sharing a photo of a nearly empty IMAX theater to underscore his point. His words have sparked a heated debate among fans, critics, and industry insiders, raising the question: Can the MCU recover from this high-profile takedown, or is Liefeld’s criticism a symptom of deeper issues within Marvel’s cinematic empire?

Directed by Matt Shakman, The Fantastic Four: First Steps arrived in theaters on July 25, 2025, with high expectations. Featuring a stellar cast—Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing, and Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch—the film promised a fresh, retro-futuristic take on Marvel’s iconic superhero team. Set in the 1960s on an alternate Earth within the MCU’s multiverse, the movie pits the Fantastic Four against the cosmic threat of Galactus, played by Ralph Ineson. Early reactions were overwhelmingly positive, with the film earning an 86% Tomatometer score and a 92% Popcornmeter rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 351 reviews. Box office numbers also painted a promising picture, with the film grossing $241.3 million globally in its early run, making it the biggest MCU launch since Deadpool & Wolverine’s billion-dollar haul.

Yet, despite these accolades, Liefeld’s scathing remarks have cast a shadow over the film’s success. On July 30, 2025, he posted a picture of a sparsely attended 5 p.m. IMAX screening, stating, “This was the 5pm Fantastic Four screening at my IMAX. I can tell you why there is very little repeat biz on this film. It’s impossibly dull & boring.” In a follow-up post, he elaborated, “Despite a stellar cast who absolutely came to play… When the action STOPS for 45 minutes and the 3rd act is plagued by really dodgy FX and terrible script choices, the All-Mighty Space God becomes a total idiot in order to facilitate his defeat, the movie fell apart.” Liefeld’s criticism didn’t stop there. He took aim at Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige, suggesting that the studio’s leadership has lost its touch, stating, “Marvel used to make films that expanded the base with excitement that picked up the general public. This cast was poorly served by a poor script and dodgy FX.”

Liefeld’s remarks carry weight due to his storied history with Marvel. As the co-creator of Deadpool alongside Fabian Nicieza, he played a pivotal role in shaping one of the MCU’s most successful recent films, Deadpool & Wolverine, which grossed over $1 billion globally. However, his relationship with Marvel has been fraught with tension. In February 2025, Liefeld announced he was severing ties with the company, citing a series of grievances that began in 2023 and culminated in what he described as a humiliating snub at the Deadpool & Wolverine premiere in July 2024. On his podcast, Robservations, he detailed being denied access to the film’s afterparty and feeling ignored by Feige on the red carpet, stating, “It was meant to embarrass, diminish, defeat… I knew in my heart I couldn’t go forward.” These personal grievances lend context to his harsh critique, with some suggesting his comments may be fueled by bitterness rather than objective analysis.

Despite Liefeld’s harsh words, the broader reception of The Fantastic Four: First Steps tells a different story. Critics have praised the film’s retro aesthetic and the chemistry among its cast, with Vanessa Kirby’s performance as Sue Storm earning particular acclaim. Liefeld himself acknowledged Kirby’s contribution, noting, “Vanessa Kirby carries the entire film and is tasked with some ridiculous lifts. She’s the VIP. Also, the Franklin baby is the cutest kid ever on screen. Adorable.” Audience reactions on social media platforms like X have been largely positive, with many fans calling the film “one of Marvel’s best” and praising its bold departure from previous Fantastic Four adaptations. The film’s 1960s setting, complete with nods to classic comics like “The Galactus Trilogy,” has resonated with viewers, and its integration into the MCU’s multiverse sets the stage for appearances in Avengers: Doomsday (December 2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (December 2027).

However, Liefeld’s critique is not without merit. The film’s second-weekend box office projections indicate a 55% to 60% drop, with estimates of $45 million to $52 million, suggesting weaker word-of-mouth compared to juggernauts like Deadpool & Wolverine or DC’s Superman, which grossed $177 million in its first week. Some fans on X echoed Liefeld’s sentiments, pointing to pacing issues and underwhelming visual effects in the film’s third act. One user commented, “The Galactus fight felt rushed, and the CGI was shaky at times. Still loved the cast, but it didn’t hit as hard as I hoped.” Others defended the film, arguing that a 5 p.m. Tuesday screening is hardly indicative of overall audience interest, especially given the premium cost of IMAX tickets and typical weekday attendance patterns.

The broader context of Liefeld’s criticism raises questions about the MCU’s current trajectory. Post-Avengers: Endgame, Marvel has faced accusations of audience fatigue, with films like Thunderbolts and Captain America: Brave New World underperforming at the box office. Liefeld’s call for Feige to “get off the mound” echoes sentiments from other creators, such as X-Men ’97 showrunner Beau DeMayo, who has criticized Marvel’s treatment of comic book creators. These tensions highlight a growing divide between the studio and the artists who laid the groundwork for its success. Liefeld’s vocal support for DC’s Superman, which outperformed Fantastic Four in its first week, further fuels speculation about whether his critique is driven by personal bias or genuine concern for Marvel’s direction.

So, can the MCU recover from this? The answer lies in Marvel’s ability to adapt and innovate. The Fantastic Four: First Steps, despite its flaws, has laid a foundation for future stories, with a sequel reportedly in development and potential slots reserved for 2028. The film’s strong critical scores and initial box office performance suggest it’s far from a failure, even if it hasn’t matched the cultural phenomenon of Deadpool & Wolverine. Marvel’s upcoming slate, including Spider-Man: Brand New Day and the Avengers films, offers opportunities to recapture the magic that made the MCU a household name. For now, Liefeld’s critique serves as a provocative wake-up call, reminding Marvel that even its most ardent supporters expect excellence.

As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: The Fantastic Four: First Steps has sparked a conversation that transcends a single film. Whether you agree with Liefeld’s harsh assessment or see it as a bold new chapter for Marvel’s First Family, the MCU’s resilience will be tested in the years ahead. With its multiverse expanding and new heroes on the horizon, Marvel has the chance to prove that it can still deliver the excitement that once captivated the world. For now, fans can catch The Fantastic Four: First Steps in theaters and decide for themselves if Liefeld’s claims hold water—or if Marvel’s First Family is poised to soar.