Marvel’s upcoming Fantastic Four: First Steps, set to hit theaters in July 2025, was supposed to be a triumphant reboot for the beloved superhero team. With a stellar cast and a promise to dive deep into Marvel’s cosmic lore, fans were initially buzzing with excitement. However, recent buzz on social media and early test screenings suggest the film is stumbling before it even starts. So, what’s going wrong, and can Marvel turn this ship around?

The first cracks appeared when the trailer dropped, revealing Galactus as the main villain, with Julia Garner’s Shalla-Bal as the Silver Surfer. While Galactus is a fan-favorite cosmic threat, the introduction of another villain in the trailer sparked confusion. Fans took to platforms like X, expressing mixed feelings about the direction. Some praised the bold choice of villains, but others felt the story was already overstuffed, with too many characters vying for screen time. Posts on X have called the film “meh,” criticizing a lack of character development and a weak storyline, with some even predicting it’ll be another Marvel “flop” with a projected $490 million worldwide box office—decent, but underwhelming for the MCU’s standards.

So, why the negativity? For one, the Fantastic Four have a rocky cinematic history. Past adaptations struggled to capture the team’s unique blend of family dynamics and sci-fi adventure. Fans are desperate for a version that nails Reed Richards’ genius, Sue Storm’s strength, Johnny’s swagger, and Ben’s heart. Early feedback suggests First Steps might be leaning too heavily on spectacle—think cosmic battles with Galactus—over the emotional core that makes these characters resonate. If the story feels shallow, as some test audiences claim, it risks alienating both diehard fans and casual viewers.

Disney and Marvel aren’t blind to the criticism. The MCU has faced scrutiny before, with recent projects like Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania catching flak for prioritizing flash over substance. Marvel could course-correct by tightening the script, focusing on the team’s relationships, and ensuring Shalla-Bal’s Silver Surfer feels integral, not tacked on. Reshoots are common in big-budget films, and there’s still time to refine the narrative before July. But with fan sentiment souring, Marvel needs to act fast to restore confidence.

What can fans expect? Fantastic Four: First Steps still has potential to be a cosmic spectacle, with Galactus promising jaw-dropping visuals. But Marvel must balance that with heart—something the MCU has done well in its best films. Will they listen to the feedback and deliver a film that honors the First Family of Marvel? Or will this be another misstep in a franchise struggling to maintain its golden touch? Share your thoughts below, and let’s discuss whether Marvel can save this one!