Marvel’s Concerns? Mixed Results from Fantastic Four Test Screening

Marvel is gearing up for Phase Six with the upcoming film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps. The studio’s prospects depend heavily on the film’s performance, both critically and at the box office, as the MCU transitions into this new phase. Early test screenings may be a cause for concern for Marvel, given the mixed feedback observed.

In an unusual move, the studio conducted public test screenings of The Fantastic Four: First Steps nearly two months ahead of its scheduled release in July. According to insider Jeff Sneider, the results were varied.

In the latest edition of Sneider’s newsletter, he relayed that a source gave First Steps a lukewarm review, describing it with terms like “mid” and “meh.” The source noted it was “not that bad, but not that good, either.” More alarmingly, concerns were raised about underdeveloped characters and subpar CGI, although it’s expected that the latter will be improved before the film’s release.

Another source, who has yet to view the completed project, characterized the film as a “mess” and referred to it as a “huge problem movie.” Such troubling sentiments likely prompted Marvel to initiate the test screening process.

On a brighter note, Ralph Ineson’s portrayal of the villain Galactus has reportedly been well-received. Sneider mentioned, “Ralph Ineson’s Galactus went over well with audiences, which is promising, particularly since Marvel has faced challenges with its villains lately.”

Since the test screening occurred eight weeks before the film’s premiere, Marvel has ample opportunity to address some of the highlighted issues, including visual effects.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps introduces Marvel’s First Family to the MCU, featuring Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing. Ineson voices Galactus, with Julia Garner as Shalla-Bal/Silver Surfer. The cast also includes Paul Walter Hauser, John Malkovich, Natasha Lyonne, and Sarah Niles.

Directed by Matt Shakman, who previously helmed the Disney+ series WandaVision, First Steps follows the mixed success of Captain America: Brave New World and the more favorable reception of Thunderbolts. As the final Marvel film of 2025, The Fantastic Four comes ahead of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, expected in July 2026, following the postponement of Avengers: Doomsday to December 2026.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is set to hit theaters on July 25.