That search now appears to be over, thanks to the phenomenal release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps. The film, which introduces Marvel’s First Family to the MCU, feels both refreshingly distinct and foundational.

First Steps” is the third Marvel movie to hit theaters this year, but it packs way more hidden references and nods than “Captain America: Brave New World” or “Thunderbolts.” It’s not on the same level of Easter eggs as last year’s “Deadpool and Wolverine,

While there have been tributes to Jack Kirby over the years, with everything from the Thor: Ragnarok logo being in honor of him or Ant-Man featuring a cool reference to him, The Fantastic Four: First Steps took things to the next level when celebrating the late Marvel artist.

Galactus and the Celestials as cosmic rivals could be explored in a potential sequel to 2021’s Eternals, which introduced the latter to the MCU. Moreover, the ending of The Fantastic Four sees Galactus being teleported to a different part of the universe without his Worldship.

Vanessa Kirby, who plays Sue Storm / Invisible Woman in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, recently disclosed the specific evil iteration of her character she is “dying to do” in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

First Steps manages to break a decades-long curse for the titular team with its depiction of one historically unlucky member.

The introduction of the Fantastic Four's original Marvel Comics villain in the MCU has caused an unexpected Eternals problem.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps has kicked off Phase Six of the Marvel Cinematic Universe with an impressive $118 million domestic box office haul from its opening weekend. That’s the fourth biggest domestic opening of 2025, behind A Minecraft Movie ($162 million), Lilo & Stitch ($146 million), and Superman ($125 million).