Fantastic Four Reboot Faces Criticism and Doubt from Matt Walsh and Fans

Image credits: Marvel Studio

The upcoming Fantastic Four reboot, titled Fantastic Four: First Steps, is facing criticism and doubt from fans and critics alike. Matt Walsh, a commentator and film critic, recently shared his list of most anticipated movies of 2025, and Fantastic Four: First Steps came in last. Walsh expressed his belief that superhero films are played out and that the culture has reached capacity with the genre. He also criticized the Fantastic Four franchise, calling it "basic and lame" and stating that the characters' powers are impractical and unoriginal.

Walsh's criticism is not alone, as some fans have also expressed mixed reactions to the film's trailer and casting choices. The trailer, which showcases the film's retro-futuristic world and comic-accurate designs, has received praise from some fans, but others have expressed skepticism about the film's ability to succeed. The casting of Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards has also been met with criticism, with some fans feeling that he is not the right fit for the role. Additionally, the decision to make the Silver Surfer a female character has caused controversy among some fans, who feel that the change is unnecessary and may not be faithful to the original comic book character.

Despite the criticism, some fans are still holding out hope that the film will be a success. Miles Teller, who starred in the 2015 Fantastic Four film, has wished the new cast and crew well, stating that he hopes the film will be a success and that he does not want to see anyone involved in a "bomb." The film's unique look and setting, which combines elements of science fiction and adventure, may also help to set it apart from other superhero films and attract a new audience. Furthermore, the film's connection to the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe may also help to generate interest and excitement among fans.

The Fantastic Four franchise has a long and complex history, with several attempts to bring the characters to the big screen. The first film, which was released in 2005, was a moderate success, but the sequel, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, was met with mixed reviews. The 2015 reboot, which starred Miles Teller and Kate Mara, was a critical and commercial failure, and it seemed to spell the end for the franchise. However, with the acquisition of 20th Century Fox by Disney, the rights to the Fantastic Four characters have reverted back to Marvel, and the company is now attempting to reboot the franchise once again. The new film, which is set to be released in July 2025, will be the first Fantastic Four film to be produced by Marvel Studios, and it will be interesting to see how the company chooses to approach the characters and the story.

Some of the key points to consider when evaluating the potential success of Fantastic Four: First Steps include the film's unique setting and characters, the casting choices, and the overall quality of the storytelling. The film's retro-futuristic world and comic-accurate designs may help to attract a new audience, while the casting of Pedro Pascal and the decision to make the Silver Surfer a female character may generate controversy and debate among fans. Ultimately, the success of the film will depend on a variety of factors, including the quality of the storytelling, the chemistry between the cast members, and the overall appeal of the film to audiences. With the film's release date approaching, fans and critics will be watching closely to see how the film performs and whether it will be able to overcome the doubts and criticisms that have been expressed.