Marvel’s initial forays into the superhero blockbuster realm are gracing Disney+ as the latest comic book adaptation, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, joins the Marvel Cinematic Universe this week.
This new release marks the fourth cinematic endeavour to portray the original superhero family, following on from Roger Corman’s unreleased 1990s film and the widely criticised 2015 reboot. Sandwiched between these were two films in 2005 and 2007 that enjoyed a warmer reception.
Both the original Fantastic Four and its sequel, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, can be revisited on Disney+, offering fans a chance to trace the series’ evolution. Some aficionados even maintain that the noughties cast, featuring Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, and Michael Chiklis, surpasses the latest lineup.
The earlier movies also starred Julian McMahon, who we sadly lost this year, as the formidable Doctor Doom. A Google reviewer passionately defended the first instalment against its critics: “AMAZING I DONT CARE WHAT ANYONE SAYS.
“This movie is not only funny but has a very clear plot that establishes the characters (perfect casting for each role btw) compared to the new one this is absolutely perfect in every way”, reports the Mirror.
“It has a good replay value and it’s an overall fun movie. If you’re thinking of watching the 2015 one DONT this one is actually a movie with some value to it.”
Another viewer gushed: “Amazing Movie, Many call it cheesy, personally I don’t see that. I believe the casting is amazing, They look very close to the Comics.”
The accolades poured in on Letterboxd, with one sentimental supporter penning: “This cast was so perfect it actually amazes me.
“I wish we got something better than this movie and I wish the cast had a better script to work with but it still holds a very special place in my heart.
“Entirely nostalgic. It’s so 2005 and I f***ing love it.”
A further enthusiast declared: “This is legitimately a perfect superhero film. There’s so much heart in this and it’s so fun, and campy, and charming. The casting is just impeccable.”
One final devotee shared: “This is one of my comfort movies. The amount of times I watched it as a kid is unhealthy. It is like watching a comic book in motion.
“Chris Evans, Jessica Alba, Ioan Gruffudd and Michael Chiklis are the peak of casting.”
As Marvel’s beloved superhero family makes their triumphant return to cinemas this week, it’s worth revisiting the Fantastic Four’s origins to truly grasp their remarkable journey.
Fantastic Four and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer are available to stream on Disney+.