First Steps director Matt Shakman was discreet when questioned about Robert Downey Jr.’s role in the post-credits scene, choosing not to reveal any details and leaving the discussion to fans.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe now has two back-to-back successes, Thunderbolts and The Fantastic Four: First Steps, both sitting with an 88% Rotten Tomatoes score.

From left, Vanessa Kirby, Pedro Pascal, Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Joseph Quinn star as the titular quartet in ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ (2025). For DVR alerts, film recommendations and movie news, follow Koplinski on Twitter (@ckoplinski). His email is [email protected].

Pedro Pascal is the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, but he is not the new leader of the Avengers. At least that’s what the actor says… for now. An interview “Fantastic Four: First Steps” director Matt Shakman gave to Variety earlier this month went viral for seemingly revealing that Pascal’s superhero would be going

At the core of First Steps are Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Reed Richards, Sue and Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm. Each slips easily into their role like a customized astronaut suit, but special praise has to go to Kirby and Moss-Bacharach for giving the ensemble its real heart.

First Steps director Matt Shakman addresses a big Sue Storm moment in the movie's final act and reveals original plans for Franklin Richards' Marvel Cinematic Universe's introduction.

In the vast and ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe, few characters have left as profound an emotional mark as Elizabeth Olsen’s Wanda Maximoff, aka the Scarlet Witch. From her introduction in ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ to her full transformation into the multiverse-shaking Scarlet Witch in ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’,

Speaking of connections… During one of my recent fits of insomnia, I discovered a strange factoid that connects The Fantastic Four: First Steps with Saved by the Bell, at least an early version of the popular high school-centric sitcom many of us grew up watching. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since, and I have to talk it out.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps strides into a whole new world within the MCU that's disconnected from any Marvel movie to date. As such, no homework is required to enjoy the film, and there's also "no Easter eggs" to look out for if director Matt Shakman is to be believed.

During the end credits of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, there is also another tribute, simply reading "For Inez Shakman". Inez Shakman is the mother of director Matt Shakman. She sadly passed away on April 3, 2025 at the age of 80.