The highly anticipated Fantastic Four: First Steps has sparked intense buzz with its first reactions, but two unexpected elements are dominating discussions. John Malkovich’s mysterious cut as Red Ghost raises questions about the film’s reshaped narrative, while Sue Storm’s pregnancy teases unforeseen multiversal implications.

Early reviews unanimously praise the film’s “stunning visuals” and “excellent performances,” positioning it as a potential Marvel renaissance. Yet the absence of Malkovich’s villain and the significance of Storm’s pregnancy arc create compelling mysteries around this retro-future adventure.

Fantastic Four First Steps Reactions: Why Was John Malkovich Cut and How Does Sue Storm’s Pregnancy Impact the Multiverse?

Early Reactions Call It Marvel’s Best Yet – But What About That Missing Villain?

Initial reviews for The Fantastic Four: First Steps have flooded social media with glowing praise, with many calling it “Marvel at its brilliant best.” Critics highlight Pedro Pascal’s charismatic Reed Richards and the film’s stunning retro-futuristic visuals. However, eagle-eyed fans noticed something missing – John Malkovich’s rumored villain role was conspicuously absent from screenings. While the core cast delivers “excellent” performances according to reactions, speculation runs wild about which antagonist might have been sacrificed for the final cut.

Behind-the-Scenes Drama: Why Malkovich Got Axed

Industry insiders suggest scheduling conflicts forced Marvel to eliminate Malkovich’s mysterious character late in production. The actor himself confirmed he was cut, leaving fans to wonder if his role would have connected to Galactus or introduced another iconic Fantastic Four foe. With the film already packed with Silver Surfer and Galactus, some question whether editing decisions sacrificed deeper villain development for tighter pacing.

Cutting a star like Malkovich suggests major last-minute story changes. Marvel likely prioritized the core family dynamics over expanding the rogue’s gallery.

But wouldn’t his performance have added gravitas? The 1960s setting seemed perfect for his dramatic chops!

Sue Storm’s Surprising Pregnancy Arc: Multiverse Game-Changer?

A controversial subplot involves Vanessa Kirby’s Invisible Woman navigating pregnancy while battling cosmic threats. Sources reveal this storyline isn’t just character development – it may establish connections to Franklin Richards, the reality-warping mutant crucial to Marvel’s multiverse saga. The film reportedly handles Sue’s dual roles as hero and mother with nuance, though some question if the timing dilutes the Galactus threat.

How Pregnancy Powers Could Rewrite MCU Rules

Comic fans know Sue’s abilities evolved during pregnancy, suggesting the film might introduce new force field applications. This biological twist on superpowers could set up future storylines where Franklin’s conception affects the multiverse’s stability. Early viewers praised Kirby’s emotional performance, though some felt the subplot deserved more screen time against the cosmic threat.

Galactus vs. Silver Surfer: Who Stole the Show?

Ralph Ineson’s Galactus and Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer create stunning visual spectacles, but reviewers can’t agree which villain dominates. The film reportedly maintains Galactus’ world-consuming menace while humanizing Silver Surfer through Garner’s motion-capture performance. Some sequences allegedly rival Dune’s scale, though a few critics wished for more Silver Surfer backstory before his eventual face-turn.

Garner’s Surfer is the emotional core – her conflicted Herald might be Marvel’s most tragic villain since Thanos.

But shouldn’t Galactus feel more terrifying? Early footage made him look like an unstoppable cosmic force!

1960s Retro-Futurism: Visual Triumph or Missed Opportunity?

The film’s Atomic Age aesthetic receives universal praise for its vibrant production design and Kirby-esque technology. However, some question if the period setting limited opportunities for broader MCU connections. While the retro approach beautifully distinguishes the First Family’s origins, minor cameos from contemporary heroes might have strengthened franchise integration without sacrificing the standalone charm.

That Post-Credit Scene: What It Means for Avengers 6

Without spoilers, the mid-credit sequence reportedly introduces a game-changing multiverse element, while the post-credit tag sets up a hilarious dynamic with another Marvel hero. Fans speculate these teases directly tie to the upcoming Avengers films, possibly establishing the Fantastic Four’s role in combating Kang or the multiversal war.

Cast Chemistry Report Card: Who Excelled Beyond Expectations?

While all four leads receive acclaim, Joseph Quinn’s Human Torch reportedly delivers unexpected pathos beneath the wisecracks, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s Thing conveys profound loneliness through motion-capture. The family dynamic feels authentically lived-in, with petty squabbles and heartfelt reconciliations that ground the cosmic spectacle.