The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Directed by Matt Shakman
Starring Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Joseph Quinn, Julia Garner, Ralph Ineson
Marvel Studios
Release date: July 25, 2025

Non-spoiler first thoughts (mostly written in the car on the way home from the movie theater) on The Fantastic Four: First Steps:

Marvel Studios churned out an enjoyable film that does justice to these classic characters, making them all likable and competent. I love the film’s retro-futuristic look (not a cell phone in sight) and color scheme. While this is the “first steps,” it’s not an origin story, with the groups’ superpowered circumstances summed up quickly at the start on the team’s anniversary. This allows the danger to present right away and the action to get going fast.

Netflix has released a new teaser trailer for Maniac, a limited series starring Emma Stone and Jonah Hill making its way to the streaming service soon.

The series follows the story of two people taking part in a pharmaceutical trial for a drug that promises to fix all their problems. It’s created by Patrick Somerville (The Leftovers, 24: Live Another Day), with Cary Joji Fukunaga (Beasts of No Nation) directing all episodes as he did on the first season of True Detective.

Head below now for more info on Maniac and to see the new teaser and a poster.