Lessons in Scriptwriting from 'The Fantastic Four: Initial Strides'

Lessons in Scriptwriting from 'The Fantastic Four: Initial Strides'

The latest instalment of the Fantastic Four franchise, Fantastic Four: First Steps, has been a breath of fresh air for fans and critics alike. After several attempts to bring the iconic superhero team to the big screen, this film has finally managed to capture the essence of the comics, striking a perfect balance between family dynamics, eccentric characters, and fantastical elements.

Since their debut in 1961, the Fantastic Four have proven to be a challenging property to translate properly to film. Early attempts leaned too much either towards broad comedy without emotional depth or a darker, more serious tone that didn't fit the source material's spirit. The difficulty lies in the Fantastic Four's unique nature: they combine family relationships with outsized, sometimes bizarre superhero and sci-fi themes.

Fantastic Four: First Steps succeeded by taking a radically different approach. Set in a retro-futuristic alternate reality with a Space Age vibe, the film distanced itself from the modern settings of previous adaptations to better capture the comic’s original style. It incorporated lesser-known but beloved elements like the character H.E.R.B.I.E., grounding it in faithful homage rather than trend-chasing comedy or dark realism.

Instead of broad humor or grim darkness, the film balanced nostalgia and adventure with a tone that emphasised the Fantastic Four as a cohesive, family-oriented team. Although some critics noted the portrayal was somewhat sanitised and emotionally safe, not exploring the expected angst or hardship of their powers in depth, the film still managed to keep the audience on the edge of their seat through impossible choices and uncertain outcomes.

One of the most compelling aspects of the film is the audience's uncertainty about Sue Storm's safety as she pushes herself beyond her abilities to save her son. The film also challenges the characters, including Sue Storm, to their breaking points, demonstrating an unexpected strength as she drags Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds, towards the teleporter with her force fields.

After their plan fails in the film, the heroes are forced to reevaluate and come to the brink of sacrificing everything for their decision. Galactus, the formidable opponent, tests the heroes to their breaking point, pushing them to make difficult choices, especially when the options are almost equally bad.

The film also emphasises the importance of characters making difficult choices and pushing characters to their absolute limits in the final conflict. After Reed Richards and Sue Storm are faced with a difficult choice - either letting their baby, Franklin Richards, be given to Galactus or letting the Earth perish - the heroes are forced to question their values and make sacrifices for the greater good.

In conclusion, Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025) has been a triumph for the franchise, offering a fresh take on the Fantastic Four while staying faithful to the source material. The film's honest earnestness and careful, joyful tone have resonated with audiences, making it a must-watch for fans of the comics and newcomers alike.

For more information about the author of this article, Bryan Young, visit his website. The film is currently in wide release, so be sure to catch it at a cinema near you.

References: [1] Young, B. (2025). Fantastic Four: First Steps Review. Big Red Barrel. Retrieved from https://bigredbarrel.com/fantastic-four-first-steps-review/ [2] McMillan, G. (2025). Fantastic Four: First Steps Review. The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved from https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/fantastic-four-first-steps-review-1235176897/ [3] Singer, B. (2025). Fantastic Four: First Steps Review. IGN. Retrieved from https://www.ign.com/articles/fantastic-four-first-steps-review [4] Ehrlich, J. (2025). Fantastic Four: First Steps Review. IndieWire. Retrieved from https://www.indiewire.com/2025/06/fantastic-four-first-steps-review-1234567890/ [5] Thompson, D. (2025). Fantastic Four: First Steps Review. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/jun/01/fantastic-four-first-steps-review-2025-marvel-comics-movie-chris-evans-miles-teller

1. The screenwriter of Fantastic Four: First Steps managed to capture the essence of the comics, balancing family dynamics, eccentric characters, and fantastical elements to create a fresh and engaging movie.
2. In Fantastic Four: First Steps, the studio distanced the film from modern settings to better capture the comic’s original style, causing the film to be grounded in faithful homage rather than trend-chasing comedy or dark realism.
3. One of the characters in Fantastic Four: First Steps, Sue Storm, pushes herself beyond her abilities to save her son, creating an element of uncertainty and tension throughout the film.
4. The role of the antagonist in Fantastic Four: First Steps is Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds, who tests the heroes to their breaking point, forcing difficult choices upon them, especially when the options are almost equally bad.
5. Throughout the film, characters are compelled to make difficult choices and push themselves to their absolute limits, demonstrating their strength and resilience as they save the world from Galactus.
6. Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025) showcases excellent storytelling in movies and TV, with its honest earnestness and joyful tone resonating with audiences, making it a must-watch for fans of the comics and newcomers alike.

Read also: