Disney/Marvel
Ebon Moss-Bachrach can be heard repeatedly delivering The Thing’s catchphrase: “It’s clobberin’ time!”
Marvel Studios head kevin Feige has outlined a complete seven-year strategic roadmap for the studio’s cinematic universe.This ambitious plan includes the highly anticipated release of Spider-Man: brand New Day in the summer of 2026, followed by two major avengers ensemble films.
Feige recently shared his perspective with prominent Hollywood trade publications, including Variety. He acknowledged that while the intricate web of overlapping characters and plotlines within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) was once a source of enjoyment, it may now present a challenge for some viewers. He questioned whether audiences feel compelled to possess comprehensive knowledge of every character to fully engage with the ongoing narrative.
In contrast, Feige expressed his admiration for DC Comics’ recent prosperous Superman film, stating he “loved that you just jump right into it.” he elaborated on this by saying, “You don’t know who Mister Terrific is? Tough, you’ll figure it out. This is a fully fleshed out world.”
meanwhile, Marvel’s own 2025 offering, a new iteration of the Fantastic Four, has received a mixed reception from critics. For BBC Culture’s Caryn James, the film, titled Fantastic Four: First Steps, is described as “pleasant enough but lacks tension.”
James noted that despite strong performances from the cast, including pedro Pascal, and the film’s “breezy competence and flair,” this retro-inspired vision of the future from Marvel falls short on suspense. She further commented that the subtitle “First Steps” accurately reflects the film’s nature, suggesting it functions as a preliminary installment, introducing characters destined to play notable roles within the MCU.
Conversely, Empire’s Dan Jolin offered a more favorable review, awarding the film four stars. Jolin praised the movie for its sincerity, highlighting a heroic ensemble dedicated to safeguarding the Earth and inspiring global unity. He concluded that “Those are the kind of heroes, it feels, that we need right now.”
Fantastic Four: First Steps is scheduled for release in UK cinemas this Thursday.
