First Steps” is the third Marvel movie to hit theaters this year, but it packs way more hidden references and nods than “Captain America: Brave New World” or “Thunderbolts.” It’s not on the same level of Easter eggs as last year’s “Deadpool and Wolverine,

Credit: Marvel Studios In their MCU debut, the Fantastic Four become a Fantastic Five with the arrival of Reed and Sue's son, Franklin Richards. Worries that he might not be "normal" are confirmed in Fantastic Four: First Steps when Galactus recognises that the boy can wield an unlimited energy known as the Power Cosmic (presumably because of the "cosmically compromised DNA" shared by both of his parents).

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.

This iteration of the Fantastic Four has a standalone adventure without all the burden of the MCU's history and cast of characters.

We're 37 films deep into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. How does "Fantastic Four: First Steps" rank against "Ant-Man" or "Avengers: Endgame"?

Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby shine in this retro-futuristic take that blends family drama with cosmic stakes as Galactus threatens Earth.

The familiar Baxter Building featured in The Fantastic Four: First Steps will be seen again in Avengers: Doomsday, Marvel boss Kevin Feige has said, sparking speculation over what this means for the fate of the Fantastic Four's version of Earth.

That might sound like no big deal, but after 2023’s “The Marvels,” this spring’s fourth “Captain America” movie and “Thunderbolts*” all underperformed by Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) standards, the new “Fantastic Four” may offer broader audience appeal by not pulling from other franchises.