“Negative” Reactions To ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Were “Blown Out of Proportion” Says The Original Insider

A few days ago, the first reactions to the Fantastic Four: First Steps test screening surfaced online, and most early reports described them as generally positive. However, as often happens, people quickly began discussing it across social media. Some insiders, like Jeff Sneider and @MyTimeToShineH, shared what they heard, with many describing the movie as “meh,” “okay-ish,” or similar.

Now, the person who originally shared this information with at least one of them has come forward. Since all three insiders shared similar takes, it’s likely they either had the same source or simply passed the info around. This individual is now speaking out to clarify what really happened.

The person who attended the Fantastic Four: First Steps test screening has come forward to clarify some of the rumors and reports circulating online. They claim that while they did share their personal reactions after the screening, certain details have been taken out of context or blown out of proportion.

First, they addressed a popular story about someone yelling “mid” during the screening. According to them, “no one screamed ‘mid’ in the audience.” Instead, a person sitting next to them was sighing and visibly frustrated.

After the movie ended, the attendee asked this person what they thought, and they simply said, “it was mid.” The attendee shared this moment on Discord, but says insiders exaggerated it into a false story about someone shouting “mid” in the theater, which they insist is “100% untrue.”

They also mention that although a few people near them didn’t seem to love the film, an employee was collecting feedback, and they heard many people give it an “Excellent,” which was the highest possible rating on the survey.

The viewer described the movie as “fast-paced but not a mess,” and admitted their own reaction is partly shaped by being a hardcore Fantastic Four fan. They were personally disappointed that Reed Richards didn’t use his stretching powers much and that The Thing didn’t have his usual Brooklyn accent. But they acknowledge that “normal people and general audiences will not care about these things.”

Lastly, they pointed out a real issue: “the lack of character development is a serious concern.” While the characters, especially Reed, Johnny, and Sue, have their personalities portrayed well, the viewer felt they don’t go through much growth or change.

You can check out the original comment below:

The movie itself is expected to have a unique vibe. Set in a retro-futuristic 1960s world, it blends classic sci-fi with cosmic horror. Director Matt Shakman, who previously worked on WandaVision, seems to be leaning into a “Lovecraftian” tone, giving the film a distinct personality that sets it apart from other Marvel movies.

Staring Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Fantastic Four: First Steps hits theaters on July 25, 2025, and it looks like it’s going to be a wild ride. With a terrifying Galactus, a unique setting, and a fresh take on Marvel’s First Family, this could be the cosmic adventure fans have been waiting for.

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