The Marvel Cinematic Universe officially kicks off Phase 6 with Fantastic Four: First Steps, and Giant Mess podcast host Neal Lynch has a LOT to say about it.
In this episode of Giant Mess, I break down Marvel’s retro-futuristic, 1960s-set reboot of the Fantastic Four — from the stunning visuals and cosmic scale to the big creative swings (and safe choices) that have fans divided.
I dig into:
- Why this is the best Fantastic Four movie yet — but still feels restrained
The decision to skip an origin story (and why that mostly works)
Galactus as a true cosmic threat (finally done right)
Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer and whether the character still connects with modern audiences
Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn & Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s performances
How Sue Storm is a tour-de-force
Cut villains, MCU Easter eggs, and what this movie sets up next
I also dive into Fantastic Four movie history, Marvel rights chaos, and where this reboot fits into the bigger MCU multiverse picture — with plenty of side tangents, sarcasm, and interstellar energy along the way.
🎬 Is Fantastic Four: First Steps the fresh start Marvel needed… or just a safe reset?
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ABOUT NEAL LYNCH:
Irish-Italian-American who graduated from a Catholic high school (even though I’m not Catholic), and a college known for producing doctors and lacrosse players, then became neither.
Former 4th string quarterback and middle relief pitcher at a Division III university.
Degrees in Film & Media Studies and Communications.
Worked for Condé Nast, New York Post, SportsNet New York, and Hearst Television.
Divorced dad who blogs, podcasts, writes, edits, optimizes, strategizes, and over-analyzes.
ABOUT “GIANT MESS”:
“Giant Mess” is a weird sports and entertainment comedy podcast hosted by a giant mess, the Real Cinch Neal Lynch.
Neal covers New York Giants football, Mets baseball, movies, and TV shows, mixing in funny life stories along the way.
Episodes focus on movie reviews, tv show recaps, post-game analysis, predictions, reactions, and funny stories about parenting.
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What Do YOU Think?