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.

The new "Fantastic Four" is now in theaters and earning stellar reviews. Here's when the Marvel hit will likely stream on Disney+ and digital, so you can watch it at home.

While the current super-quartet of of Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn and Ebon Moss-Bacharach were present and accounted for, an earlier version of the FF also walked the blue carpet. Thanks to First Steps director Matt Shakman, the lead performers from legendary producer Roger Corman 's ill-fated 1994 adaptation were on the guest list.

"First Steps" promises to push the MCU out of its comfort zone, but the movie quickly retreats into a tired version of the same old story.

For a change, this time the definitive answer is yes, ‘ The Fantastic Four: First Steps ’ has two scenes that happen in the credits, one is in the middle of the credits, and the other comes right at the end. Are these two scenes important for the establishment of new enemies or the future of the new MCU? Stay with us and find out…

But it was a little odd to hear that Marvel also planned to make the Fantastic Four a major part of the MCU’s future. Even though the Fantastic Four have always been prominent in Marvel’s comics, the characters — created by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee — had never translated well to the big screen.

First Steps" has a thrilling ending that teases Dr. Doom and where the MCU goes from here in "Avengers: Doomsday."