First Steps’ Appropriate for Kids? Here’s What to Know

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is bringing a new generation of stars into the longtime franchise, but is it also suitable for a new era of viewers?

The Marvel film, which premiered in theaters on July 25, is the third adaptation of the Fantastic Four comic. The movie introduces a new group of actors taking on the iconic roles, including Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/the Invisible Woman, Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/the Thing and Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch.

The retro reboot brings the characters back to the 1960s, when the Fantastic Four must protect the Earth from Galactus (Ralph Ineson). But before the high-stakes battle begins, the movie kicks off on a more personal note, with Sue and Reed preparing to welcome their first child.

While family is a central theme throughout the movie, many viewers are wondering if they can bring their own children to the theater.

So, is The Fantastic Four: First Steps appropriate for kids? Here’s everything parents should know before taking their kids to see the action-packed film.

Warning: The Fantastic Four: First Steps spoilers ahead!

There is some violence, though not as much as other MCU films

It wouldn’t be a superhero movie without some violence, but The Fantastic Four: First Steps is relatively mild — and bloodless — compared to other Marvel films.

There are mentions of past destruction, as Galactus is said to have devoured five planets, wiping out entire civilizations in the process. In one scene, Johnny plays an audio recording of citizens pleading for their lives.

During the fight scenes with Galactus, the Fantastic Four all risk their lives to save the planet — and it’s no easy feat. One hero is launched into space and struggles to survive with limited oxygen, while another barely escapes a fatal blow.

Galactus doesn’t walk away unscathed either — his eyes are scorched by fire during one of the battles. Plus, even though the heroes do their best to limit the damage, many buildings in downtown New York City are still destroyed in the chaos.

The movie includes some instances of profanity

In The Fantastic Four: First Steps, there are a few instances of profanity, hence the film’s PG-13 rating.

There is one swear word and a few instances of “hell,” as well as some mentions of God and Jesus.

Johnny Storm references a “naked lady,” but there isn’t explicit nudity

There is no explicit nudity by any of the actors, however, at one point in the film, Johnny refers to the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) as a “naked space woman.” While the silver, barbie-doll-looking figure appears naked, Johnny says that it looks like she was wrapped in some sort of “space polymer” and later describes the Silver Surfer as “sexy.”

Also, Sue is pregnant toward the beginning of the film, but there is no discussion of sex (though she and Reed are seen kissing in some scenes, and they subtly allude to how they got pregnant). Though the birth of their child, son Franklin, is a plot point, it is not graphically shown.

There are some intense scenes

During The Fantastic Four: First Steps, there are some intense scenes that may not be suitable for younger (or more sensitive) viewers.

At one point in the movie, the citizens of Earth are upset that Reed and Sue won’t give up their baby, whom they’ve been told is the key to stopping Galactus. The tension escalates into a riot outside their home.

Meanwhile, as with the presence of any MCU villain, there are threats to mankind and characters in peril throughout the film, which could be distressing for children.