First Steps is an alternate-universe Marvel movie that uses its parallel universe not to complicate but to separate, shedding the narrative labyrinths of its predecessors. Thanks to the multiverse, its heroic,

“The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” the newest installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is shaping up to be one of Marvel’s best-reviewed and biggest hits in recent years after making $23 million in Thursday previews, a strong showing after the last “Fantastic Four” movie flopped.

When Entertainment Weekly asked Fantastic Four: First Steps director Matt Shakman if Downey Jr. filmed that post-credits scene, the filmmaker pleaded the fifth. "For others to talk about," he teased. However, Shakman did reveal that it was the Russo brothers who helmed the post-credits scene since it was shot for Avengers: Doomsday.

No, silly, superhero movies aren’t dead. The second comic-book movie in the last two weeks, Disney/ Marvel Studios ‘ The Fantastic Four: First Steps is conquering around $23M in previews tonight that began at 2PM. Domestic outlook was $100M-$110M, but the Matt Shakman directed movie is bound to shoot higher.

I t might be off-putting to mention Stan Lee when The Fantastic Four: First Steps wears its affections for Jack Kirby on its knit sleeves. But Lee used to say that Marvel's stories reflected the world outside our window.

Yes, The Fantastic Four: First Steps stars Pedro Pascal — but it also transports the Marvel Cinematic Universe into a whole new phase.

As the credits finish rolling on The Fantastic Four: First Steps, a quote from Fantastic Four co-creator Jack Kirby appears on screen, saying, "If you look at my characters, you will find me. No matter what kind of character you create or assume, a little of yourself must remain there."

Marvel Studios and director Matt Shakman paid tribute to three legends at the end of The Fantastic Four: First Steps.