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.

Marvel's First Family is finally part of the MCU with "The Fantastic Four: First Steps," and they have a truly storied history. But that might make you worry that you have a lot of homework to do before seeing the film.

There are slight spoilers for The Fantastic Four: First Steps in this article. From the moment a new, modified Marvel logo rolls on screen in front of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, you know that you’re in for a very different movie from the typical MCU movies we’ve been seeing lately.