In a recent social media post, Rob Liefeld, the renowned comic book artist best known for co-creating Deadpool alongside Fabian Nicieza, has unleashed sharp criticism against Marvel Studios’ latest MCU entry, The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool/Wade Wilson in Marvel Studios’ DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. ©.
Liefeld’s Scathing Social Media Posts
Liefeld took to X to share his disappointment, posting a photo of a nearly empty IMAX theater during a 5 p.m. screening of the movie.
This was the 5pm Fantastic Four screening at my IMAX. I can tell you why there is very little repeat biz on this film. It’s impossibly dull & boring. pic.twitter.com/AdiHfOmbMS
— robliefeld (@robertliefeld) July 30, 2025
“This was the 5 p.m. Fantastic Four screening at my IMAX,” Liefeld said. “I can tell you why there is very little repeat biz on this film. It’s impossibly dull & boring.”
This post sparked immediate attention and was widely reported across entertainment outlets.
In a follow-up post, Liefeld offered some tempered praise amid his overall negativity.
Vanessa Kirby carries the entire film and is tasked with some ridiculous lifts. She’s the VIP. Also, the Franklin baby is the cutest kid ever on screen. Adorable.
— robliefeld (@robertliefeld) July 30, 2025
“Vanessa Kirby carries the entire film and is tasked with some ridiculous lifts,” he said. “She’s the VIP. Also, the Franklin baby is the cutest kid ever on screen. Adorable.”
Despite these compliments, Liefeld’s primary takeaway was one of boredom and dissatisfaction.
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 11: Kevin Feige, President, Marvel Studios speaks onstage during the Walt Disney Studios presentation at Cinemacon in Las Vegas, Nevada on April 11, 2024. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)
This isn’t the first time Liefeld has targeted Marvel Studios or its leadership. His criticism of The Fantastic Four: First Steps aligns with a pattern of public grievances, particularly aimed at Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige, whom Liefeld has accused of mistreating comic book creators.
Background: Liefeld’s Rocky History with Marvel
Liefeld’s relationship with Marvel has been strained for years, culminating in a dramatic split announced in February 2025. On his podcast Robservations, Liefeld detailed a series of perceived indignities at the July 2024 premiere of Deadpool & Wolverine, the blockbuster film based on his co-creation.
He claimed he and his family were denied access to the afterparty, ignored by Feige on the red carpet, and that group photos he posed for with the film’s team were deliberately deleted.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 11: Kevin Feige, President, Marvel Studios speaks onstage during the Walt Disney Studios presentation at Cinemacon in Las Vegas, Nevada on April 11, 2024. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)
“It was meant to embarrass, diminish, defeat me,” Liefeld said of the experience in his podcast episode titled Marvel: Access Denied! He further lambasted Feige, stating, “Kevin Feige does not treat comic book creators well. That is my personal experience.” Liefeld also referenced earlier frustrations, including Marvel’s controversial decision in 2023 to retroactively credit former editor Roy Thomas as a co-creator of Wolverine, which upset the family of original co-creator Len Wein, a close associate of Liefeld’s.
In a June 2024 email to Marvel, Liefeld requested prominent credits for himself and Nicieza at the beginning of Deadpool & Wolverine, along with better access to promotional events. When these requests went unfulfilled, Liefeld decided to sever all ties, declaring on his podcast, “At some point, you go, ‘I’ve received the message, and the message is clear.'”
(L-R): Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool/Wade Wilson and Hugh Jackman as Wolverine/Logan in 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios’ DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE. Photo by Jay Maidment. © 2024 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2024 MARVEL.
This marked the end of over 30 years of collaboration, during which Liefeld contributed iconic characters like Deadpool, Cable, and Domino to the Marvel universe.
Liefeld’s departure wasn’t his first retirement announcement; he had previously signaled in 2024 that he was stepping away from drawing Deadpool, citing age and a desire to focus on his independent work, including reviving his Image Comics series like Youngblood. However, the 2025 split was more acrimonious, fueled by what Liefeld described as ongoing disrespect from Marvel Studios.
The Film’s Performance and Reception
Directed by Matt Shakman, The Fantastic Four: First Steps reboots Marvel’s First Family in the MCU, starring Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing, and Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch.
The film introduces the team in a retro-futuristic setting, complete with appearances from Franklin Richards as a baby and hints at larger multiversal threats.
Galactus in Fantastic Four: First Steps – YouTube, Marvel Entertainment
Despite Liefeld’s harsh words, the movie has garnered generally positive reviews, holding an 86% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 65% score on Criticless.
At the box office, The Fantastic Four: First Steps has earned approximately $241.3 million globally in its early run. It’s projected to bring in $45 million to $52 million during its second weekend, representing a 55% to 60% drop from its opening—a steeper decline than some MCU films and a far sharper decline than Superman saw last month.
Julia Garner as the Silver Surfer in The Fantastic Four: First Steps – YouTube, Marvel Entertainment
These disappointing numbers suggest mixed word-of-mouth and potentially align with Liefeld’s observation of “very little repeat biz.”
Broader Implications for Marvel and Creator Relations
Liefeld’s comments come at a time when Marvel Studios is navigating post-Avengers: Endgame challenges, including audience fatigue and calls for better treatment of original creators. His accusations echo sentiments from other figures, such as X-Men ’97 showrunner Beau DeMayo, who reposted a video criticizing Feige’s respect for artists.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JULY 25: Kevin Feige speaks during the ceremony honoring him with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Hollywood, California on July 25, 2024 . (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Disney)
Liefeld has continued to voice frustrations, even predicting in later posts that Feige should get “off the mound” amid underperforming films like Captain America: Brave New World. Whether this latest slam will impact Marvel’s trajectory remains to be seen, but it highlights ongoing tensions between the studio’s cinematic empire and the comic creators who laid its foundations.
The cast of Fantastic Four: First Steps – YouTube, Marvel Entertainment
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is currently playing in theaters worldwide. As for Liefeld, he’s shifted focus to his independent projects, including sales of Youngblood through platforms like Whatnot, distancing himself further from the Marvel machine he once helped build.
Do you agree with Rob Liefeld about Fantastic Four? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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