Bold words can silence loud critics—and that's exactly what just happened online. After Deadpool creator Rob Liefeld threw shade at Marvel’s latest reboot, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, one of the film’s stars fired back with just two unforgettable words. But here’s where things get spicy—fans are now split over who actually made the better point.
It all started when X account Culture Crave shared a post showing an exchange between Liefeld and actor Ralph Ineson. Liefeld, known for his outspoken takes, criticized the film’s visual effects, claiming the CGI looked “fake” and declaring that “Marvel FX fell off a cliff.” That’s when Ineson—who portrays the cosmic villain Galactus—decided to respond. His comeback? Two simple words: “rent free.” A laughing-crying emoji sealed the deal. The message was clear: Liefeld’s criticism seemed to be living in Ineson’s headspace without paying any rent.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps marks Marvel’s highly anticipated reintroduction of the superpowered family into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film reimagines the team’s origins, weaving a story that follows Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), and their allies as they battle to protect Earth—and their son Franklin—from the cosmic threat of Galactus. With its retro-futuristic visuals and streamlined plot, this version has been praised as a refreshingly grounded take on Marvel’s First Family. Still, it’s ironic that while the movie succeeds in narrative clarity, the online discussion surrounding it has reignited a much larger debate about the quality of Marvel’s visual effects.
And this is where things get controversial: has Marvel Studios’ FX quality really taken a dive? Liefeld’s critique may seem late, arriving months after the film’s release, but it taps into a growing frustration among fans and critics. Some argue that Marvel—despite its massive budget and access to cutting-edge technology—has been slipping in the visual department. Others insist the backlash is exaggerated and that instances like Ineson’s sharp reply show that some criticisms might be unfairly amplified.
Recent projects like She-Hulk: Attorney at Law and Ant-Man: Quantumania brought this inconsistency into sharper focus. Viewers noted that earlier Marvel films, despite being older, often showcased cleaner and more convincing CGI than some newer titles. For a franchise known for pioneering blockbuster visual effects, that’s becoming hard to ignore. While The Fantastic Four: First Steps may not represent Marvel’s best work in the FX department, it’s certainly not the worst—and serves as a reminder that even under scrutiny, the MCU’s visual storytelling still captures imaginations around the world.
For those eager to judge for themselves, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is now streaming on Disney+, featuring Ralph Ineson as Galactus, Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, and Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm. The film hit theaters on July 25, 2025, with a runtime of 115 minutes.
So what do you think—was Liefeld right to call out Marvel’s CGI, or did Ineson’s two-word comeback shut him down completely? Drop your thoughts below—this debate isn’t ending anytime soon.
