Welcome to another cosmic episode of Movies on TV Podcast Industries! We're back in the cinema for the 37th Marvel Cinematic Universe film – and the first movie in MCU Phase 6 – with our Fantastic Four : First Steps movie review.

This action-packed, heartfelt film reintroduces Marvel’s First Family with a blend of emotion, interstellar threats, and a baby with godlike powers. If you're searching for an in-depth Fantastic Four 2025 review, you've come to the right place!

• Our spoiler-filled breakdown of Fantastic Four: First Steps
• The new MCU versions of Reed, Sue, Johnny, and Ben
• The terrifying arrival of Galactus and the Silver Surfer’s tragic arc
• Franklin Richards' powers and post-credits shockers
• What this means for Avengers: Doomsday

In an alternate New York on Earth-828, four years after gaining their powers, the Fantastic Four find themselves dealing with a new challenge: parenthood.

But when the Silver Surfer arrives to warn Earth of its impending destruction by Galactus, the team must venture beyond the stars, protect their unborn child, and find a way to save Earth – even if it means sacrificing everything.

The plot escalates through teleportation technology, diplomatic missions, the underground realm of Subterranea, and a heartbreaking final stand in Times Square. A sacrifice is made. A mother is resurrected. And a cloaked figure steps into the MCU.

The Fantastic Four Will Return in Avengers: Doomsday

1. She's having a baby - The introduction of Marvel's First Family
2. Killer Eater from Outer Space - A warning from the herald of Galactus
3. Battle Beyond The Stars - The first confrontation
4. Escape From New York - Preparing the Earth for the planet eaters arrival
5. The Day The Invisible Woman Stood Still - Franklin's powers revealed.

• Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic
• Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm / Invisible Woman
• Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm / The Thing
• Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm / Human Torch
• Ralph Ineson as Galactus
• Julia Garner as Shalla-Bal / Silver Surfer
• Natasha Lyonne as Rachel Rozman
• Paul Walter Hauser as Harvey Elder / Mole Man
• Sarah Niles as Lynne Nichols
• Mark Gatiss as Ted Gilbert
• Ada Scott as Franklin Richards
• Matthew Wood as H.E.R.B.I.E.

Don’t miss a moment of our Marvel coverage and loads more. Subscribe to TV Podcast Industries at: https://tvpodcastindustries.com

Related Episode: When it all goes wrong Listen to our review of the truly terrible Fantastic Four 2015

We’re back August 1st with a review of the new animated series The Eyes of Wakanda on Disney+. Join us for more deep dives, Easter eggs, and Marvel madness.

Contact Us

Got thoughts on Fantastic Four: First Steps, Franklin Richards, or the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday?

We want to hear from you!

Email: feedback@tvpodcastindustries.com or Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/tvpodcastindustries

Hosted by Derek and John

TV Podcast Industries

All images and audio clips are copyright of their copyright holders no infringement is intended. The music for this podcastis licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

John and Derek explore Season 2, Episode 3 of The Sandman "More Devils Than Vast Hell Can Avoid", where Morpheus must decide whether to surrender Hell’s keys to save Nada. The episode delves into trust and desire, concluding the first arc of season 2.

Episode teleplay by Alexander Wise

Episode directed by Jamie Childs

Synopsis: Following the banquet for the delegates who wish to claim Hell, the Faerie ambassador Nuala runs into Dream and they recount their first meeting.

In England, 1593, Dream inspires William Shakespeare to write A Midsummer Night's Dream and makes him play it for King Auberon, Queen Titania, and their courtiers as an attempt to heal a rift between the Dreaming and Faerie by making mankind forever remember the fae through the play. King Auberon and his queen Titania like the play and make amends with Dream.

In the present, Dream discusses his dilemma with Nuala and she provides guidance based on that first meeting. The next morning, everyone assembles to hear his decision.

Dream ultimately decides to return the lordship of Hell to the Creator, provoking Azazel into attacking him.

However, being in the Dreaming, his seat of power, Dream easily overpowers Azazel and saves his former lover Nada.

Before his departure, Cluracan reveals that Nuala is a gift to Dream from Titania, and Dream reluctantly accepts after Nuala herself agrees to stay.

As the rest of the guests leave, Dream finds that Loki posed as Susano-o-no-Mikoto to avoid returning to punishment in the underworld.

After pleading for leniency, Dream plans to replace him in his torment as long as Loki agrees to be in Dreams debt.

With the conservatorship of Hell resolved, Dream approaches a retired Lucifer and they peacefully part ways.

Later, he apologizes to Nada. She does not accept his apology and leaves for the waking world instead.

TV Podcast Industries is made possible by our supporters on Patreon. You can follow and support us here: https://www.patreon.com/tvpodcastindustries

Thanks for joining us for our podcast all about The Sandman Season 2 Episode 3 "More Devils Than Vast Hell Can Avoid". We'll be back next time with our discussions about The Sandman Season 2 Episode 4 "Brief Lives" as a new arc begins for the series.

Thanks so much for joining us fellow Dreamers.

John and Derek

TV Podcast Industries

The music for this episode "Lucille" by Zenji is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives (Creative Commons 4.0)

The trip to Hell doesn't go as planned for Morpheus in The Sandman Season 2 Episode 2 "Ruler of Hell". There is no battle, no negotiation just a surprising proposition.

Episode teleplay by Ameni Rozsa

Episode directed by Jamie Childs

Synopsis: Finding Hell eerily empty upon his arrival, Dream is confronted by Lucifer who, weary of their duty, has abdicated the throne and released all souls and demons from it to roam other worlds.

After sending Mazikeen away, Lucifer persuades Dream to ceremoniously cut off their wings and with that, they exact their revenge as they make Dream the custodian of Hell.

Burdened by the new responsibility and talking to Death about it, Dream returns to the Dreaming which is soon flooded by delegations of supernatural beings seeking dominion over Hell, among them being the gods Susano-o-no-Mikoto, Odin, Thor and Loki, a delegation from Faerie led by Cluracan and Nuala, Kilderkin's servant of the Lords of Order, Shivering Jemmy of the Lords of Chaos, and a group of demons led by Azazel, Choronzon, and Merkin who demand Hell is returned to them.

Two angels named Remiel and Duma descend from Heaven as observers for the Creator.

Dream welcomes everyone in his palace as guests and throws a banquet for them prepared by Taramis to watch all and decide who is the worthy recipient of the Key to Hell.

During the night, as Cain provides the entertainment by cutting up his brother Abel, Kilderkin's servant, Shivering Jemmy, Susano-o-no-Mikoto, and Odin approach Dream with various bribes to sway his decision.

Requesting a meeting Azazel provides his bribe by eating Choronzon (who was previously webbed up by Merkin) and reveals he has captured Morpheus' former lover Nada. He demands Hell in exchange for Nada's soul.

TV Podcast Industries is made possible by our supporters on Patreon. You can follow and support us here: https://www.patreon.com/tvpodcastindustries

Thanks for joining us for our podcast all about The Sandman Season 2 Episode 2 "Ruler of Hell". We'll be back next time with our discussions about The Sandman Season 2 Episode 3 "More Devils Than Vast Hell Can Avoid".

Thanks so much for joining us fellow Dreamers.

John and Derek

TV Podcast Industries

The music for this episode "Lucille" by Zenji is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives (Creative Commons 4.0)

John and Derek return to discuss The Sandman Season 2 Episode 1 "Seasons of Mist". The opening of the first arc of the series begins with a meeting of the Endless and we discuss it all in spoiler filled detail.

Episode teleplay by Allan Heinberg

Episode directed by Jamie Childs

Synopsis: Dream starts to rebuild the Dreaming, but is interrupted by a summons to attend a family gathering of the Endless where he meets his siblings, Destiny, Death, Desire, Despair and Delirium.

As they mention their absent brother who broke off contact with them centuries ago, Destiny explains that the Fates have revealed a cryptic prophecy to him that would start to unwind with their meeting.

Desire aggravates Dream, reminding him of Nada, a human queen whom he fell in love with millennia ago, but condemned to Hell after she ended the relationship, claiming the Endless and mortals cannot live together.

Dream storms off to cool his anger towards Desire but after a discussion with Death, Dream learns that she agrees with Desire and Dream was in the wrong.

Morpheus' intense respect for his sister leads him to consider her assessment far more than he would have for Desire and he resolves to save Nada.

Before leaving once more, Morpheus makes the Dreaming secure by having Lucienne be in charge while he is away and meeting Lyta Hall and Hob Gadling, all in case he would not succeed.

As Dream enters Hell, Lucifer Morningstar calls on their demonic legions, intent to execute revenge on Dream for their humiliation during their past clash.

As Destiny sees the tale unfold in his book, Dream arrives at the gates of Hell and he is afraid.

TV Podcast Industries is made possible by our supporters on Patreon. You can follow and support us here: https://www.patreon.com/tvpodcastindustries

Thanks for joining us for our podcast all about The Sandman Season 2 Episode 1 "Seasons of Mist". We'll be back next time with our discussions about The Sandman Season 2 Episode 2 "Ruler of Hell".

Thanks so much for joining us fellow Dreamers.

John and Derek

TV Podcast Industries

The music for this episode "Lucille" by Zenji is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives (Creative Commons 4.0)

In the thrilling finale of Marvel’s Ironheart on Disney+, John and Derek from TV Podcast Industries break down Episode 6: “The Past Is The Past”, directed by Angela Barnes and written by Chinaka Hodge.

This episode marks the long-awaited arrival of Mephisto to the MCU and delivers a powerful conclusion to Riri Williams’ first solo series. Join us for a full recap, analysis, and discussion on Riri’s final battle, Parker’s unraveling, and the mysterious deal that changes everything.

Mid-credits tease? Supreme help might just be on the menu…

Episode 6 Recap Highlights:

• Parker attempts to rob his father’s mansion, escapes through a tunnel, and meets a hooded man who offers him power — for a price.
• Parker feels the cost of the deal and confronts the mysterious man, who insists the terms were fulfilled.
• Riri can’t restore N.A.T.A.L.I.E. and faces Parker directly. She battles Ezekiel, who helps free himself from Parker’s control.
• Riri defeats Parker, removes his hood, and sentences him to eternal suffering.
• Mephisto reveals himself and offers Riri a deal, which she accepts on the condition he spares her loved ones.
• Back in her garage, Riri thinks she’s rebuilt her AI — but it’s Natalie, physically revived. As they embrace, Mephisto’s mark begins to spread on Riri’s skin.

Cast & Characters:

• Dominique Thorne – Riri Williams / Ironheart
• Anthony Ramos – Parker Robbins / The Hood
• Lyric Ross – Natalie Washington / N.A.T.A.L.I.E.
• Matthew Elam – Xavier Washington
• Anji White – Ronnie Williams
• Alden Ehrenreich – Ezekiel Stane
• Regan Aliyah – Zelma Stanton
• Sacha Baron Cohen – Mephisto

MIT Student Bar Quiz – Final Question (Ep6):

Question 6:

How many people in the Forbes Top 100 Rich List have made a deal with Mephisto?

Bonus: How many kings, popes, and Beatles have done the same?

Submit your answers to 📧 feedback@tvpodcastindustries.com for a chance to win Ironheart-themed goodies!

All quiz questions here: tvpodcastindustries.com/blog/ironheartquiz

Subscribe & Follow TV Podcast Industries:

• Visit our website: tvpodcastindustries.com
• Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music & more
• Join our Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/tvpodcastindustries
• Send feedback & theories: feedback@tvpodcastindustries.com
• Leave a voice message on our website!

Release Schedule:

We’ll be back in two weeks with our Ironheart wrap-up podcast — and to announce the MIT Student Bar Quiz winner! Thanks for joining us all season.

— Derek & John, TV Podcast Industries

Music & Legal:

Intro/Outro music: “tech” by Voide via Free Music Archive (Creative Commons 4.0)

All images and clips © Marvel Studios & Disney+. Used under fair use for commentary and review.

In this episode of TV Podcast Industries, John, Chris, and Derek dive deep into Ironheart Episode 5, as Riri faces magical upgrades, AI betrayals, and rising threats.

• Riri reunites with Zelma, but The Hood’s power is growing.
• A surprise attack leaves Riri’s suit damaged — and her AI, N.A.T.A.L.I.E., shuts down.
• Ezekiel Stane reveals his bionic powers and issues a dire warning.
• With support from Ronnie, Xavier, and Landon, Riri begins building a new suit — one powered by magic but with a painful cost.
• Meanwhile, Parker takes drastic steps to reclaim his father's empire, as the dark energy inside him continues to spread…

• Riri’s turning point and character growth
• How this episode sets up the finale
• Major comic book connections
• Our take on Ezekiel, Clown, and Parker’s dark evolution

What is the name of the realm that Zelma transports Riri, Ronnie and her mum to?

Send your answer to: 📧 feedback@tvpodcastindustries.com

👉 All quiz questions: www.tvpodcastindustries.com

We’d love your feedback, thoughts, or theories!

• 📧 Email us: feedback@tvpodcastindustries.com
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Join our community: facebook.com/groups/tvpodcastindustries
• 🎤 Send a voicemail from our site: tvpodcastindustries.com

Never miss an episode! Find us on:

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Google Podcasts

Or visit: tvpodcastindustries.com

• Music: “tech” by Voide – used under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
• All images and audio clips © Marvel Studios & Disney+. Used under fair use for the purposes of commentary and review.

With one of our team lost in another realm, John and Derek return to discuss Ironheart Episode 4 "Bad Magic" in our spoiler-filled podcast. We may have gushed a little too much about the MCU arrival of one of our favourite Marvel witches but we make no apologies.

Directed by Angela Barnes

Written by Amir Sulaiman

Episode Synopsis:

Knowing that Parker Robbins, aka The Hood is on her trail, Riri analyzes the piece of The Hood’s cloak she recovered, which she discovers is an ancient energy source that Parker draws upon.

Meanwhile Eziekiel Stane (aka Joe McGillacuddy) has been arrested for the crew's heist after being implicated by the biomesh left behind by Riri, and he is very resentful towards her when she visits him in detention.

With things stacking up Ronnie, Riri’s mum, gets increasingly worried about her daughter and wants to help, bringing her to her friend Madeline Stanton, a former Kamar-Taj trainee, and her daughter Zelma.

The Stantons help examine the fragment of the hood and detect that it is from a dark dimension that is likely influencing Robbins, before abruptly ushering Riri and Ronnie out of the shop. Ronnie shares her frustrations about her daughter never opening up to her, but Riri leaves in her iron suit after pushing back against her mother’s assertion.

Frustrated in her lack of findings with the cloak fragment, Riri meets up with Xavier, who tries to support her but is later horrified by N.A.T.A.L.I.E. emulating his late sister's image. N.A.T.A.L.I.E. leaves when Riri contemplates Xavier's demand to delete it.

Elsewhere, The Hood breaks Eziekiel out of jail to recruit him as Riri's replacement, and Slug assists his efforts to implant bionic enhancements in his body, while secretly giving Parker access and control over the bionic enhancements.

With everything now in place, Parker sends the crew on an extra mission this time to kill Riri, telling them she killed Cousin John.

Ironheart Episode 4 Cast

• Dominique Thorne as Riri Williams / Ironheart
• Anthony Ramos as Parker Robbins / The Hood
• Lyric Ross as Natalie Washington / N.A.T.A.L.I.E.
• Matthew Elam as Xavier Washington
• Anji White as Ronnie Williams
• Shea Colee as Slug
• Sonia Denis as Clown
• Alden Ehrenreich as Ezekiel Stane

During each podcast we'll ask a question about each episode in our Ironheart MIT Student Bar Quiz. You can send in your answers each week to feedback@tvpodcastindustries.com At the end of the six episode series the fellow Defenders with the most correct answers will be in with the chance of getting their hands on some Ironheart goodies. All questions will be updated on: https://www.tvpodcastindustries.com

Thank you so much for listening to our Ironheart Podcast. Make sure you subscribe to the podcast through our website TV Podcast Industries.

If you would like to send any of your thoughts in please send the m to feedback@tvpodcastindustries.com join us on facebook at Facebook.com/groups/tvpodcastindustries or you can now record your thoughts for the podcast directly from our website tvpodcastindustries.com by clicking the “Send Voicemail” button.

We'll be back this weekend with our podcast on Ironheart Episode 5 "Karma's a Glitch". We hope you'll join us.

Keep watching, Keep Listing and Keep Defending

John, Chris and Derek

Defenders on TV Podcast Industries

Date recorded: 02/07/2025

Date published: 03/07/2025

All images and audio clips are copyright of Marvel and Disney Plus and are used for the purposes of review no infringement is intended. The intro and outro music for our show is the song “tech” written by “Voide” courtesy of Free Music Archive and used under the creative commons 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

The Sandman has returned for it's second and final Season on Netflix but unfortunately John and Derek are going too be a bit late with our podcasts about the show because we're on holidays until the middle of July.

Until we return we want to hear your thoughts on the first six chapter season 2 please send them to feedback@tvpodcastindustries.com join us on facebook at facebook.com/groups/tvpodcastindustries or you can record your thoughts for the podcast directly from our website tvpodcastindustries.com by clicking the “Send Voicemail” button.

We can't wait to hear your thoughts and chat all about the first six chapters of The Sandman when we return in July.

Take Care fellow Dreamers

Derek and John

TV Podcast Industries