Fantastic Four premieres in Lagos

MARVEL Studios’ latest superhero film, ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’, premiered to an excited Nigerian audience Thursday night, at an exclusive screening organised by Filmhouse Group, in partnership with Visa and Chipper Cash.

The event, held at Filmhouse Cinemas IMAX, Lagos, brought together celebrities, content creators, media, and Marvel fans to experience one of the year’s most anticipated films ahead of its continental release on Friday, July 25.

“We are thrilled to bring Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps to audiences across Nigeria and even more energised to artner with Visa and Chipper Cash to make this global event accessible to local audiences in new and exciting ways,” said Kene Okwuosa, Group CEO of Filmhouse Group at the premeiere.

Speaking further, the Group CEO highlighted the longstanding partnership with Disney and Marvel Studios, stating “Tonight is a special screening and premiere for Fantastic Four, which is the latest addition to the MCU slate for Marvel. Disney are a studio partner of ours and we’ve worked on releasing the Disney slate in this market and English-speaking West Africa for a number of years now.”

He added that the crowd’s excitement reflects deep interest in the film and its place in Marvel’s future. “The excitement that people have for Fantastic Four is very evident, and the thing that’s probably excited us most is the ability to be able to bring it to our audiences with one of our most formidable partners, Visa.”

“We started our partnership from last year and all I can say is that it’s been one of the most beneficial and integral piece of partnership that we have had. We’re really grateful for our partnership with Visa.”

Asked about his favorite character, he said, “My favorite character is Johnny Storm because I want to fly. Though all the other powers are really unique and very interesting, I belong to club Johnny.”

Reactions from the audience

Guests at the premiere shared their reactions after watching the film, with many praising its emotional depth and family-centered plot. Udu Ogehenro, a writer, described the atmosphere, saying “I got to meet my favourite celebrities and also enjoyed a great movie experience. Also, the movie was suspense-filled and filled with intensity that put everyone on the edge of their seat.”

“When asked what her takeaway from the movie was, Oghenero said, ‘I won’t sacrifice my child for this world, and I won’t sacrifice this world for my child. I’ll recommend it to others, you will be glad you watched it.’”

Similalry, David Olaniyi said the film met his expectations for an unforgettable experience. “The movie was really hot on the unbreakable bond of family and friendship,” he said .A mother’s love for her child and her world was the center piece for me. It showed a sense of family, parenthood, and it is PG friendly.”

He continued, “I will fully recommend this movie for Nigerians and all movie lovers out there. It was wonderful and Marvel does always, they left a snippet for what is next to happen in the next movie. It was suspense and now I can’t wait. You should go see it to know what I am talking about.”

On his art, Udu Ogehenero, a writer, said “The storyline was amazing, that it was like no one left the cinema hall till the end. Everyone in the hall came from different walks of life, but we were united in enjoying how the scenes played out, and also reacted the same way. I especially loved the emphasis on love for family, and what sacrifice truly is.”

Summary of the movie

Set four years after the team gains powers, ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’ sees Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm face Galactus, a cosmic destroyer of worlds. After Galactus demands Sue’s unborn child, the team refuses, launching a desperate fight for Earth.

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