The Fantastic Four: First Steps introduces Marvel’s First Family into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). While the film exists in an alternate reality from the main MCU timeline, its impact on the ongoing Multiverse Saga is significant. The story establishes that the Fantastic Four, consisting of Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm, have already been active superheroes for four years. Despite their prior heroic deeds, this story places them in situations that test both their abilities and their family bond. The film emphasizes that the Fantastic Four are not only powerful heroes but a tightly-knit unit ready to face cosmic-level threats.
The main conflict of the film centers on Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds. In the climactic moments, the Fantastic Four must confront this immense cosmic entity. Galactus’ presence immediately raises the stakes, and the battle demonstrates the team’s courage, intelligence, and ability to work together. Facing a being who existed before the dawn of time in Earth-828, the Fantastic Four show that they can rise to the challenge of protecting their planet. The film suggests that Galactus’ introduction will have long-term consequences for the MCU, especially as part of the larger multiverse narrative.
Galactus Targets Franklin Richards, Highlighting Family Bonds and Cosmic Power Responsibilities
Galactus initially targets Earth because his herald, Shalla-Bal, has marked the planet for destruction. However, when he meets the Fantastic Four, he recognizes the unborn child of Sue and Reed, Franklin Richards, as possessing the Power Cosmic. Instead of destroying the planet immediately, Galactus attempts to capture Franklin, seeing him as a solution to his endless hunger. The Fantastic Four refuse to surrender the child and choose to protect him at all costs. This decision emphasizes the family-centered values of the team and establishes Franklin as a key figure in the MCU whose powers could have universe-altering effects.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)In the MCU, Galactus’ backstory differs slightly from the comics. He was once a human of ordinary size, but was cursed with a hunger that forces him to consume entire planets. This hunger drives his obsession with Franklin Richards because the child’s Power Cosmic could absorb the curse and free Galactus from his endless need. This storyline explores themes of power, responsibility, and sacrifice. Galactus’ survival depends on consuming worlds, while Franklin represents a potential solution that could change the cosmic balance permanently.
The Fantastic Four Battle Galactus While Franklin Richards Shows Incredible Reality-Altering Powers
The Fantastic Four face Galactus using both strategy and sheer determination. Their efforts to negotiate or relocate the Earth fail, but Sue Storm uses her vast abilities to push Galactus into a transporter, sending him to an unknown part of the universe. Although Galactus is temporarily removed, he is not dead. His hunger and his power remain, leaving the possibility of his return open for future MCU stories. This unresolved danger maintains tension and sets the stage for further conflicts involving cosmic and multiversal threats.
Franklin Richards demonstrates his extraordinary abilities when he resurrects his mother after she dies from overexerting her powers. At that moment, Franklin touches Sue and brings her back to life, showing that even as a baby, he has control over life and death. The visual representation of Franklin’s powers also hints at his connection to the universe itself, revealing that he can manipulate reality on a massive scale. This scene confirms Franklin as a central character in the MCU, paralleling his comic book role as one of the most powerful mutants who can shape entire realities.
The movie concludes with a time skip of four years. Franklin, now a toddler, is visited by Doctor Doom, who holds his mask in one hand. This encounter foreshadows future conflicts and indicates Doctor Doom’s role in storylines such as Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars. By the end of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, the First Family is firmly established in the multiverse. The film positions Franklin Richards, Doctor Doom, and Galactus as central figures in shaping the next phase of the MCU. It also establishes the Fantastic Four as a family whose choices and powers will have far-reaching consequences.
