Galactus Returns in Fantastic Four: First Steps, Signaling Major Developments for Marvel

Face front, True Believers! The much-anticipated first trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps has landed, offering fans a thrilling first look at Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Marvel's iconic First Family. Accompanying them is the robot companion HERBIE, and the visuals tease a retro-futuristic art design that sets this film apart from other MCU projects. While the movie promises a lot when it hits theaters on July 25, 2025, it's Galactus, the devourer of worlds, who truly steals the spotlight.

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Although we only catch a fleeting glimpse of him, Galactus appears to be more faithful to his comic book roots than in his previous cinematic outing in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. Let's delve into why The Fantastic Four: First Steps is poised to finally give this iconic Marvel character the treatment he deserves.

Who Is The Devourer of Worlds? Galactus Explained

For those unfamiliar with Galactus, let's explore his history in the comics. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in Fantastic Four #48, Galactus was originally a mortal named Galan from the universe before ours. Surviving the cataclysmic Big Bang by merging with his universe's sentience, Galan was reborn as Galactus, a cosmic entity who roams the cosmos, consuming life-bearing planets to sustain himself. Over time, he enlisted various heralds, including the most famous, the Silver Surfer, to locate planets for him.

In his first encounter with the Fantastic Four, the Watcher, breaking his vow of non-interference, warned the team of Galactus' impending arrival. Despite their efforts to stop the Silver Surfer, Galactus still made it to Earth, intent on consuming it. The Fantastic Four managed to turn the Surfer against his master, but it was the Human Torch who ventured into Galactus' worldship, Taa II, to retrieve the Ultimate Nullifier. With it, Mr. Fantastic threatened Galactus, who agreed to spare Earth in exchange for the Nullifier's return. Galactus then left, but not before exiling the Silver Surfer to Earth.

Galactus has since become a pivotal figure in the Marvel Universe, clashing with the Fantastic Four multiple times and engaging with other heroes like Thor. While not traditionally "evil," his necessity to consume planets makes him a morally ambiguous yet compelling antagonist. Despite his importance, previous big-screen portrayals have failed to capture his grandeur.

The Second Coming of Galactus in The Fantastic Four: First Steps

Galactus has appeared in various cartoons and video games, including the '90s Fantastic Four series and Marvel vs. Capcom 3. However, his only prior film appearance was in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007), which disappointed fans. The film deviated from Galactus' iconic comic design, presenting him as a nebulous cloud rather than the majestic figure in purple armor and a giant helmet. He was also rendered mute and seemingly defeated too easily by the Silver Surfer.

In contrast, The Fantastic Four: First Steps promises a more faithful adaptation. The trailer and a drone light show at last year's San Diego Comic-Con suggest a commitment to Jack Kirby's original design. Marvel Studios' decision to feature Galactus as the main antagonist in their Fantastic Four reboot reflects an understanding of fans' dissatisfaction with the previous film and a desire to do justice to the character. With Robert Downey, Jr.'s Doctor Doom reserved for future Avengers films, the focus can be squarely on giving Galactus the impactful MCU debut he deserves.

This is crucial given the MCU's recent struggles in the Multiverse Saga. With many villains already used, Galactus stands out as one of the few remaining characters with the clout to revitalize the franchise. A successful Galactus adaptation could boost the MCU's standing and build anticipation for the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, where the Fantastic Four are set to play major figures.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps - Trailer 1 Stills

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During the time when the Fantastic Four were in exile due to the Fox-Marvel dispute over film rights, fans expressed more interest in seeing the FF's villains, such as Doctor Doom, Annihilus, and Galactus, in the MCU than the team itself. With the Fantastic Four back in the spotlight, and with Ryan North's acclaimed current run on the comics, there's renewed enthusiasm for the team. Yet, it's characters like Galactus who could be the key to re-energizing the MCU post-Multiverse Saga.

Galactus remains one of the most compelling characters linked to the Fantastic Four, and it's high time he receives a proper live-action representation. As we approach the release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps in July, the trailer suggests that Marvel is indeed taking the right steps to honor this cosmic giant.