Galactus Returns in Fantastic Four: Big Implications for Marvel

Attention all Marvel fans! The eagerly awaited first trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps has landed, giving us our initial glimpse of Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach stepping into the roles of Marvel's iconic First Family. Along with their robot companion HERBIE, the trailer showcases a retro-futurism-inspired art design that sets this film apart from other MCU projects. The excitement is palpable as we look forward to its release on July 25, 2025, but one character who looms large above the rest is Galactus, the devourer of worlds.

Where Is Doctor Doom In the Fantastic Four: First Steps Trailer?

While Doctor Doom remains elusive in the trailer, the spotlight firmly rests on Galactus, who appears more true to his comic book roots than his previous cinematic incarnation in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. Let's delve into why The Fantastic Four: First Steps seems ready to honor this legendary Marvel character.

Who Is The Devourer of Worlds? Galactus Explained

If you're new to the Marvel universe, let's unpack the history in the comics of Galactus. Originally Galan, a mortal from the universe before our own, he survived the cataclysmic Big Bang by merging with the sentience of his universe, transforming into the cosmic entity known as Galactus. Towering over the cosmos, Galactus must consume life-bearing planets to sustain his existence. His heralds, most notably the Silver Surfer, scout out these planets for him.

The first clash between Galactus and the Fantastic Four was marked by a warning from the Watcher, who broke his vow of non-interference to alert Earth of the impending doom. Despite their efforts to stop the Silver Surfer, Galactus arrived to feast on the planet. The Fantastic Four managed to sway the Surfer to their side, leading to a daring mission by the Human Torch into Galactus' worldship, Taa II, to retrieve the Ultimate Nullifier, the only weapon capable of threatening the cosmic devourer. With Mr. Fantastic brandishing the Nullifier, Galactus agreed to spare Earth, leaving the Silver Surfer exiled on our planet as punishment for his betrayal.

Since then, Galactus has been a pivotal figure in the Marvel universe, engaging with the Fantastic Four and other heroes like Thor, revealing more of his complex backstory. Though not traditionally evil, Galactus operates in a gray area, driven by survival rather than malice. Despite his importance, his big-screen representation has left much to be desired—until now.

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

Galactus has appeared in various media, from the '90s Fantastic Four cartoon to Marvel vs. Capcom 3, but his cinematic debut in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer was a disappointment. Instead of the iconic purple-armored giant with a distinctive helmet, audiences saw a nebulous cloud with little personality or presence. His silent departure and apparent defeat by the Silver Surfer did not meet fan expectations.

However, The Fantastic Four: First Steps promises a different approach. The trailer, combined with a drone light show tease at San Diego Comic-Con last year, suggests a faithful adaptation of Jack Kirby's classic design. Marvel's decision to feature Galactus as the main antagonist, amidst a plenty of FF baddies to choose from, signals a commitment to rectifying past mistakes. With Robert Downey, Jr.'s Doctor Doom reportedly reserved for future Avengers films, the focus is squarely on giving Galactus the grand MCU debut he deserves.

This is crucial for the MCU, especially after the recent struggles of the Multiverse Saga. With many villains they've burned through, Galactus stands out as one of the few characters with the gravitas to reinvigorate the franchise. A successful adaptation could bolster the MCU's reputation and build anticipation for the next two Avengers films, where the Fantastic Four are expected 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 rights dispute, fans expressed a keen interest in seeing the FF's rogues gallery, including Doctor Doom, Annihilus, and Galactus, integrated into the MCU. Now, with the Fantastic Four back in the spotlight, the current run by Ryan North on the comics is a testament to their enduring appeal. Yet, it's clear that characters like Galactus could be the key to revitalizing the MCU post-Multiverse Saga.

Galactus is not just another villain; he's a cornerstone of the Fantastic Four mythos, and it's high time he gets the live-action treatment he deserves. As we approach the July release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, the trailer suggests that Marvel is taking significant strides in the right direction.