The first teaser trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps may hint at the live-action debut of a very powerful MCU Multiverse Saga hero. Over five years after Marvel boss Kevin Feige hinted at the MCU debut of the Fantastic Four in 2019, the first teaser trailer for 2025’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps has finally provided a first look at Marvel’s new First Family in action. One scene in the trailer, however, could suggest that the Fantastic Four could actually be joined by an exciting character who has already been seen in the MCU.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is expected to be the first MCU movie set entirely in an alternate universe, proving Marvel Studios is making the most of the endless possibilities of the Multiverse Saga. This opens the door for some stories that might be too wild for the mainstream MCU timeline to be explored, including the Fantastic Four’s battle against the terrifying planet-eater, Galactus. In Marvel Comics, this battle is preceded by the arrival of a surprising character, and he has already been seen in the MCU, so could easily return in The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
The Sky Is On Fire In The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ First Teaser Trailer
The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Trailer Released On February 4
The release of the first teaser trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps has spurred many new theories about the hidden details of the upcoming Phase 6 movie. There has been speculation that 1960s-inspired variants of some pre-established MCU characters could appear alongside Marvel’s First Family, and the trailer may have hinted at another well-known character making his live-action debut. This is due to the sky seemingly being on fire in one scene in The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ trailer, which is reminiscent of one issue of Marvel Comics.
In The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ teaser trailer, it seems as though the fire in the sky could be a meteor shower caused by Galactus entering the Earth’s atmosphere, or perhaps signaling the arrival of Shalla-Bal’s Silver Surfer. However, Galactus can later be seen arriving in New York during the day, casting his shadow over the city and looking at the Statue of Liberty. This suggests that the fire in the sky is being caused by another enтιтy, and the answer could lie in Marvel Comics’ Fantastic Four #48 from 1966.
The Watcher Ignites The Skyline To Hide Earth From Galactus In First Steps’ Marvel Comics Inspiration
Fantastic Four #48 Was Singled Out By Marvel As Inspiration For First Steps
After the cast of The Fantastic Four: First Steps was confirmed in February 2024, Marvel also revealed several issues of Marvel Comics that would provide important context for the upcoming Phase 6 movie. One of these was 1966’s Fantastic Four #48, which marked the debut of Galactus and Norrin Radd’s Silver Surfer, and also brought Uatu the Watcher into the Marvel Universe. In an effort to hide the Earth from the Silver Surfer, Galactus’ Herald, the Watcher actually set fire to the sky, though his plans were ultimately futile.
This event immediately preceded the Silver Surfer and Galactus’ arrival on Earth, so it makes sense that this fire-lighting event could also be seen in the live-action MCU, as Ralph Ineson’s Galactus is on his way. Jeffrey Wright has voiced Uatu the Watcher in Marvel’s animated What If…? series since 2021, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps may be about to feature Wright’s live-action debut as the Watcher. Given his access to the entire multiverse and penchant for helping heroes in need, it would be brilliant to see the Watcher appear in The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
What If…? Season 3’s Ending Means The Watcher’s Intervention In First Steps Makes More Sense
The Watcher Became A Bona Fide Hero In What If…? Season 3
The Watcher was introduced in What If…? season 1 as the narrator of stories occurring in alternate realities across the MCU’s multiverse, though he had taken a vow to simply watch and not get involved in the lives of these universes’ inhabitants. This oath was broken by Uatu many times throughout What If…?, such as when he formed the Guardians of the Multiverse, sent a Black Widow variant to an alternate timeline, showed Captain Carter the multiverse and saved Riri Williams and Kwai Jun-Fan. What If…? season 3’s finale took this to the extreme.
Live-action Watchers previously appeared in one of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’s mid-credits scenes, though it seems likely Uatu’s design will be altered if he’s brought into live-action in the current MCU.
Instead of not intervening, Uatu empowered Captain Carter, Kahhori, Storm and Byrdie with the powers of the Watchers and fought his own people. Renouncing his former oath means that the Watcher is ready to interfere in any number of upcoming MCU stories, so his appearance in The Fantastic Four: First Steps to try and save Earth from Galactus and warn the Fantastic Four makes complete sense. This may also allow Kahhori, Storm and Byrdie to appear in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which could begin to establish clear connections to every MCU Multiverse Saga project.
Upcoming MCU Movies
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Captain America: Brave New World
- Release Date
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February 14, 2025
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Thunderbolts*
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May 2, 2025
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The Fantastic Four: First Steps
- Release Date
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July 25, 2025
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Avengers: Doomsday (2026)
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Spider-Man Homecoming 4
- Release Date
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July 24, 2026
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Avengers: Secret Wars
- Release Date
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May 7, 2027
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