For the most part, Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) stars are experts at keeping details under wraps, but a comment from The Fantastic Four: First Steps star Vanessa Kirby could hint at something big for the film. The Fantastic Four: First Steps is almost upon us, and with the trailers having dropped and the stars of the film already making the press rounds, there is a lot of speculation about what could happen in this film. Of course, in addition to introducing Marvel’s First Family, the film also features the Devourer of Worlds, Galactus as a central antagonist.
While Galactus is a monumental threat, The Fantastic Four have faced him a number of times in comics, and the results generally tend to veer in their favor. However, with the MCU’s version of The Fantastic Four being the only heroes in their reality, it seems as though they will not be able to rely on help from any other major superheroes. Despite this, the inclusion of one new character hints that they may have a secret weapon after all, despite being isolated from the other heroes in the MCU, and that could be the key to their victory over Galactus.
Franklin Richards’ Teased Debut In The Fantastic Four: First Steps Already Seemed Like A Big Deal For The Marvel Movie & MCU
Franklin Richards Is A Hugely Important Character In The Comics
In the latest trailer from The Fantastic Four: First Steps, the film has confirmed that Sue and Reed will have a child who is born during the events of the film. This is a major departure from tradition as most superhero movies tend to keep the focus on the interactions between the heroes, and the antagonists. However, Franklin’s birth in the film is no small detail, and it is not just a distraction. In the comics, Franklin Richards is often depicted as the most powerful hero within the entire Marvel Universe, who has the ability to alter reality with just a thought from the time he is born.
Most superheroes have to spend years developing and refining their talents, but Franklin’s powers are innate and comprehensive. And as a result, when he appears in the comics, the power dynamics drastically shift. Of course, with so much power, the comics had to find ways to skirt around Franklin’s abilities for some time, but the idea of this character, and all of this potential, being added to the MCU is beyond exciting. And that is only reinforced and enhanced thanks to the comments from those working on the movie.
Vanessa Kirby’s Latest Comments About The Fantastic Four Movie Make Franklin Saving The Day Seem So Much More Likely Than Before
Vanessa Kirby May Have Slipped The Big Secret
Vanessa Kirby, who is playing Sue Storm in the MCU, recently sat down with Empire magazine to discuss details about the upcoming film. In her interview, she briefly goes into the experience of telling this story, specifically one that has a child at the center of it all, and she had this to say: “It feels unusual, in a Marvel movie, that there’s a birth in the middle of it. We’re having to risk things for this baby. The questions in this movie feel like fundamental human ones.” However, what is even more interesting was a throwaway line from slightly earlier in the interview when she says; “It’s not just adults that have superpowers.”
Referencing the child as a core part of the story, and highlighting the fact that “not just adults” get superpowers appears to hint at the fact that Franklin will have a central role in the film, and that his powers will manifest from infancy. This is extremely exciting for a number of reasons, not least of which is the fact that it adheres more closely to the comic books that it is adapting. But beyond that, Franklin is an incredible piece of the puzzle in Marvel Comics who has a wealth of exciting stories to be told, and with his familial connection to The Fantastic Four, it makes the entire affair seem so much more personal and meaningful.
Franklin Richards Saving The Fantastic Four From Galactus Would Make A Lot Of Sense For The MCU Movie
Galactus Doesn’t Stand A Chance Against A Hero Like Franklin
As stated above, Franklin has the ability to warp, bend, and change reality with a thought. This, of course, makes him a force to be reckoned with for extraordinarily powerful antagonists such as Galactus. While Galactus has existed for as long as time itself, he is powerless to defeat Franklin. But Franklin is a baby. He is not vindictive, or violent, or cruel. Instead, he simply wants to be with his parents, and be happy. This leads to all kinds of interesting developments, and when Franklin expends his energy to help take down threats like Galactus, he convinces everyone that it has exhausted his powers.
Franklin has the ability to warp, bend, and change reality with a thought.
The MCU could play out a similar story, though it depends on how much Franklin grows up in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and how the movie concludes. But it is possible that Franklin Richards could be the key to saving and restoring lost realities. He could be essential for protecting his home planet and his loved ones from Galactus, and he could be partially responsible for getting them out of their crumbling universe if Galactus does succeed in consuming their world. Whatever the case, Franklin’s role in the film appears to be central.
Franklin Richards Getting His Powers Could Be The Perfect Setup For Avengers: Doomsday
The Heroes Need Help To Fight Doctor Doom
In Thunderbolts*, the MCU introduced a spectacularly powerful superhero called the Sentry. However, while Bob Reynolds possesses powers that may rival the entire team of Avengers, it comes with a major drawback. Bob is mentally unwell, and has a dark past that haunts him. This has led to Bob’s superhero personality splitting in two, with one side, Sentry, being a Golden Guardian of Good, and the other being a dark, destructive Void. So, naturally, Bob is hesitant to access his powers again, which may mean he is largely no help in the fight against Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday.
Meanwhile, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is shifting attention to Franklin Richards, and creating a possibility that this young boy could be the key to overthrowing Doctor Doom. Otherwise, Doom learning about the boy and his powers could serve as an inciting incident for the film, and Doctor Doom could be hunting down the boy to gain or control his powers for himself. Whatever Marvel Studios opts to do with the character, it feels like it’s already tying together loose ends in the Multiverse Saga. However, Franklin Richards’ true role and his powers remain to be seen in The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
Upcoming MCU Movies
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Thunderbolts*
- Release Date
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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
- Release Date
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December 18, 2026
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Spider-Man: Brand New Day
- Release Date
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July 31, 2026
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Avengers: Secret Wars
- Release Date
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December 17, 2027
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