Reed Richards’ powers receive an emotional reason for not appearing in the first The Fantastic Four: First Steps trailer, thanks to a new Marvel Cinematic Universe theory. For the first time in the film franchise’s 20 years, the Fantastic Four’s live-action movies get a new entry crafted by Marvel Studios. Due to that, there is a lot of excitement surrounding the MCU debut of the fan-favorite team from the comics, and all of that was evidenced by the overwhelmingly positive reception to the first trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

According to Disney, Marvel’s first Fantastic Four movie had one of the MCU’s most successful trailers. 202 million views within its first 24 hours of release across all platforms made The Fantastic Four: First Steps‘ trailer a huge hit. That has led to the most anticipated of the 2025 MCU movies breaking into the top 10 of all time for trailers in their first 24 hours.

The MCU’s first Fantastic Four movie trailer raised a few questions. The footage showed a good look at The Fantastic Four: First Steps‘ cast, with Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards standing out for a surprising reason.

Every Fantastic Four Hero Had Their Powers In The Trailer Save For Reed Richards

Pedro Pascal’s Marvel Hero Did Not Use His Powers

The Fantastic Four have some of the most recognizable powers in Marvel Comics. Due to that, fans were excited to see how Marvel Studios would realize them on the big screen. As expected, the first trailer for the MCU’s Fantastic Four film featured quite a bit of action, giving the audience a peek at the Fantastic Four’s powers. Johnny Storm burst into flames and even flew seemingly outside the Earth’s atmosphere, Sue Storm turned invisible and projected force fields, and Ben Grimm’s The Thing state showed his rocky exterior and how fast he could run now.

However, Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards did not have his elastic powers shown even for a single sH๏τ in The Fantastic Four: First Steps‘ trailer. Most of the footage featured Reed in plain clothes, with the character interacting with Sue and other Fantastic Four members. Reed also worked on a long chalkboard that would have made for the perfect use of his powers, showing how he could stretch his arm to cover the whole board, but Marvel chose not to. There are a couple of reasons that could explain that decision, and a heartbreaking MCU theory offers a possible dark answer.

MCU Fantastic Four Theory: Reed Richards Does Not Accept The Team’s Transformation

The Hero Is Trying To Find A Cure For The Fantastic Four

A new The Fantastic Four: First Steps theory explains why Reed Richards did not use his powers in the movie’s first trailer, with the reason being that he is simply too guilty to do so. As the leader of the group and one of the smartest people alive, Reed could be blaming himself for not having prevented the accident that gave the team their powers. A few moments from the MCU trailer connect to the theory. Reed looks worried as he holds Sue in space, and he can be seen stressing as he works out a problem on a chalkboard.

Added to the fact that Reed’s powers were nowhere to be seen and that the trailer teased how at least The Thing looks sad about his current situation, Mr. Fantastic could take it upon himself to make things as they were, which is why he refuses to use his powers. According to the theory, Pedro Pascal’s Marvel character would finally embrace his abilities toward the end of the movie. When Galactus and the Silver Surfer arrive, Reed does not see an exit besides using his powers as Mr. Fantastic to help save the world alongside his family.

There’s One Other Possible Reason Reed Richards’ Powers Were Missing In The Fantastic Four: First Steps Trailer

The MCU Has Faced Criticism Over An Important Element In Recent Years

A story reason like Reed Richards feeling guilty might not be the cause behind why his powers were not shown in the first trailer for the MCU’s Fantastic Four movie. There could be an explanation rooted in a more practical aspect for Marvel Studios, as the CGI for Reed Richards’ powers might simply not be polished enough for the audience to see. Out of all members of the Fantastic Four, Reed’s powers are the most intricate. It is hard to get the elongated look right without making it look uncanny, which could have demanded more time for Marvel to perfect.

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While The Thing’s design in the MCU is pitch-perfect, there were a couple of sH๏τs of the character in the trailer where his CGI looked off. Given how there are still five months before the MCU movie’s release, Marvel can polish it, so The Thing looks great, and the same could go for Reed Richards’ powers. There is also the chance that Marvel wanted to leave a surprise for the film’s first full trailer. After all, the footage from The Fantastic Four: First Steps was only a teaser, so a more in-depth look will come in the future.

All Announced Upcoming MCU Movies

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  Captain America: Brave New World

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  February 14, 2025
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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  Thunderbolts*

  Release Date

  
  May 2, 2025
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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  The Fantastic Four: First Steps

  Release Date

  
  July 25, 2025
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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  Avengers: Doomsday (2026)

  
  
  
  
  

  
  

  
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  Spider-Man Homecoming 4

  Release Date

  
  July 24, 2026
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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  Avengers: Secret Wars

  Release Date

  
  May 7, 2027
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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