The Return of Galactus in The Fantastic Four: First Steps Could Mean Big Things for Marvel

Attention all Marvel fans! The much-anticipated first trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps is here, and it's packed with exciting reveals. We get our initial glimpse at Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach stepping into the roles of Marvel's iconic First Family. The trailer also introduces us to the charming robot companion HERBIE and showcases the film's unique retro-futuristic art design. This cinematic venture promises a fresh, distinct feel compared to other MCU projects, setting the stage for a thrilling adventure when it hits theaters on July 25, 2025. Amidst the excitement, one character looms large—Galactus, the devourer of worlds, who is poised to steal the spotlight.

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While the trailer offers only a fleeting glimpse of Galactus, it's clear that this portrayal aims to be much closer to his comic book roots than the disappointing rendition seen in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. Let's delve into why The Fantastic Four: First Steps appears set to finally give this legendary Marvel character the respect he deserves.

Who Is The Devourer of Worlds? Galactus Explained

For those unfamiliar with Galactus, let's explore his rich history in the comics. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in Fantastic Four #48, Galactus is a cosmic entity born from the remnants of the previous universe. Originally Galan, a mortal survivor of the pre-Big Bang era, he merged with his universe's sentience to become the first being of the new universe. As Galactus, he roams the cosmos, consuming life-bearing planets to sustain himself. Over time, he has employed various heralds to scout suitable planets, with the Silver Surfer being the most renowned.

In his first clash with the Fantastic Four, the team was alerted to his approach by the Watcher, who broke his non-interference vow to protect Earth. Despite their efforts to stop the Silver Surfer, Galactus still arrived to devour the planet. The Fantastic Four managed to sway the Surfer to their side, and the Human Torch ventured into Galactus' worldship, Taa II, to retrieve the Ultimate Nullifier—the only weapon capable of threatening Galactus. Mr. Fantastic's threat with the Nullifier forced Galactus to spare Earth in exchange for its return, though he banished the Silver Surfer to Earth as punishment.

Galactus has since remained a pivotal figure in the Marvel universe, frequently confronting the Fantastic Four and other heroes like Thor, whose interactions revealed more of his backstory. Despite his role as an antagonist, Galactus is not inherently "evil" but rather a morally ambiguous force driven by survival. However, previous cinematic attempts have failed to capture his essence—until now.

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

Galactus has appeared in various media, including the '90s Fantastic Four cartoon and Marvel vs. Capcom 3, but his sole live-action film appearance was in the 2007 film Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. That portrayal fell short, transforming Galactus from his iconic comic design into an indistinct cloud and silencing his powerful voice. Fans were left wanting more from this pivotal character.

However, The Fantastic Four: First Steps promises a significant improvement. The trailer and hints from a drone light show at last year's San Diego Comic-Con suggest a return to Jack Kirby's classic design. Marvel Studios' decision to feature Galactus as the primary antagonist in their Fantastic Four reboot signals a commitment to rectifying past mistakes. With Robert Downey, Jr.'s Doctor Doom reserved for future Avengers films, the focus can remain squarely on delivering a compelling Galactus debut in the MCU.

This is particularly crucial given the MCU's recent struggles in the Multiverse Saga. With many villains already introduced, Galactus stands out as one of the few remaining heavyweights capable of revitalizing the franchise. A successful adaptation could boost excitement for the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, where the Fantastic Four are expected to play major figures.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps - Trailer 1 Stills

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During the Fantastic Four's 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, within the MCU. Now, with the Fantastic Four's return to the big screen, there's renewed hope that the team and their formidable foes can reinvigorate the Marvel brand post-Multiverse Saga.

Galactus, one of the most iconic characters tied to the Fantastic Four, is long overdue for a proper live-action portrayal. As we eagerly await The Fantastic Four: First Steps this July, the trailer suggests that Marvel is taking the right steps towards delivering a spectacular cinematic experience.