Galactus Returns in Fantastic Four: First Steps, Signaling Major Marvel Developments

Attention all Marvel fans! The much-anticipated first trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps has finally landed, giving us an exciting glimpse into the world of Marvel's First Family. The trailer introduces Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach in their roles as the iconic team, alongside their robot companion HERBIE. The art design, inspired by retro-futurism, sets a unique tone that distinguishes this film from other MCU projects. Mark your calendars for July 25, 2025, because this movie promises to deliver an unforgettable experience, especially with the towering presence of Galactus, the devourer of worlds, stealing the spotlight.

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While the trailer offers only a fleeting look at Galactus, it's clear that this rendition aims to be much closer to his comic book counterpart than the previous attempt seen in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. Let's explore why The Fantastic Four: First Steps seems set to finally give this legendary Marvel character the justice he deserves.

Who Is The Devourer of Worlds? Galactus Explained

For those unfamiliar with Galactus, here's a brief dive into his history in the comics. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in Fantastic Four #48, Galactus began life as Galan, a mortal who survived the end of the previous universe. Merged with the sentience of that universe, Galan was reborn as Galactus in the new one. This cosmic entity now roams the cosmos, consuming life-bearing planets to sustain himself. Over time, Galactus employed various heralds to locate suitable planets, with the Silver Surfer being the most renowned.

In their initial confrontation, the Fantastic Four were alerted to Galactus's impending arrival by the Watcher, who broke his non-interference oath to save Earth. Despite their efforts to stop the Silver Surfer from signaling Galactus, the hero failed, leading to Galactus's arrival. The Human Torch ventured into Galactus's worldship, Taa II, to retrieve the Ultimate Nullifier, one of the few weapons capable of threatening Galactus. With Mr. Fantastic wielding the Nullifier, Galactus agreed to spare Earth in exchange for its return. He then left, but not before exiling the Silver Surfer to Earth for his betrayal.

Since then, Galactus has played a pivotal role in the Marvel universe, engaging in multiple battles with the Fantastic Four and other heroes like Thor, where more of his backstory was unveiled. While not traditionally "evil," Galactus remains a morally ambiguous figure, driven by survival. Despite his status as one of Marvel's most intriguing antagonists, his cinematic portrayal has yet to fully capture his essence—until now.

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

Galactus has appeared in various media, including '90s cartoons and video games like Marvel vs. Capcom 3, but his previous cinematic outing in 2007's Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer was underwhelming. Instead of the iconic purple-armored giant from the comics, the film depicted him as a nebulous cloud, devoid of character and presence. This portrayal fell short of fans' expectations for Galactus's big screen debut.

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

This is crucial amidst the MCU's recent struggles within the Multiverse Saga. Having exhausted many villains, Galactus stands out as a marquee antagonist with the potential to reinvigorate the franchise. A successful adaptation could enhance the MCU's standing and build anticipation for the upcoming Avengers films, where the Fantastic Four are poised to play major figures.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps - Trailer 1 Stills

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During the time when the Fantastic Four were sidelined due to the Fox-Marvel dispute over film rights, fans expressed greater interest in seeing the team's villains, such as Doctor Doom, Annihilus, and Galactus, in the MCU. With the FF now back in the spotlight, and with the positive buzz around Ryan North's current comic run, the stage is set for the Fantastic Four to reclaim their place in fans' hearts. Galactus and the FF's rich rogues gallery could be the key to revitalizing the MCU post-Multiverse Saga.

Galactus is undoubtedly one of the most compelling characters linked to the Fantastic Four, and it's high time he receives a proper live-action portrayal. As we approach the July 2025 release, The Fantastic Four: First Steps seems to be taking all the right steps to honor this iconic figure. Stay tuned to see how Marvel's latest venture unfolds.