Attention all Marvel fans! The highly anticipated first trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps has just been released, giving us our initial glimpse at Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach stepping into the iconic roles of Marvel's First Family. Alongside them, we're introduced to the robot companion HERBIE and a visually striking retro-futurism-inspired art design that sets this movie apart from other MCU projects. The trailer perfectly captures the essence of this beloved property, and with the film's release scheduled for July 25, 2025, excitement is at an all-time high, especially with the towering presence of Galactus, the devourer of worlds.
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While the trailer offers only a brief look at him, Galactus already appears to be much closer to his comic book counterpart than in the previous attempt seen in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. Let's delve into why The Fantastic Four: First Steps seems poised to finally deliver a faithful rendition of this iconic Marvel character.
Who Is The Devourer of Worlds? Galactus Explained
If you're new to the Marvel universe, let's unpack the history in the comics of Galactus. Created by the legendary duo Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in Fantastic Four #48, Galactus was originally a mortal named Galan, the sole survivor of the universe before our own. Merged with the sentience of his dying universe, he was reborn as Galactus, the first being of the new universe. Now, a colossal figure, he roams the cosmos, consuming life-bearing planets to sustain himself. Over time, Galactus enlisted various heralds to scout planets for him, with the Silver Surfer being the most renowned.
The initial clash between Galactus and the Fantastic Four was orchestrated by the Watcher, who broke his non-interference vow to warn Earth of the impending doom. Despite their efforts, the Fantastic Four couldn't prevent the Silver Surfer from summoning Galactus. The Human Torch had to venture into Galactus' worldship, Taa II, to retrieve the Ultimate Nullifier, the only weapon capable of threatening Galactus. With it, Mr. Fantastic forced Galactus to spare Earth, though it cost the Silver Surfer his freedom as he was exiled to Earth.
Galactus has since played a pivotal role in the Marvel universe, facing off against the Fantastic Four on multiple occasions and interacting with other heroes like Thor, where his origins were further explored. He's not traditionally "evil," but rather a morally complex entity driven by survival. Despite his status as one of Marvel's most compelling antagonists, previous big-screen adaptations have failed to do him justice—until now.
The Second Coming of Galactus in The Fantastic Four: First Steps
While Galactus has appeared in various animated series and video games, his only prior cinematic outing was in Tim Story's 2007 film Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. That portrayal, however, was a far cry from the iconic purple-armored giant with a distinctive helmet, instead being depicted as an indistinct cloud—a choice that disappointed many fans.
However, the glimpses we've seen in the trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps, along with hints from a drone light show at last year's San Diego Comic-Con, suggest that Marvel Studios is committed to staying true to Jack Kirby's original design. Choosing Galactus as the villain for their Fantastic Four reboot is a bold move, especially with plenty of FF baddies to choose from. While Robert Downey, Jr's Doctor Doom is rumored to be saved for future Avengers films, this focus allows Marvel to give Galactus the grand introduction he deserves in the MCU.
This is crucial, considering the MCU's recent struggles within the Multiverse Saga. With numerous films and villains already explored, Galactus stands as one of the few remaining Marvel antagonists with the gravitas to potentially revitalize the franchise. A well-executed adaptation could not only enhance the MCU's reputation but also build anticipation for the upcoming Avengers films, where the Fantastic Four are set to play major figures.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps - Trailer 1 Stills
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During the time when the Fantastic Four were in exile due to the Fox-Marvel film rights dispute, fans expressed more interest in seeing the FF's rogues gallery, including Doctor Doom, Annihilus, and Galactus, in the MCU. Now, with the Fantastic Four's return, there's hope that the franchise can regain its footing, especially with Ryan North's current comic run receiving high praise. Yet, it's undeniable that characters like Galactus hold the potential to be the key to rejuvenating the MCU post-Multiverse Saga.
Galactus is undoubtedly one of the most captivating characters linked to the Fantastic Four, and it's high time he received the live-action portrayal he deserves. As we eagerly await The Fantastic Four: First Steps this July, the trailer suggests that Marvel is indeed taking the right steps to bring this cosmic entity to life.
