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

Attention, True Believers! The much-anticipated first trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps has finally dropped, giving us our initial glimpse into the world of Marvel's First Family. Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach step into the iconic roles, accompanied by the charming robot HERBIE. The trailer showcases a unique retro-futurism-inspired art design that sets it apart from other MCU projects, promising an exciting journey when the film hits theaters on July 25, 2025. Among the many highlights, one character stands tall—Galactus, the devourer of worlds.

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While we catch only a brief glimpse of him, Galactus in the trailer appears much closer to his comic book counterpart than his previous cinematic outing in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. This new take on the character suggests that The Fantastic Four: First Steps is on track to give this iconic Marvel villain the justice he deserves.

Who Is The Devourer of Worlds? Galactus Explained

For those unfamiliar, let's delve into Galactus' history in the comics. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in Fantastic Four #48, Galactus began as Galan, a mortal who survived the end of the previous universe and merged with its sentience during the Big Bang. This transformation turned him into Galactus, a colossal entity who roams the cosmos, consuming life-bearing planets to sustain his existence. Over time, he enlisted heralds like the famous Silver Surfer to locate suitable worlds for him.

In his first encounter with the Fantastic Four, the team was alerted to his arrival by the Watcher, who broke his oath of non-interference to save Earth. Despite their efforts to stop the Silver Surfer, Galactus arrived to consume the planet. The Fantastic Four managed to turn the Surfer against his master, and the Human Torch ventured into Galactus' worldship, Taa II, to retrieve the Ultimate Nullifier. With this weapon, Mr. Fantastic forced Galactus to spare Earth, though the Silver Surfer was exiled as a consequence.

Galactus has since become a pivotal figure in the Marvel universe, clashing with the Fantastic Four and other heroes like Thor. He's not traditionally "evil" but rather a morally ambiguous being driven by survival. Despite his significance, previous film adaptations 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 cinematic debut in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer was underwhelming. The film deviated from his iconic purple armor and helmet, presenting him as an indistinct cloud and lacking the depth fans expected.

However, The Fantastic Four: First Steps promises a different approach. The trailer and a drone light show at last year's San Diego Comic-Con hint at a design faithful to Jack Kirby's original vision. Marvel's decision to feature Galactus as the main antagonist in their Fantastic Four reboot reflects a commitment to rectifying past disappointments. With Robert Downey, Jr.'s Doctor Doom reportedly reserved for future Avengers films, the focus can be squarely on delivering a compelling Galactus.

This is crucial for the MCU, especially amidst the recent struggles of the Multiverse Saga. With many villains already explored, Galactus stands out as a character with the potential to revitalize the franchise. A successful adaptation could boost excitement for the upcoming Avengers films, where the Fantastic Four are expected to play major figures.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps - Trailer 1 Stills

During the time when the Fantastic Four were in exile due to the Fox-Marvel feud, fans expressed more interest in seeing their villains, like Doctor Doom, Annihilus, and Galactus, in the MCU. Now, with the Fantastic Four back in the spotlight, and with Ryan North's current run on the comics receiving acclaim, the inclusion of Galactus and other FF-associated characters could be the key to rejuvenating 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 the live-action treatment he deserves. As we approach the July release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, the trailer suggests that Marvel is taking the right steps to bring this cosmic entity to life in a way that honors his legacy.