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

Attention all Marvel fans! The highly anticipated first trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps is finally here, and it's nothing short of spectacular. We get our first glimpse of Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach embodying Marvel’s First Family, alongside the charming robot companion HERBIE. The trailer showcases a unique, retro-futurism-inspired art design, setting it apart from other MCU projects. While the excitement builds for the film's release on July 25, 2025, one character towers above the rest: Galactus, the devourer of worlds.

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Although we only catch a brief glimpse of him, Galactus in the trailer seems to be much closer to his iconic comic book appearance than the disappointing portrayal in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. Let's explore why The Fantastic Four: First Steps appears poised to do justice to this legendary Marvel character.

Who Is The Devourer of Worlds? Galactus Explained

For those unfamiliar with Galactus, let's delve into his history in the comics. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in Fantastic Four #48, Galactus is a cosmic entity who was originally Galan, the sole survivor of the universe preceding our own. Merged with the sentience of his universe during the Big Bang, Galan transformed into Galactus, a colossal figure compelled to consume life-bearing planets to sustain himself. Throughout his existence, he employed heralds, such as the renowned Silver Surfer, to seek out suitable planets.

In his first encounter with the Fantastic Four, the team was alerted by the Watcher, who broke his vow of non-interference to warn Earth of impending doom. Despite their efforts to thwart the Silver Surfer, he signaled Galactus, who arrived to consume the planet. The Fantastic Four managed to persuade the Surfer to betray Galactus, leading the Human Torch to infiltrate Taa II, Galactus' worldship, and retrieve the Ultimate Nullifier. Mr. Fantastic's threat with this weapon forced Galactus to spare Earth in exchange for the Nullifier's return, leaving the Silver Surfer exiled on the planet as punishment.

Since then, Galactus has remained a pivotal figure in the Marvel Universe, engaging in multiple confrontations with the Fantastic Four and other heroes like Thor. Despite his necessity to consume planets for survival, which places him in a morally ambiguous position rather than purely evil, Galactus has yet to receive a satisfying cinematic portrayal—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 only prior film appearance was in the 2007 movie Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. That depiction fell short, transforming Galactus from his iconic purple-armored, helmeted form into an indistinct cloud, lacking both dialogue and impact.

However, the trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps promises a significant improvement. The brief footage, coupled with a drone light show at last year's San Diego Comic-Con, suggests adherence to Jack Kirby’s classic design. Marvel's choice to feature Galactus as the primary antagonist in their Fantastic Four reboot, amid plenty of FF baddies, signals a commitment to rectifying past mistakes. While Robert Downey, Jr.'s Doctor Doom is reportedly saved for future Avengers films, this focus allows for a dedicated and impressive MCU debut for Galactus.

This is crucial given the MCU's recent struggles within the Multiverse Saga. With numerous films and villains already explored, Galactus stands out as one of the few remaining Marvel villains with the clout to revitalize the franchise. A successful adaptation could significantly boost the MCU's reputation and generate excitement for the upcoming Avengers films, where the Fantastic Four are expected 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 feud over film rights, fans expressed more interest in seeing the FF's rogues gallery, including Doctor Doom, Annihilus, and Galactus, in the MCU. With the release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, it's hoped that fans will rediscover their love for the First Family, especially with Ryan North’s current comic run garnering praise. Galactus and other characters associated with the FF could be the key to rejuvenating the MCU post-Multiverse Saga.

Galactus remains one of the most compelling characters linked to the Fantastic Four, and it's high time he receives a worthy live-action portrayal. As we await the film's release in July, the trailer suggests that Marvel is indeed taking the right first steps towards a triumphant return for the devourer of worlds.