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

By LoganApr 27,2025

Attention all Marvel fans! The much-anticipated first trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps has finally been released, giving us an exhilarating glimpse into the world of Marvel's First Family. Starring Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, the trailer introduces us not only to the iconic quartet but also to their robot companion HERBIE and showcases the film's unique retro-futurism-inspired art design. The tone set by the trailer feels refreshingly distinct from other Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) projects, sparking excitement for the movie's release on July 25, 2025. Among the highlights, the towering presence of Galactus, the devourer of worlds, promises to be a game-changer.

Where Is Doctor Doom In the Fantastic Four: First Steps Trailer?

While the trailer provides only a brief glimpse of Galactus, his appearance suggests a closer adherence to his comic book origins compared to the earlier portrayal in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. This new film seems poised to honor the iconic Marvel character, delivering a portrayal that fans have long awaited.

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 was initially Galan, a mortal from the previous universe who survived the Big Bang by merging with the sentience of his universe. Reborn as Galactus, he became a colossal entity who roams the cosmos, consuming life-bearing planets to sustain himself. Over time, Galactus employed various heralds, with the Silver Surfer being the most renowned, to scout suitable worlds for him.

The first clash between Galactus and the Fantastic Four was pivotal. Alerted by the Watcher, who broke his oath of non-interference, the team faced the Silver Surfer, but failed to prevent him from summoning Galactus. The Human Torch ventured into Galactus' worldship, Taa II, to retrieve the Ultimate Nullifier—the only weapon capable of threatening Galactus. When Mr. Fantastic wielded the Nullifier, Galactus agreed to spare Earth in exchange for its return. He then exiled the Silver Surfer to Earth as punishment for his betrayal.

Galactus has since become a recurring and significant figure in the Marvel universe, confronting the Fantastic Four and other heroes like Thor under various circumstances. Though not traditionally "evil," his need to consume planets places him in a morally ambiguous light. Despite his compelling role in the comics, his previous cinematic portrayal left much to be desired.

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

Galactus has made appearances in various media, including the '90s Fantastic Four cartoon and Marvel vs. Capcom 3, but his live-action debut in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer was a disappointment. The film transformed him from his iconic purple-armored, helmeted form into an indistinct cloud, which failed to capture the essence of the character and was met with fan backlash.

However, the first trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps and a drone light show at last year's San Diego Comic-Con suggest a significant improvement. The new film appears to embrace Jack Kirby's original design, offering fans hope for a faithful adaptation. Marvel's choice to feature Galactus as the main antagonist, despite plenty of FF baddies to choose from, reflects an understanding of fans' dissatisfaction with previous portrayals and a commitment to getting it right this time. With Robert Downey, Jr.'s Doctor Doom potentially reserved for future Avengers films, the focus can be squarely on Galactus.

This is crucial for the MCU, especially amid the recent struggles of the Multiverse Saga. Having burned through many villains, Galactus stands out as one of the few remaining Marvel antagonists with the gravitas to rejuvenate the franchise. A successful adaptation could boost the MCU's reputation and build anticipation 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

The Fantastic Four: First Steps - Trailer 1 StillsThe Fantastic Four: First Steps - Trailer 1 StillsThe Fantastic Four: First Steps - Trailer 1 StillsThe Fantastic Four: First Steps - Trailer 1 StillsThe Fantastic Four: First Steps - Trailer 1 StillsThe 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 greater interest in seeing the FF's rogues gallery, including Doctor Doom, Annihilus, and Galactus, in the MCU. Now, with the Fantastic Four back in the spotlight, and with commendable current runs like Ryan North's, there's renewed enthusiasm for the team. Yet, characters like Galactus hold the potential to be the key ingredient the MCU needs to refresh its narrative after the Multiverse Saga concludes.

Galactus remains one of the most compelling characters linked to the Fantastic Four, and it's high time he receives a live-action portrayal that does justice to his grandeur. As we await The Fantastic Four: First Steps this July, the trailer suggests that Marvel is taking promising steps in the right direction.

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