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

Face front, True Believers! The much-anticipated first trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps has landed, offering fans an exciting glimpse into the world of Marvel's First Family. Starring Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, alongside the charming robot companion HERBIE, the trailer showcases a unique retro-futurism-inspired art design that sets it apart from other MCU projects. The excitement is palpable as we look forward to the film's release on July 25, 2025, but one character who truly steals the show is Galactus, the devourer of worlds.

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While we only catch a fleeting glimpse of him, Galactus in the trailer seems to be much closer to his comic book counterpart than his previous big-screen appearance in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. Let's explore why The Fantastic Four: First Steps is poised to finally do justice to this iconic 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 was originally a mortal named Galan, the sole survivor of the previous universe before the Big Bang. Merged with the sentience of his universe, Galan was reborn as Galactus, a colossal figure who sustains himself by consuming life-bearing planets. Over time, he employed various heralds, most notably the Silver Surfer, to locate these planets.

In his first encounter with the Fantastic Four, Galactus was heralded by the Watcher, who broke his vow of non-interference to warn Earth. Despite the heroes' efforts to stop the Silver Surfer, Galactus arrived to devour the planet. The Fantastic Four's ingenuity led the Human Torch to infiltrate Galactus' worldship, Taa II, to retrieve the Ultimate Nullifier, a weapon capable of threatening the cosmic entity. Mr. Fantastic's use of this device forced Galactus to spare Earth in exchange for the Nullifier's return, leaving the Silver Surfer exiled on our planet.

Galactus has remained a pivotal figure in the Marvel Universe, frequently clashing with the Fantastic Four and other heroes like Thor, where his origins were further explored. Though not traditionally "evil," his necessity to consume planets to survive places him in a morally gray area, making him one of Marvel's most compelling antagonists. Despite this, his cinematic portrayals have yet to fully capture his essence—until now.

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

Galactus has appeared in various animated series and video games, but his live-action debut in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer was underwhelming. Reimagined as a nebulous cloud rather than the iconic purple-armored figure, the film failed to satisfy fans' expectations.

However, the glimpses of Galactus in the trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps, along with the tease from a drone light show at San Diego Comic-Con, suggest a return to Jack Kirby's classic design. Marvel's decision to feature Galactus as the villain in their Fantastic Four reboot underscores their intent to rectify past disappointments. While other formidable foes from the FF's rogues gallery exist (and with speculation about John Malkovich's role), the focus on Galactus indicates a commitment to a faithful and impactful portrayal. With Robert Downey, Jr.'s Doctor Doom reportedly reserved for future Avengers films, the stage is set for Galactus to have a memorable MCU debut.

This is crucial, given the MCU's recent struggles within the Multiverse Saga. With many villains already utilized, Galactus represents one of the few remaining characters with the gravitas to revitalize the franchise. A successful adaptation could reignite 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 period when the Fantastic Four were in exile due to the Fox-Marvel rights dispute, fans expressed a keen interest in seeing iconic villains like Doctor Doom, Annihilus, and Galactus in the MCU. Now, with the Fantastic Four back in the spotlight (and Ryan North's current comic run being particularly noteworthy), characters like Galactus could be the key to revitalizing the MCU post-Multiverse Saga.

Galactus remains one of the most intriguing characters linked to the Fantastic Four, and it's high time we witness his grandeur on the big screen. As we approach the release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps this July, the trailer suggests that Marvel is taking promising steps in the right direction.