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

The first trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps has dropped, giving us our first look at Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Marvel's First Family, alongside their robotic companion, HERBIE. The retro-futuristic design is striking, and the overall tone feels refreshingly different from typical MCU fare. While the July 25, 2025 release date has us buzzing, one character particularly stands out: Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds.

Doctor Doom's Absence and Galactus' Prominence

While Doctor Doom is notably absent from this trailer, Galactus' brief appearance promises a more faithful adaptation than his previous cinematic portrayal in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. Let's explore why The Fantastic Four: First Steps appears poised to finally do justice to this iconic Marvel villain.

Who is Galactus?

For the uninitiated, Galactus is a cosmic entity from the Marvel comics, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in Fantastic Four #48. Originally Galan, a mortal survivor from a previous universe, he was transformed by the merging of his universe's sentience into the first being of our own. Now Galactus, he roams the cosmos, consuming life-bearing planets to survive. His most famous herald is the Silver Surfer.

His first encounter with the Fantastic Four involved a warning from the Watcher, a violation of his non-interference oath to save Earth. The FF battled the Silver Surfer, but Galactus arrived to consume the planet. The Human Torch retrieved the Ultimate Nullifier, capable of harming Galactus, forcing him to retreat after Mr. Fantastic threatened him with it. This marked the beginning of Galactus' significant role in the Marvel universe, clashing with the Fantastic Four and Thor on numerous occasions. He's a morally ambiguous figure, driven by survival rather than inherent malice. However, previous big-screen adaptations have fallen short.

A Reimagined Galactus

While appearing in cartoons and video games (like the '90s Fantastic Four cartoon and Marvel vs. Capcom 3), Galactus' only previous film appearance was in Tim Story's 2007 Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. This version was a significant departure from the comics, a disappointing portrayal lacking the iconic design and presence.

This time, however, the trailer and previous teases (like the drone light show at San Diego Comic-Con) suggest a closer adherence to Jack Kirby's classic design. Marvel's choice of Galactus as the villain for their reboot signifies a commitment to rectifying past shortcomings. With Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom seemingly reserved for Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, the focus can be entirely on delivering a fitting MCU debut for Galactus.

This is crucial given the MCU's recent struggles. With a vast library of films and depleted villains, Galactus represents a chance to revitalize the franchise. A successful adaptation could significantly impact the MCU's reputation and build anticipation for the next Avengers films, where the Fantastic Four are slated to play major roles.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps - Trailer 1 Stills

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The past anticipation for seeing the Fantastic Four's rogues gallery (Doctor Doom, Annihilus, Galactus) in the MCU highlights the significance of this adaptation. While the Fantastic Four's own popularity is undeniable, Galactus and other associated characters could be the key to rejuvenating the MCU after the Multiverse Saga.

Galactus is a prime Fantastic Four antagonist, and this live-action portrayal is long overdue. Judging by the trailer, The Fantastic Four: First Steps appears to be heading in the right direction.