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 aesthetic is striking, and the trailer's tone feels distinctly different from other MCU projects. 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 initial trailer, Galactus' appearance is far more faithful to his comic book counterpart than previous cinematic attempts (like Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer). Let's delve into why The Fantastic Four: First Steps appears poised to finally deliver a compelling portrayal of this iconic Marvel villain.

Who Is Galactus? A Cosmic Overview

For those unfamiliar, Galactus is a cosmic entity created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in Fantastic Four #48. Originally Galan, a mortal survivor of a previous universe, he was reborn as Galactus after merging with the sentience of his former universe. This cosmic being sustains himself by consuming life-bearing planets. His most famous herald is the Silver Surfer.

In his first encounter with the Fantastic Four, the team was warned of his impending arrival by the Watcher. Despite battling the Silver Surfer, they couldn't prevent Galactus' arrival. The Human Torch ultimately retrieved the Ultimate Nullifier, a weapon capable of harming Galactus, forcing the cosmic entity to spare Earth.

Since then, Galactus has remained a significant figure in the Marvel Universe, clashing with the Fantastic Four and Thor on numerous occasions. He's not inherently "evil," but rather a morally ambiguous character driven by survival. However, his big-screen portrayals have consistently fallen short—until now.

Galactus' Reimagined MCU Debut

Previous appearances in cartoons and video games notwithstanding, Galactus' only previous live-action appearance was in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, a widely criticized portrayal. This time, however, the trailer and a previous San Diego Comic-Con drone show suggest a closer adherence to Jack Kirby's original design. Marvel's choice of Galactus as the antagonist for their Fantastic Four reboot is significant, particularly given the underwhelming previous iterations. With Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom reportedly saved for Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, Marvel seems focused on giving Galactus the proper MCU introduction he deserves.

This is crucial, considering the MCU's recent challenges in the Multiverse Saga. Galactus represents one of the few remaining Marvel villains with the potential to revitalize the franchise. A successful adaptation could significantly enhance the MCU's reputation and build anticipation for the upcoming Avengers films, in which the Fantastic Four are expected to play major roles.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps - Trailer 1 Stills

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The anticipation surrounding the Fantastic Four's rogues' gallery (Doctor Doom, Annihilus, and Galactus) was palpable during the period of the Fox-Marvel rights dispute. While the Fantastic Four's current positive reception is undeniable, Galactus and other associated characters could be the key to reinvigorating the MCU post-Multiverse Saga.

Ultimately, Galactus is a premier Fantastic Four antagonist, and a compelling live-action portrayal has been long overdue. Judging by the trailer, The Fantastic Four: First Steps appears to be on the right track.