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, along with their robotic companion, HERBIE. The retro-futuristic design is striking, and the trailer's tone feels refreshingly different from other MCU projects. While the July 25, 2025 release date has us buzzing, one character truly stands out: Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds.

Doctor Doom's Absence and Galactus' Prominence

While Galactus is only glimpsed, his appearance is far closer to his comic book counterpart than the previous cinematic iteration in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. Let's explore why The Fantastic Four: First Steps seems poised to finally deliver a faithful portrayal of this iconic Marvel villain.

Who is Galactus?

For the uninitiated, Galactus is a cosmic entity from the Marvel universe, co-created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in Fantastic Four #48. Originating as Galan, the sole survivor of a previous universe, he was reborn as Galactus after merging with his universe's sentience. This cosmic being sustains himself by consuming life-bearing planets. His most famous herald is the Silver Surfer.

Initially, the Watcher, violating his neutrality, warned the Fantastic Four of Galactus' approach. Despite battling the Silver Surfer, they failed to prevent Galactus from arriving to consume Earth. The Human Torch retrieved the Ultimate Nullifier, capable of harming Galactus, forcing the Devourer to spare Earth. This event marked Galactus' ongoing presence in the Marvel universe, clashing with the Fantastic Four, Thor, and others. While not traditionally "evil," he's a morally ambiguous figure driven by survival. However, previous cinematic attempts have fallen short.

A Reimagined Galactus

Previous appearances, notably in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, depicted Galactus as a disappointing, featureless cloud, a far cry from his iconic comic book design. The Fantastic Four: First Steps, however, promises a significant improvement. The trailer, along with a drone light show at San Diego Comic-Con, suggests a closer adherence to Jack Kirby's original design. Marvel's choice of Galactus as the primary antagonist is telling, indicating a desire to rectify past mistakes. With Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom potentially reserved for Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, focus can be placed on a deserving MCU debut for Galactus.

This is crucial given the MCU's recent struggles in the Multiverse Saga. Galactus represents a chance to revitalize the franchise, potentially boosting anticipation for the next Avengers films, where the Fantastic Four are expected to play significant roles.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps - Trailer 1 Stills

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Fans previously expressed greater interest in seeing the Fantastic Four's rogues' gallery (Doctor Doom, Annihilus, Galactus) than the team itself. While the Fantastic Four's current standing is positive, Galactus and associated characters could be key to rejuvenating the MCU post-Multiverse Saga.

Galactus is a prime Fantastic Four villain, and a faithful live-action portrayal is long overdue. Based on the trailer, The Fantastic Four: First Steps appears to be on the right track.