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 eagerly anticipating the full film, one character stands out: Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds.

Doctor Doom's Absence and Galactus' Prominence

While Galactus is glimpsed, his appearance already promises a more faithful adaptation than the previous attempt in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. Let's explore why The Fantastic Four: First Steps appears poised to finally deliver a compelling portrayal of this iconic Marvel villain.

Who is the Devourer of Worlds?

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 of a previous universe, he was reborn after the Big Bang as Galactus, a colossal being who sustains himself by consuming life-bearing planets. He employs heralds, the most famous being the Silver Surfer, to locate these planets for him.

The Fantastic Four's first encounter with Galactus involved a warning from the Watcher, who violated his neutrality to save Earth. Despite battling the Silver Surfer, the FF couldn't prevent Galactus' arrival. Ultimately, the Human Torch obtained the Ultimate Nullifier, a weapon capable of harming Galactus, forcing him to spare Earth. This event also led to the Surfer's exile.

Galactus has remained a significant figure in the Marvel universe, clashing with the Fantastic Four and Thor, revealing his complex backstory. While not traditionally "evil," he's morally ambiguous, surviving by consuming planets. However, past cinematic portrayals have fallen short.

While appearing in cartoons and video games, Galactus' previous film appearance in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer was underwhelming. His design deviated significantly from the comics, and his portrayal lacked impact.

The trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps, however, and hints from last year's San Diego Comic-Con drone light show, suggest a closer adherence to Jack Kirby's original design. Marvel's choice of Galactus as the villain for their reboot is significant, indicating a desire to rectify past shortcomings. With Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom potentially reserved for Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, the focus can be placed on giving Galactus a fitting MCU debut.

This is crucial given the MCU's recent challenges. Galactus represents one of the few remaining high-profile villains capable of revitalizing 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

20 ImagesThe anticipation for seeing iconic Fantastic Four villains like Galactus in the MCU was high even during the period when the film rights were separated. While the focus is now on the Fantastic Four themselves, Galactus and other associated characters could be key to reinvigorating the MCU after the Multiverse Saga.

Galactus is a prime Fantastic Four character, and his long-awaited, impactful live-action debut is finally within reach. Judging by the trailer, The Fantastic Four: First Steps appears to be on the right track.