Summary:
- Baby Franklin Richards appears in the MCU, marking the arrival of Marvel’s most powerful mutant yet.
- The Thing finally delivers his iconic line as Galactus looms in the latest Fantastic Four trailer.
- Galactus looms, Doctor Doom remains a mystery, and the multiverse angle sets up bigger things ahead.
Marvel Studios has officially released a brand-new teaser for The Fantastic Four: First Steps. While it is full of action, sweet family moments, and long-awaited reveals, there is one thing that has everyone talking nonstop: the live-action debut of Franklin Richards.
In a trailer promoting early ticket sales for the July 25 release of the film, the fans got to see Reed Richards and Sue Storm lying in bed with their newborn son, confirming earlier reports that Sue is pregnant in the movie. Although most of the footage had been teased before, this surprise announcement stole the spotlight.
Table of Contents
Franklin Richards Makes His First Live-Action Debut in the MCU
This is the first time Franklin Richards has appeared on screen in live-action. Until now, his presence has only been hinted at through Funko Pop! merchandise. For comic book enthusiasts, his introduction is a huge milestone. Franklin is not merely another super-powered child; he’s arguably one of the most powerful characters in the entire MCU.
In a recent interview with Empire Magazine, Vanessa Kirby, the actress who plays Sue Storm, gave fans a cryptic clue:
“It’s not just adults that have superpowers.”
That single sentence sparked an immediate speculation that Franklin would not only make an appearance but might even show early signs of his ability, even as an infant.
Why Franklin’s Inclusion Matters
Comic book fans know that the introduction of Franklin Richards is a game-changer in the MCU. In the books, he possesses reality-warping powers on a cosmic level. Franklin can create entire pocket dimensions, manipulate matter at will, project his consciousness, and perform feats so immense they rival the power of beings like Galactus and the Celestials.
He’s not only strong, he’s essentially a god-in-the-making. Some of the storylines have seen future versions of Franklin as an immortal guardian responsible for protecting the universe. With him now officially being a part of the MCU, there’s potential for the franchise to start opening up those enormous possibilities in upcoming films.
A Movie Set in a Different Universe
The setting makes his appearance all the more appropriate. The Fantastic Four: First Steps is set on another Earth in the MCU multiverse, giving Marvel more room to explore retro-futurism without clashing with Earth-616 continuity. From the Fantasticar to retro-designed technology and stylized uniforms, the movie is full-on with 1960s design.
This alternate-universe scenario provides Marvel with the freedom to bring in Franklin’s powers, or even explore a storyline involving accelerated aging, without affecting the main timeline (for now, at least).
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- Fantastic Four: First Steps Marks the Longest Runtime in the Franchise’s History
With Galactus as the major threat, some fans believe a rapidly aging Franklin could once again become his family’s savior. None of this is confirmed, obviously, but the trailer and the scenes in the quote above from Kirby suggest the timeline might span a year or longer.
A Focus on Family
One of the trailer’s recurring themes is family, something the Fantastic Four has always embodied in the comics. Scenes have some touching moments too, such as Johnny Storm joking with Ben Grimm, Reed showing Johnny the new space suits, and Sue assuring her son, “Whatever life throws at us, we’ll face it together. As a family.”
That emotional core sets the tone for the film and helps it stand apart from other MCU entries. It also provides Franklin’s appearance in a more significant way, lending emotional depth to the story. Marvel seems to be fully committed to the “First Family” aspect of the team, literally and thematically.
Fan-Favorite Moments Delivered
While Franklin’s appearance is the big showstopper, fan service is otherwise delivered throughout the trailer. One moment that has fans especially excited is Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s Ben Grimm getting his own spin on the classic line. Well, almost: when Johnny Storm asks, “Is it clobberin’ time?” Ben responds with an enthusiastic “Oh yeah!” It’s not quite the full catchphrase, but it’s close enough to get fans cheering.
The trailer also includes some fresh scenes of Ralph Ineson’s Galactus and Julia Garner’s Shalla-Bal version of the Silver Surfer. And despite director Matt Shakman’s promise that Doctor Doom would not be appearing in this film, there are still rumors of a post-credit appearance floating around, partly because he’s set to be the main villain in Avengers: Doomsday next year.
The Road Ahead
The Fantastic Four: First Steps will open up Marvel’s Phase 6, which will lead directly into Spider-Man: Brand New Day and Avengers: Doomsday. The film stars Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm, a cast that has been well-received online.
First reactions to the trailer among fans have been overwhelmingly enthusiastic, with the majority calling it one of the best-looking Marvel films in years. Franklin Richards, in particular, has created quite a stir.
Final Thoughts
With the introduction of baby Franklin Richards, Marvel is not only bringing a fan favorite into the fold, but they’re setting up what’s next in the MCU. Whether or not Franklin displays his full powers in this film, his arrival already guarantees a new generation of legacy, emotional depth, and multiverse potential.
Fans can catch all the action, and perhaps the debut of the MCU’s powerful newcomer, when The Fantastic Four: First Steps hits theaters on July 25, 2025. Advance tickets are now on sale.
