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

True Believers, assemble! 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 robot companion, HERBIE. The retro-futurism aesthetic is striking, setting a tone distinctly different from other MCU projects. While excitement builds for the July 25, 2025 release, one character looms large: Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds.

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While only glimpsed, Galactus already looks far closer to his comic book counterpart than the previous attempt in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. Let's explore why The Fantastic Four: First Steps seems poised to finally do justice to this iconic Marvel villain.

Who Is the Devourer of Worlds? Galactus Explained

For the uninitiated, Galactus's comic book history is rich and complex. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in Fantastic Four #48, Galactus began as Galan, a mortal survivor of a universe preceding our own. Transformed by the merging of his being with the sentience of his previous universe, he emerged as Galactus, a cosmic entity consuming life-bearing planets to sustain himself. His heralds, most famously the Silver Surfer, scout planets for him.

In their first encounter, the Fantastic Four were warned of Galactus's arrival by the Watcher, who broke his vow of non-interference. Despite battling the Silver Surfer, they couldn't stop Galactus's approach. The Human Torch's retrieval of the Ultimate Nullifier, a weapon capable of harming Galactus, ultimately forced the Devourer of Worlds to spare Earth. This event, and Galactus's subsequent appearances battling the Fantastic Four and Thor, solidified his place as a morally ambiguous, yet compelling, figure in the Marvel universe.

Despite his iconic status, Galactus hasn't received a fair shake on the big screen—until now.

The Second Coming of Galactus in The Fantastic Four: First Steps

Galactus's previous cinematic appearance in 2007's Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer was underwhelming. His design was drastically altered, and his portrayal lacked the gravitas of his comic book counterpart. The Fantastic Four: First Steps, however, appears to be a significant improvement. The trailer, along with a drone light show at San Diego Comic-Con, suggests a closer adherence to Jack Kirby's classic design.

Marvel's choice of Galactus as the villain is telling. With numerous Fantastic Four antagonists to choose from, the selection of Galactus indicates a desire to rectify past mistakes and deliver a fitting MCU debut. And with Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom seemingly reserved for Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, the focus can be squarely on Galactus.

This is crucial given the MCU's recent struggles. Galactus is one of the few remaining villains with the potential to revitalize the franchise. A successful adaptation could significantly boost the MCU's reputation and generate excitement 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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Fans' previous desire to see the Fantastic Four's rogues' gallery, including Galactus, in the MCU highlights his importance. While the Fantastic Four's current popularity is undeniable, Galactus and other associated characters could be the key to rejuvenating the MCU after the Multiverse Saga concludes.

Galactus is a quintessential Fantastic Four villain, and a worthy live-action adaptation is long overdue. Judging by the trailer, The Fantastic Four: First Steps appears to be on the right track.