Marvel fans are all waiting to see The Fantastic Four: First Steps, set to hit theaters next month on July 25, 2025. The film not only introduces Marvel’s First Family to the Marvel Cinematic Universe but also brings one of the most iconic villains in comic book history, Galactus, to the big screen. Directed by Matt Shakman, this retro-futuristic adventure promises a chilling introduction to the planet-devouring cosmic entity, portrayed by Ralph Ineson. Here’s everything we know about how the Devourer of Worlds makes his grand entrance and what it means for the Fantastic Four’s epic journey.
A Cosmic Threat Unlike Any Other
In a recent feature by Empire Magazine, director Matt Shakman pulled back the curtain on how Galactus, the towering cosmic force, enters the story. Unlike his underwhelming cloud-like appearance in 2007’s Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, this version of Galactus is set to be a faithful, awe-inspiring adaptation of the comic book legend created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. With a design that honors Kirby’s iconic purple-armored, helmeted look, Galactus is poised to be a game-changer for the MCU’s Phase 6.
How Galactus’s Arrival Unfolds
- A Missing Planet Sparks Alarm: The Fantastic Four’s leader, Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), discovers Galactus’ existence through a chilling cosmic anomaly. In a key scene, Reed examines holographic star charts and points out, “This is Proxima Delphi… which, as you can see… is now gone.” The disappearance of an entire planet similar to Earth signals the arrival of a threat far beyond anything the team has faced.
- A Terrifying Scale: Shakman emphasized the dual perspective of directing a film with such a massive villain, noting he was “looking at [the scale] from the three-inch view and the 30,000-foot view.” Galactus’ sheer size—comparable to Mount Rushmore—requires innovative filmmaking to capture his imposing presence, blending practical costumes with cutting-edge CGI.
- A Personal Stakes Twist: The official synopsis hints at a deeply personal conflict tied to Galactus’ plan to consume Earth. While the specifics remain under wraps, rumors suggest the birth of Reed and Sue Storm’s son, Franklin Richards, could play a pivotal role, potentially drawing Galactus’ attention due to the child’s immense latent powers.
Why This Introduction Matters
- A Faithful Redemption: After the 2007 film’s controversial depiction of Galactus as a shapeless cloud, fans have clamored for a comic-accurate portrayal. Early glimpses, including promotional art and LEGO sets, confirm a towering, purple-clad Galactus that stays true to his roots, complete with his signature helmet.
- Setting the Stage for Phase 6: Galactus’ arrival isn’t just a one-off threat. His presence ties into the broader Multiverse Saga, with the Fantastic Four’s alternate Earth potentially facing annihilation. This could lead to their integration into Earth-616, setting up their roles in Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.
- A Family Under Fire: The Fantastic Four—Reed Richards, Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach)—must balance their superhero duties with their tight-knit family bond. Galactus’ plan to devour their world, combined with the potential involvement of Franklin Richards, raises the emotional stakes to higher levels of threat than he’s ever faced.
Final Thoughts
With a runtime of 2 hours and 10 minutes—the longest in Fantastic Four film history—the movie is poised to deep dive into the team’s dynamics and their battle against Galactus. We will see Galactus in his massive scale on the big screen like we never have before. The retro-futuristic 1960s setting, combined with the team’s advanced tech (like their alert bracelets), sets this apart from typical MCU fare, evoking the bold creativity of Jack Kirby’s original comics. With it releasing next month, and the screenings having overall good receptiveness, Marvel fans wont want to miss this Cosmic film.
