The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Summary
One iconic Marvel Comics scoundrel could be twist inThe Fantastic Four , follow the confirmed casting of Marvel Studios ' Silver Surfer . Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige first teasedThe Fantastic Fourfor theMCUin 2019 , though the projection ’s main cast of characters was n’t unwrap until February 2024 . Pedro Pascal , Vanessa Kirby , Joseph Quinn and Ebon Moss - Bachrach have been draw as Reed Richards , Sue Storm , Johnny Storm and Ben Grimm , bringing Marvel ’s First Family into the MCU in July 2025.Marvel Studios’The Fantastic Fouris expect to expand the MCU ’s multiverse by innovate a wide-cut variety of interesting heroes and villains .
In April 2024,Deadlinereported that Julia Garner had been cast asShalla - Bal ’s Silver Surfer inThe Fantastic Four . The more well - recognize rendering of the Silver Surfer in Marvel Comics is Norrin Radd , so there was some mix-up as to why Shalla - Bal had been pick out to fetch this iconic cosmic hero into the MCU.The fact that Marvel Studios has chosen Shalla - Bal to debut inThe Fantastic Fourcould clue at some major plot threads in the extremely - anticipate MCU projection , and particularly support one theory that suggestsThe Fantastic Fourmay be set in an alternating realityacross the multiverse .
Silver Surfer is make her MCU debut in The Fantastic Four , and along with a huge villain , she can be central to tying the Multiverse Saga together .
Shalla-Bal Becomes The Silver Surfer In Earth X In Marvel Comics
The main looping of Shalla - Bal in Marvel Comics does n’t really become the Silver Surfer , but she does transform into the cosmic Herald of Galactus on Earth-9997 , the reality focused on in Marvel Comics’Earth Xseries . Earth Xpremiered in 1999 , and included Modern versions of democratic submarine and villain in an alternating , dystopian version of the Marvel Universe . In a world where everyone has been invest superhuman power thanks to Black Bolt ’s Terrigen Mists , many renowned graphic symbol have very different backstories . This includesShalla - Bal , who becomes the Silver Surferalongside her devotee , Norrin Radd , following the original Galactus ' licking .
The Fantastic Four ’s new confirmed character may astonishingly set up the institution of two powerful villains in the MCU ’s Phase 6 .
Galactus ' death leaves Norrin Radd ’s Silver Surfer ’s next uncertain , though a new version of Galactus rises and give him aim once again . This new iteration of Galactus allowed Norrin Radd and Shalla - Bal to be reunited , and imbued Shalla - Bal with the same Power Cosmic that yield Radd his power . This was detail in 2000’sEarth X # 12 , the same topic which unfortunately score Shalla - Bal ’s dying in battle follow Galactus ' return to Earth . IfThe Fantastic Four’ssuspected alternate universe settingis inspired by Marvel Comics’Earth X , it ’s potential that Marvel Studios could also stick in the series ' misrepresented version of Galactus .
Custom Image by Kai Young
Earth X’s Galactus Has A Familial Connection To Reed Richards & Sue Storm
Marvel Studios introducingEarth X’sShalla - Bal in the MCU ’s upcomingThe Fantastic FoursuggestsEarth X’sGalactus may also make an show . This would put a huge crook on the MCU ’s Galactus , asEarth X’ssecond iteration of the iconic Marvel Comics scoundrel has a hard familial link to Reed Richards ' Mister Fantastic and Sue Storm ’s unseeable Woman . After Reed Richards destroysEarth X’soriginal Galactus , Reed and Sue ’s son , Franklin Richards , is transformed into the new Galactus , with his natural mutant abilities being enhanced by the High Evolutionary ’s technology , and his memory of his preceding self being rub out completely .
Earth X’sFranklin Richards first appeared in Marvel Comics’Earth X # 2 in 1999 .
It ’s Franklin Richards ' Galactus that imbues Shalla - Bal with the Power Cosmic , enabling her and Norrin Radd to be his matching Heralds for a brief time . Franklin traveled across the population consuming planets with Celestial seeds inside , taking on the full role of the monolithic , cosmic villain . Galactus was convinced to give up the globe , put down the supernal embryo within , and decide instead to set out across the universe of discourse to learn more about his late identity operator of Franklin Richards . Marvel Studios translate Franklin Richards intoGalactus inThe Fantastic Fourcould be a cam stroke of genius , and may explain several forthcoming mystery .
The Fantastic Four: First Steps depicts Marvel’s First Family navigating their roles as heroes amidst a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world. As they defend Earth from Galactus and the enigmatic Silver Surfer, they must also uphold the strength of their family bond.
Galactus’ Rumored MCU Casting Supports Major Fantastic Four Theory
This major theory may be supported by rumored casting choices for Galactus inThe Fantastic Four . Galactus has been speculated to be appear inThe Fantastic Foursince long before Julia Garner was confirmed to be throw up as Shalla - Bal in the forthcoming movie , and the iconic villain has been rooter - mould as many celebrated actors . Two fan - favoritecasting choice for the MCU ’s Galactusinclude Javier Bardem and Antonio Banderas , both of whom would do a brilliant job at delivering the powerfulness and might of the legendary supervillain , and these casting choices could hint atEarth X’sGalactus plot line coming to realization .
The Fantastic Four reboot may not have cast him yet , but the principal antagonist has been confirmed in a new report as Galactus is on his direction to the MCU .
Both Javier Bardem and Antonio Banderas are Spanish , mean that , if they are set to present an older version of Franklin Richards ' Galactus in the MCU’sThe Fantastic Four , their ancestors must be Latino , too . This perfectly explainsPedro Pascal ’s casting asThe Fantastic Four’sReed Ivor Armstrong Richards , as the Chilean American actor has the perfect background to be the Fatherhood of Javier Bardem or Antonio Banderas ' Franklin Richards . Pedro Pascal ’s casting as Mister Fantastic spurred some argument , butcasting a Spanish histrion as Franklin Richards ' Galactus explain Marvel Studios take Pascal for the iconic theatrical role of the " Smartest Man Alive " .
Fantastic Four Theory Means MCU’s Galactus May Mirror Kang The Conqueror
Not only would Franklin Richards becoming Galactus in the MCU put a brilliant twist on the legendary villain , but this could also be the perfect style to exchange the MCU ’s initial Multiverse Saga villain . Jonathan Majors ' Kang the Conqueror was tease as an ever - present threat in the MCU , but following Major ’s 2023 arrest and sentence , Kang the Conqueror ’s future in the MCUhas been thrown into jeopardy . Speculation that Marvel Studios may be moving on from Kang the Conqueror ’s story creates the opportunity for Galactus to fill the vacuum , and these two villains may be more similar than they seem .
Kang the Conqueror MCU Appearances
Kang the Conqueror Variant
LokiSeason 1 ( 2021 )
He Who continue
Ant - Man and the Wasp : Quantumania(2023 )
Kang the Conqueror and the Council of Kangs
LokiSeason 2 ( 2023 )
Victor Timely and He Who Remains
In Marvel Comics , Kang the Conqueror is actually Nathaniel Richards , a distant descendant of Reed Richards ' clock time - journey Father of the Church . This established a clear hereditary connection between Kang the Conqueror and Reed Richards that can be repeated in the MCU if Franklin Richards becomes Galactus inThe Fantastic Four . WhileMarvel Studios may be strike away from Kang the Conquerorfollowing recent controversies , Franklin Richards ' debut as Galactus can still leave this complex link to Mister Fantastic , which could be tremendously important to the progression of the MCU ’s Phase 6 , and makeThe Fantastic Foura much more personal and inner story .
Cast
The Fantastic Four : First Steps depicts Marvel ’s First Family navigating their character as heroes amidst a 1960s - inspire , retro - futuristic earth . As they champion Earth from Galactus and the enigmatic Silver Surfer , they must also maintain the enduringness of their family bond .
