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 design is striking, and the trailer's tone feels refreshingly different from typical MCU fare. While the July 25, 2025 release date has us buzzing, one character truly dominates: Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds.

Doctor Doom's Absence and Galactus's Prominence

While Doctor Doom's presence is minimal in the trailer, Galactus's design is already a significant improvement over previous cinematic attempts, appearing far closer to his comic book counterpart than the depiction in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. This article explores why The Fantastic Four: First Steps appears poised to finally deliver a faithful and impactful portrayal of this iconic Marvel villain.

Who Is Galactus? A Cosmic Overview

For the uninitiated, Galactus is a cosmic entity from the Marvel universe, co-created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in Fantastic Four #48. Originating as Galan, a mortal survivor of a previous universe, he was transformed by the merging with his universe's sentience into the first being of our own. As Galactus, he sustains himself by consuming life-bearing planets. His most famous herald is the Silver Surfer.

The Fantastic Four's initial encounter with Galactus involved a warning from the Watcher, who violated his non-interference oath to save Earth. Despite battling the Silver Surfer, the Fantastic Four ultimately needed the Ultimate Nullifier—a weapon capable of harming Galactus—to force his retreat. This event cemented Galactus's role as a significant, morally ambiguous figure within the Marvel universe, frequently clashing with the Fantastic Four and Thor.

A Reimagined Galactus

Prior to First Steps, Galactus's only cinematic appearance was in 2007's Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, a widely criticized portrayal. The film's version lacked the iconic design and presence of the comic book character, resulting in a disappointing representation.

However, the trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps, along with hints from last year's San Diego Comic-Con drone light show, suggests a return to Jack Kirby's original design. This choice, coupled with the selection of Galactus as the main villain, indicates Marvel's intention to rectify past shortcomings and deliver a satisfying adaptation. With Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom potentially reserved for Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, the focus can be solely on Galactus's MCU debut.

This is crucial given the MCU's recent challenges. Galactus represents a significant opportunity to revitalize the franchise, potentially generating excitement for the upcoming Avengers films, in which the Fantastic Four are expected to play major roles. The anticipation surrounding Galactus, even before the film's release, underscores the character's importance to fans.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps - Trailer 1 Stills

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The past interest in seeing the Fantastic Four's rogues gallery, including Galactus, in the MCU highlights the character's significance. While the Fantastic Four's own popularity has risen, Galactus and other associated characters could be key to the MCU's post-Multiverse Saga rejuvenation.

Ultimately, Galactus is a pivotal character in the Fantastic Four mythos, and this new adaptation promises a long-overdue, faithful live-action portrayal. The trailer suggests that The Fantastic Four: First Steps is on the right track.