Is Fantastic Four: First Steps Pushing Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards Into an MCU Villain Arc?

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Being a superhero often requires making difficult decisions. In the movie “Spider-Man: No Way Home”, Peter Parker recognizes that his actions could put the world at risk, leading him to ask Doctor Strange to ensure no one recalls him, even his friends MJ and Ned. To protect them from harm again, he decides not to reveal everything to them and instead proceeds alone. This won’t be easy for Peter, but he finds comfort in knowing that he’s making the right call. Meanwhile, another hero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is approaching a similar crossroads, and whatever choice they make could lead to devastating consequences.

In “The Fantastic Four: First Footsteps,” they’re going big by introducing Galactus to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Similar to his comic book origins, this villain aims to consume entire worlds. But here’s a twist: he offers a chance for redemption that could safeguard not just our heroes but their very world too. For Reed Richards and Sue Storm, it’s more complex than choosing the greater good over individual needs; it’s a battle that may decide the fate of many worlds.

Reed Richards Will Try to Find Another Way in The Fantastic Four: First Steps

Although “First Steps” is yet to hit the theaters (at the time of this writing), the promotional materials present a vivid portrayal of its narrative. As the Fantastic Four safeguard Earth, they encounter news about Galactus and his interest in Earth’s power, particularly Franklin Richards. In response, Galactus dispatches his emissary, the Silver Surfer, to alert humankind of his upcoming arrival. Instead of preparing for the worst, the Fantastic Four opt for negotiations with Galactus. However, their only option to save Earth is by surrendering Franklin, whose abilities in the original storyline could prove instrumental in freeing Galactus from the need to seek new planets. With Franklin’s power, he could create an endless source of energy from worlds that the young boy can conjure into existence.

Reed and Susan refuse to give up their son, and they make it clear to everyone that Galactus’ demand is too steep. However, this won’t prevent Galactus from canceling his trip, which could leave the Fantastic Four without a world and the baby. Losing so much would shatter anyone, but only one member of the team has a dark counterpart in the comics capable of destroying multiple universes: Mr. Fantastic.

The MCU May Be Pushing Reed Richards to Be a Villain, Not a Hero

In the story First Steps, Reed’s intellect usually guides his actions, but this time, his emotions will resonate strongly. He has a child who relies on him, and though the world calls for his brilliant mind, he won’t love the people of Earth more than his son… or so it seems. It would be challenging to fault Reed for allowing Galactus to devastate his planet, given his certainty that there’s a way to reverse the destruction. He might journey to Earth-616 and start searching for a solution. Matters could become even more complex if he fails to find one, forcing Reed to grapple with the weight of allowing countless lives to perish in the name of saving just one person. If no humanity remains, The Maker – a dark reflection of the hero – may emerge, convinced that he knows what’s best for everyone.

In a potential twist for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the Creator could pose an enormous danger as he aims to redesign the multiverse according to his likeness. It’s likely that Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday will share this ambition, leading them to possibly collaborate and strive towards creating a superior future. Though it might be hard to imagine Mr. Fantastic joining forces with his age-old adversary, this path could provide an opportunity for the MCU to surprise its audience by deviating from previously trodden paths. After all, Doom and Mr. Fantastic have had numerous battles on the silver screen, but their partnership has never truly succeeded before.

Marvel Studios might be reluctant to transform one of their major heroes into a villain since such a change could lead to irreversible consequences. A possible workaround for this dilemma would involve introducing a variant of The Maker, whom Reed Richards from the “First Steps” series encounters. This villain could explain to his doppelganger how things might have unfolded if he had made different choices concerning Galactus. In this way, the MCU could introduce a fresh antagonist while preserving its core heroes and their relationships.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps hits theaters July 25, 2025.

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2025-07-15 22:45