Kevin Feige Teases How The MCU Will Handle One of Marvel’s Most Powerful Heroes After Fantastic Four: First Steps

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Kevin Feige, head of Marvel Studios, has spoken openly about the presence of Franklin Richards in the upcoming film “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” offering the most straightforward hint yet regarding the character’s future in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). In the comic book world, Franklin Richards is the offspring of Reed Richards and Sue Storm, a mutant with Omega-level abilities that can reshape reality itself. At a recent press gathering attended by ComicBook, Feige explained why Marvel Studios opted to incorporate one of Marvel’s most potent characters into the movie, suggesting that Franklin’s arrival represents a significant shift in the MCU.

In his words, Feige suggests that we should take inspiration from the comics, just as we’ve done in the past. He points out that there is significant potential for both Franklin and the other child character. The reason for focusing on Franklin first, according to him, is because it offers an opportunity for something fresh and unique. With four movies already made featuring the Fantastic Four, Franklin has yet to make an appearance. To create a distinctive version of the Fantastic Four, they decided to explore the concept of this child and his role in the story, which is what director Matt Jones will be doing.

Kevin Feige referred to four unmentioned films, which include a 1994 Roger Corman production, the 2005 movie “Fantastic Four”, its sequel from 2007 titled “Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer”, and the 2015 film named “Fant4stic”. Moreover, his reference to “the other child” seems to suggest Valeria Richards, a character from the comics who is Reed and Sue’s second child and is known for her genius intellect that matches her father’s.

Feige’s instruction to “check out the comics” offers a significant insight, as Franklin’s comic book background shares a rich connection with the cosmic antagonist from First Steps, Galactus. In numerous storylines, Franklin’s immense power allows him to confront Galactus, even going so far as to revive the planet-devourer and serve as his herald. Similarly, Valeria Richards has a complex bond with the family’s main adversary, Doctor Doom, who serves as her godfather and a twisted mentor in many story arcs. With Doom set to appear in Avengers: Doomsday, it appears that Marvel Studios is positioning all the pieces to deliver fans an authentic comic book portrayal of the Fantastic Four.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps Carries the Weight of the MCU’s Future

As a devoted Marvel fan, I can’t help but feel the weight of anticipation for “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.” After a series of box office disappointments like “Captain America: Brave New World” and “Thunderbolts,” this new release is seen as a significant summer blockbuster, designed to breathe fresh life into the franchise. Projections suggest that its domestic opening could range from $100 million to $110 million, an impressive figure, yet it falls short of the $125 million domestic debut of its DC competitor, “Superman.” Given a production budget reportedly over $200 million, there’s undeniably pressure on this film to become a global sensation, especially in the international market where the MCU has traditionally thrived.

To fulfill these lofty expectations, Marvel is embracing a daring creative concept that distinguishes this film from the primary MCU narrative. The story unfolds on Earth-828, in a “retro-futuristic” 1960s, a choice that reflects the Jack Kirby-era comic art style. This setting offers a significant narrative advantage since it eliminates the need to explain where the Fantastic Four have been during the last two decades of MCU history. Furthermore, this alternate timeline allows for a fresh interpretation of classic villains, as The Fantastic Four: First Steps introduces a comic-accurate Galactus portrayed by Ralph Ineson and Julia Garner as the Shalla-Bal version of the Silver Surfer.

The significance of the Fantastic Four becomes crucial during the climax of the Multiverse Saga, as they are set to take center stage in “Avengers: Doomsday,” where they will face off against Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom. The character Franklin Richards, who is introduced in “First Steps,” plays a vital role in long-term planning. In a war spanning multiple universes against such a formidable foe as Doom, a child with the power to reshape reality is an unpredictable factor. His inclusion not only heightens the personal risks for the team but also brings a power level into the Marvel Cinematic Universe that could sway the outcome of the final battle in the saga.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps arrives in theaters on July 25.

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2025-07-24 20:40