How Franklin Richards’ Powers Compare to the Rest of the Fantastic Four in First Steps

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For over a decade, the Marvel Cinematic Universe was anchored by its original heroes, but after the tumultuous period following “Avengers: Endgame,” it seems the studio had trouble finding a new leading figure. However, that search may have come to an end with the sensational debut of “The Fantastic Four: First Steps“. This film has been receiving widespread acclaim from both critics and fans, serving as a substantial and long-awaited victory for Marvel Studios. Additionally, this excitement has translated into financial success, as “First Steps ” had one of the strongest box office openings in 2025.

A key factor behind the success of “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is its unique take on the team compared to previous adaptations. This film introduces the expanded family, notably Reed Richards and Sue Storm’s infant son, Franklin, who has not been featured before on screen. For comic book enthusiasts, this inclusion of Franklin is significant because he is known as one of Marvel’s most potent characters, capable of creating entire universes with his imagination. As expected given his legacy, “First Steps” hints at how the Marvel Cinematic Universe might handle these divine abilities, quickly establishing a powerful new character in the franchise.

Warning: Spoilers for The Fantastic Four: First Steps below.

In the movie, before Franklin’s world-changing abilities are unveiled, it underscores the classic powers that have kept the Fantastic Four renowned for many decades. Ben Grimm, also known as The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), embodies the team’s spirit and strength, having a nearly indestructible rocky body that grants him superhuman strength. On the other hand, Johnny Storm, or the Human Torch (Joseph Quinn), is a charming hothead who can envelop his entire body in flames, enabling him to fly swiftly and emit powerful bursts of pyrokinetic energy.

In this rephrased version: Sue Storm, portrayed by Vanessa Kirby as the Invisible Woman, is a valiant guardian who possesses the ability to make herself and various objects vanish, along with creating potent mental force fields for protection and combat. On the other hand, Reed Richards, played by Pedro Pascal, predominantly downplays his renowned elastic abilities in the movie. Instead, it showcases his intellect as his primary weapon, depicting him as a brilliant scientist who tackles problems with his mind rather than through physical confrontation.

In ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’, the narrative centers on the appearance of the cosmic entity named Galactus (played by Ralph Ineson), who senses a special energy in the newborn child, Franklin. This unique energy is linked to the Power Cosmic, an immense force that can satiate Galactus’s eternal hunger, relieving him from his torment. The twist comes when Galactus declares that Franklin is the host of the Power Cosmic and must take his place as the World-Devourer, thus assuming the role previously held by Galactus himself.

In the heart-wrenching climax of the movie, I witnessed Sue’s selfless act of pushing Galactus through a portal, which ultimately cost her life. As we grieved her loss, there was a remarkable moment when Franklin was placed on her lifeless body. In an astounding display of his unique power, he miraculously resurrected his mother, a feat that shattered the very fabric of reality. This extraordinary act underscored the fact that Franklin’s abilities surpass those of any other family member, standing alone in a realm of unparalleled power.

What Is the Power Cosmic in Marvel Comics?

In the Marvel Comics universe, the Power Cosmic is an immense energy resource, a primordial creative force capable of shaping reality on a vast scale. Essentially, it’s the residual energy from the birth of the universe, granting its user the ability to manipulate matter and energy at a microscopic level. This cosmic power is often linked with Galactus, one of its most renowned wielders in the comic book world.

Galactus is recognized for sharing a tiny piece of his Cosmic Power with his Heralds, these beings who are assigned to explore planets that he intends to devour. Figures like the Silver Surfer receive this power, which equips them with abilities like space travel, energy manipulation, and extreme resilience. Yet, the power they possess is merely a fraction of what Galactus himself commands.

In “The Fantastic Four: First Steps”, the Marvel Cinematic Universe alters Franklin’s power origins by depicting him as a native conduit for the Power Cosmic, contrasting with the comics where his powers stem from a mutant gene. The movie suggests that Reed and Sue’s previous encounter with cosmic rays during their initial accident may have resulted in Franklin inheriting this vast energy at birth. This alteration transforms him into a carrier of Galactus’ raw power, thereby positioning him as a character of immense importance right from the start.

What Can Franklin Richards Do in Marvel Comics?

In other words, just like in the comic books, Franklin is associated with the Power Cosmic. However, instead of this connection, he’s typically portrayed as an Omega-level mutant, arguably the strongest mutant to have ever existed. His unique ability lies in reality warping, which enables him to mold existence according to his thoughts and wishes. Unlike many other powers that only alter what currently exists, Franklin can generate matter and energy out of nothing, redefine physical laws, and reshape entire universes with just his imagination. Even at a young age, his power was so immense that beings like Galactus and the Celestials perceived him as their equal or even a potential danger.

In the realm of comic books, I, Franklin Richards, have an astonishing list of accomplishments that leave me breathless. I’ve displayed a wide range of psychic abilities, such as telepathy, telekinesis, and precognition. But among these feats, my creation of “Counter-Earth” stands out the most – a pocket universe born from my subconscious to safeguard my family and the Avengers when they appeared to have perished in their valiant effort to stop Onslaught.

At my zenith, I’ve been depicted as capable of overpowering Celestials, breathing life into new beings, and even reviving Galactus, a cosmic entity thought to be beyond resurrection. My powers are so immense that I’ve frequently imposed self-restraints or had them enforced by my father to maintain a semblance of a normal existence and prevent my youthful impulses from causing worldwide catastrophes.

The MCU has merely hinted at this potential, with the revival of Sue Storm being one example. However, by positioning me as a being desired for his powers by Galactus himself, the groundwork is laid for me to emerge as one of the most formidable entities in the entire cinematic universe.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is now playing in theaters.

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2025-07-29 00:37