Avengers: Doomsday Raises a Big Question About the Fantastic Four

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In the exciting approach towards the upcoming Avengers saga, “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Avengers: Secret Wars”, fans are eagerly looking forward to the debut of the Fantastic Four. The arrival of Marvel’s First Family is scheduled in “Fantastic Four: First Steps”, where we will witness the birth of Franklin Richards, the extraordinary son of Reed and Sue. However, this development immediately raises a crucial concern for the franchise – how will Marvel Studios balance Franklin’s nearly infinite power, as depicted in the comic books, with the existing power levels and requirements within the MCU?

The High Stakes of a Threat Like Doom Demand Careful MCU Power Leveling

Franklin Richards is not your typical kid. In the world of comics, he’s known as an Omega-level mutant, boasting powers that bend reality itself. He can manipulate matter and energy on a cosmic level, creating pocket universes, emitting psionic energy, and even bringing back life forms from the dead. His abilities are so immense that he’s often seen as one of the most powerful characters within the Marvel Multiverse, capable of sculpting reality itself.

Considering the possibility that such an incredibly powerful character, who might still be a toddler by the time ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ (December 18, 2026) and ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ (December 17, 2027) take place, poses a unique challenge from a storytelling perspective. If Franklin retains even a small part of his comic book power, he could potentially handle nearly any threat that would typically require the combined efforts of every Avenger and superhero in the universe. This leads us to speculate whether Marvel might need to scale back Franklin’s powers significantly to maintain an engaging narrative.

Having a character possessing divine powers, such as young Franklin Richards, significantly alters the level of risk and intensity in significant crossover events. If he’s able to effortlessly eliminate threats like those found in ‘Doomsday’ or ‘Secret Wars’, it becomes extremely challenging to create a captivating narrative with high-stakes drama. The gravity of heroic self-sacrifice, the hardships faced against insurmountable odds, and the unified efforts of numerous heroes lose much of their significance if a toddler has the power to reshape reality on a whim.

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), power is substantial yet bound by clear rules. Adding a character who breaks these rules without proper explanation or restriction might disrupt the well-thought-out balance of its vast universe. To maintain the suspense and intrigue of the upcoming Avengers movies, it appears that some adjustment to Franklin’s abilities – perhaps power modification – may be necessary.

While it’s important to note that Franklin’s significance wouldn’t be completely diminished. His unique status as a child with extraordinary, dormant powers might fuel conflicts or attract malicious individuals aiming to leverage his abilities for their gain. His potential could serve as a beacon of hope or instill fear, depending on how he’s handled and perceived by both heroes and villains. The task is striking a balance where his inherent greatness is recognized without him becoming a convenient “quick fix” for every crisis, much like Wanda Maximoff or her son, Billy Kaplan, might have been in the past.

There could be instances where Franklin’s abilities unexpectedly surface or demand intense concentration and effort that a child might struggle to sustain consistently. Alternatively, it may be that his powers are latent at first, only emerging under special, infrequent conditions, which would mean a gradual revelation of his full potential rather than an immediate, overwhelming display.

Power Limitations Allow for Future Growth & Deeper Character Exploration

To make Franklin Richards a fully developed character instead of just a tool in the plot, it’s essential that he encounters obstacles and undergoes growth. Giving him unrestricted powers right from the start would limit his potential for development and vulnerability, which are crucial aspects of any hero’s journey that readers can relate to. By setting boundaries, either physical, mental, or environmental, Marvel can create a more captivating storyline as Franklin evolves and possibly learns to manage his extraordinary abilities under his parents’ tutelage. This approach allows for future narratives where Franklin’s powers can expand in tandem with his personal growth, preventing him from eclipsing the veteran heroes who have been the cornerstone of Marvel Comics for years.

Reconsidering the possibility of limiting Franklin Richards’ powers doesn’t automatically equate to a bad decision or disregard for the original storyline. Instead, it opens up a chance to delve deeper into his powers’ complexities, the challenges they impose on him and his family, and the ethical dilemmas associated with such abilities. If introduced in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Franklin Richards could play a pivotal role not only as heroes but also as a family unit, significantly shaping their narrative. The route Marvel decides to take with Franklin Richards raises an intriguing question that promises to influence the direction and grandeur of future MCU battles and storylines.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps will be in theaters and IMAX on July 25th.

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2025-07-09 21:49