Who is Franklin Richards in The Fantastic Four: First Steps? Baby’s powers explained

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As a cinephile eagerly diving into the world of pop culture icons, let me share my thoughts on “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.” While the original four characters undeniably hold a special place in our hearts, this latest installment introduces a fifth family member who manages to steal the spotlight.

At the onset of the film, Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal) and Sue Storm/The Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby) learn that she is expecting. This discovery is promptly figured out by Johnny Storm/The Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) and Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach).

By the time Franklin is born and given his name in the movie, he has already caused a bit of trouble – to put it lightly. Upon discovering that he could be incredibly powerful, the planet-devouring villain Galactus threatens the Fantastic Four: either hand over Franklin or he’ll destroy Earth-828.

Of course, this proposal doesn’t sit well with the gang at all, and a significant portion of the movie focuses on their determined attempts to rescue both the child and the planet. By the film’s conclusion, Franklin proves crucial in resolving the situation – stick around for a comprehensive account of his part, his abilities, and his humorous background.

But be warned: there are obviously some major spoilers ahead for The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

Who is Franklin Richards in Fantastic Four?

In the movie, Franklin is presented as the offspring of Reed Richards and Sue Storm. Notably, his conception occurred following years of unsuccessful attempts, to everyone’s surprise.

From well before his birth, it’s evident that this child holds significant value, serving as a chess piece in Galactus’ destructive plans of consuming planets. The antagonist threatens the Fantastic Four, stating that Earth-828 will be spared only if they surrender him – for he possesses an enigmatic power known as the ‘Power Cosmic’.

Throughout much of the movie, Franklin largely remains as a passive character given that he’s merely an infant. However, in the final moments of the film, he demonstrates his tremendous, pivotal influence beyond expectation.

In a heart-wrenching moment, with his mother appearing to have perished due to exhaustion while trying to send Galactus through a portal, a sorrowful Reed gently sets the child on Sue’s chest, both of them weeping.

Straight away, she starts showing signs that she’s back to life, and it’s later revealed that she’s fully recovered her vigor. Resurrection indeed seems like a great kickoff for her!

Franklin Richards powers explained: What is the Power Cosmic?

It’s clear that Franklin possesses immense power, but could you clarify what we mean by ‘cosmic power’? Essentially, it refers to a highly potent energy resource that has significantly influenced various comic book narratives throughout time.

In the comics, Galactus possesses a remarkable power, one that was coveted in the movie by Galactus himself for personal gain. The capabilities this power grants its user are nothing short of astonishing; it allows for the creation of life, control over matter with telekinesis, restructuring of molecules, and even the opening of portals across dimensions. Essentially, there’s not much it can’t do!

As a devoted cinephile, I must admit that the reason behind young Franklin wielding such power since birth remains somewhat unclear to me – other than the intriguing fact that his parents were previously exposed to cosmic radiation. Regardless of the specifics, there’s no denying he has become an exceptionally important figure in our world.

Franklin Richards comic book origins explained

In the world of comic books, Franklin made his debut in Fantastic Four Annual #6, which came out in November 1968. Since then, he has appeared frequently throughout the years, portrayed both as a young character and an up-and-coming superhero.

As a die-hard comic book fan and especially one with a soft spot for Marvel, I must say that, despite not wielding the Power Cosmic as portrayed in the films, this character is still an incredibly potent being. In fact, he stands out as arguably the most powerful mutant to grace the pages of the Marvel Comics universe.

This individual possesses unique skills such as shaping realms, generating mini-dimensions, controlling objects without physical touch, reading minds, and traveling out-of-body, to mention a few. Notably, he is also eternally alive. Undoubtedly, his abilities will prove invaluable in the time ahead.

Throughout different comic book stories, he has adopted names such as Powerhouse, Tattletale, and even transformed into Galactus himself. Furthermore, his comic book nanny is none other than Agatha Harkness; it could be intriguing if they cross paths in the Marvel Cinematic Universe someday.

Notably, in this upcoming movie, Fantastic Four: First Steps, you’ll see Franklin for the first time on the silver screen. However, it’s worth mentioning that the character had a brief, non-speaking role in an earlier animated series titled The Super Hero Squad Show.

Will Franklin Richards be in Avengers: Doomsday?

It’s almost certainly a definite affirmative, given the fact that the after-credit sequence of Fantastic Four: The First Steps depicts a specific character, Doctor Doom, making an appearance at young Franklin’s location.

Unlike past Marvel Cinematic Universe films that hinted at post-credits scenes without following through, this time around, it seems highly unlikely they’ll leave us hanging – especially since we’re aware his family will be front and center in the fight against Doom in Avengers: Endgame (or Avengers: Doomsday).

Regarding his specific function, that’s yet to be determined, but given the circumstances, it could very well turn out that the Fantastic Four collaborate with the Avengers in a mission to rescue the child from Doom, assuming he manages to capture him.

Following the intriguing cliffhanger in this movie, it’s definitely captivating to imagine how he might develop further and wield his impressive abilities more extensively in the time ahead.

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2025-07-24 19:34