The Conclusion of Avengers: Secret Wars and the Start of Marvel’s Next Saga Explained Through a Major Fantastic Four Theory

An intriguing theory surrounding Fantastic Four: First Steps suggests that this highly anticipated MCU film will lay the groundwork for an optimal conclusion to Avengers: Secret Wars and herald a new chapter beyond the Multiverse Saga. With The Fantastic Four making their first appearance in the MCU, audiences will initially encounter them in a captivating retro-futuristic ’60s timeline. However, this team of Marvel’s First Family may not exist in this alternate reality for long.

In Fantastic Four: First Steps, audiences will witness Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm actively functioning as a cohesive superhero unit. They will serve as defenders of their universe while facing the ominous threat posed by Galactus, the World Devourer. Recent insights indicate that The Fantastic Four will also join forces with characters from the primary MCU timeline in the forthcoming Avengers: Doomsday and expectedly in Avengers: Secret Wars, providing a climactic closer to the Multiverse Saga. Notably, further revelations support the theory that Fantastic Four: First Steps will expertly set the stage for the MCU’s future following the events of Secret Wars.

A Surprising Development: Sue Storm’s Pregnancy

Anticipating Franklin Richards’ Arrival

Sue Storm creating a forcefield in The Fantastic Four: First Steps trailer

Speculation around the title First Steps not only hints at space exploration but also points to significant personal developments. It has recently been confirmed that Vanessa Kirby’s portrayal of Sue Storm will include her being pregnant, bringing a unique twist to the superhero narrative within the MCU. This is particularly exciting as it introduces a seldom-seen dynamic of superheroes navigating parenthood.

The ramifications of Sue Storm’s pregnancy extend far beyond the personal, significantly influencing the broader MCU multiverse. Considering Reed Richards and Sue Storm’s first child in Marvel Comics, who made his debut in 1968’s Fantastic Four Annual #6, this child, Franklin Richards, is imbued with extraordinary abilities attributed to his parents’ cosmic innate powers. Franklin is celebrated as one of the most potent characters in Marvel’s history.

Franklin Richards: A Potential Game-Changer Post-Secret Wars

The Ability to Reshape Realities

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If Franklin in the MCU inherits powers akin to those in the comics, he could emerge as a pivotal figure in Avengers: Secret Wars. Even at a young age, Franklin showcases an impressive talent for altering reality and creating entire worlds. Given this, it’s conceivable that Galactus might be drawn to The Fantastic Four’s universe due to Franklin’s burgeoning powers and the impending nature of his birth. After all, Galactus could perceive Franklin Richards as a source of limitless worlds to consume.

Moreover, the character of Franklin Richards played a crucial role following the events of the 2015 Secret Wars storyline in the comics. In a scenario where the multiverse collapsed, Doctor Doom salvaged fragments, creating Battleworld—a new reality over which he presided as God Emperor. Ultimately, upon his defeat, Franklin was central to reconstructing the multiverse alongside his father and the Molecule Man, fostering the emergence of new realms. This sets a compelling precedent, suggesting that Franklin could undertake a similar role within the MCU after Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027.

Exploring the Boundless Potential Offered by Franklin

Boundless Opportunities Post-Secret Wars

X-Men and Avengers in MCU Secret Wars

A prominent example of how the Marvel multiverse was reimagined following the comic line’s Secret Wars is notable: the Ultimate Universe ceased to exist, yet elements of Miles Morales’ life were seamlessly integrated into the main 616 timeline, facilitating a mentorship dynamic with Peter Parker. In a similar fashion, Franklin could significantly contribute to innovatively reshaping the MCU, allowing Marvel Studios the opportunity to soft reboot the franchise in a manner that feels grounded within its existing narrative.

Utilizing Franklin’s capabilities to reshape reality presents myriad possibilities for Marvel Studios—for instance, the introduction of entirely fresh MCU adaptations of the X-Men, unencumbered by the legacy of the previous Fox films. This empowers the creation of new connections, bringing deceased characters back into the fold and enabling recasting opportunities for different actors. Ultimately, Franklin Richards could serve as a key to canonically rewriting the MCU, granting Marvel an unparalleled level of creative freedom to propel the franchise into the future as the Multiverse Saga reaches its conclusion—without necessitating a complete overhaul.

Fantastic Four: First Steps is set to hit theaters on July 25th, 2025, from Marvel Studios.

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