The Fantastic Four: First Steps and the Intriguing Future of Franklin Richards

Excitement is building among Marvel fans with the upcoming release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which introduces the offspring of Reed Richards and Sue Storm. This development aligns perfectly with the team’s identity as Marvel’s First Family and is indicative of the film’s thematic elements. The narrative is expected to explore the implications of parenthood for Reed and Sue, which could set the stage for significant future plotlines within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

The “first steps”referenced in the film’s title suggest a pivotal role for their child, likely hinting at a significant plot point in the impending Avengers installment. Following their debut in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, the team—comprising Reed, Sue, Johnny, and Ben—will extend their adventures as integral characters in Avengers: Doomsday. Moreover, Marvel has confirmed that the Fantastic Four will play crucial roles in Avengers: Secret Wars, cementing their connection to the core MCU narrative.

The Fantastic Four’s Universe: A Unique Element within the MCU

Setting the Scene: A Different Universe

The upcoming Fantastic Four film marks a significant event within the broader Multiverse Saga, as it appears to be set in a distinct universe, diverging from Earth-616, the home of the Avengers. In this unique reality, the Fantastic Four are the sole superhero team situated in a vibrant, retro-futuristic New York City of the 1960s. However, their world faces an impending doom as it teeters on the edge of destruction by the cosmic entity Galactus. The latest trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps conveys a foreboding atmosphere that hints at their planet’s tragic fate.

In the trailer, we see Galactus looming ominously over the Earth, while Julia Garner’s portrayal of Silver Surfer warns the heroes that their world has been marked for annihilation. As Galactus, known as the Devourer of Worlds, makes his presence felt, glimpses of destruction suggest a catastrophic series of events on the horizon. The urgency for the Fantastic Four to navigate to Earth-616 grows dire, raising the stakes as they confront their world’s obliteration.

Speculation: Franklin Richards’ Role and Transformation

Linking Comics to Future Avengers Films

In the comics, Reed and Sue are the proud parents of two children, Franklin and Valeria, with Franklin being the elder. This context leads one to speculate that Franklin may embody the child Sue is anticipated to give birth to in the film, an aspect that could influence the trajectory of future Avengers storylines. Notably, Franklin Richards is essential to the events of the 2015 Marvel Comics’ Secret Wars, which is poised to be a central theme in the final act of the MCU’s Multiverse Saga. Given this connection, it’s reasonable to anticipate an age transition for Franklin in upcoming films.

As the Fantastic Four work to escape their collapsing universe indicated in the trailer, Reed Richards hints at “stretching the bounds of space,”alluding to potential multiversal travel. Comprehensive explorations of space and time might allow the team to arrive in the MCU’s present, while simultaneously permitting Franklin to leap through time, resulting in an aged-up version of the character for appearances in Avengers: Doomsday.

Rationale Behind an Older Franklin Richards in the MCU

Franklin as a Power Player in the Post-Multiverse Saga

The prospect of an older Franklin Richards integrates seamlessly within Marvel Studios’ narrative strategy. His character is likely to emerge as a significant figure in Avengers: Secret Wars, as comic narratives typically position Franklin among those tasked with restoring the multiverse. His extraordinary, reality-altering abilities would be unsuitable if he remains a mere infant in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, suggesting a deliberate choice by Marvel to cultivate his growth over time.

Moreover, Marvel’s ambitions extend toward integrating the X-Men into the MCU, with Franklin Richards serving as a potential bridge. As one of the most powerful mutants in the comics, his journey could intersect with the X-Men narrative, particularly as we anticipate their resurgence in Avengers: Doomsday. This synergy may further enrich the interconnected Marvel universe.