The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is poised for an exciting leap forward as it prepares to introduce two of Marvel’s most formidable heroes in 2025. Following the anticipated release of Captain America: Brave New World, fans can also look forward to Thunderbolts and Fantastic Four: First Steps. Each of these movies is set to feature highly powerful characters that are likely to reshape the MCU landscape dramatically.
It’s remarkable to consider that the MCU’s journey began in 2008 with Tony Stark crafting his first high-tech armor. Over the years, the franchise has expanded not just its roster of characters but also the sheer levels of power displayed by its heroes and villains. However, as we approach 2025, there are concerns that the introduction of these two powerful figures may stretch the concept of balance within the MCU.
The MCU’s Ongoing Issue With Overpowered Characters
Especially in the Post-Endgame Landscape
In recent developments, characters like Loki have seen their powers amplified, as he ascended to become a new god and defender of the multiverse after the events of Season 2 of his eponymous series. Moreover, MCU has introduced various celestial entities such as Arishem, Eternity, and Death. By 2025, we will witness extraordinary characters whose impact will be felt across recurring storylines in the MCU.
Marvel Has Officially Confirmed Franklin Richards’ Arrival
Sue Storm’s Pregnancy in New Fantastic Four Footage
Long speculation surrounding the MCU’s adaptation of the Fantastic Four has been confirmed with new footage showcased at Disney’s CinemaCon, revealing that Sue Storm, also known as the Invisible Woman, is pregnant. In the comics, their first child, Franklin, is a powerful mutant capable of immense creations, dramatically influencing the Marvel Universe.
Now a teenage hero dubbed “Powerhouse”, Franklin possesses the extraordinary ability to create entire worlds effortlessly, gaining the attention of mighty beings like the Celestials and Galactus. His birth and reality-warping abilities may serve as a catalyst for Galactus’s arrival in the MCU, given their profound connection in comic lore.
The Sentry Is Set to Join the MCU in 2025
“Bob”is Also Going to Be a Major Game-Changer
In addition to Franklin, fans should prepare for the introduction of Robert “Bob”Reynolds in Thunderbolts. Effectively Marvel’s reply to Superman, The Sentry is endowed with incredible powers yet grapples with a troubled past, being a former meth addict who gained his abilities through a government experiment derived from the remnants of the Weapon X and Project Rebirth programs. Dubbed “the power of a million exploding suns,” he stands among the mightiest heroes in the Marvel Universe.
It appears that the MCU’s portrayal of Bob will closely resemble his comic origins, including the darker side of his abilities manifested as “The Void.”This aspect of his powers led to catastrophic consequences, such as the tragic deaths of countless New Yorkers upon its first appearance. The fate of New York is at stake again, drawing concern regarding how the Thunderbolts will confront a hero capable of wreaking such havoc.
How Will Marvel Navigate the Insane Power Levels of Bob and Franklin?
Can These Characters Sustain Their Presence in the MCU?
Recently, it was confirmed that Lewis Pullman will appear in Avengers: Doomsday, suggesting that the Sentry, alongside The Void, will play a role that extends beyond their initial appearance in Thunderbolts. This raises questions about Marvel Studios’ ability to maintain narrative tension when introducing characters capable of rewriting reality and overpowering almost any opposition.
As thrilling as it will be to witness these two formidable characters debut in 2025, Marvel may find itself grappling with how to manage the overwhelming power that Franklin and Bob bring to the narrative. Historically, the comics have had to adopt several narrative strategies to mitigate their power levels, often involving temporary “nerfing” measures. For instance, in the comics, The Sentry had to erase himself from the memory of others to bring down The Void, while Franklin once altered reality to make it seem as if he had lost his powers entirely. Such strategies could inform how Marvel Studios tackles the challenges posed by these characters.
The release dates for these highly anticipated films are set for Thunderbolts on May 2nd and Fantastic Four: First Steps on July 25th.