Fantastic Four: First Steps' trailer reveals Sue Storm's pregnancy with Franklin Richards
Fantastic Four: First Steps brings emotional depth and cosmic action, introducing Franklin Richards and setting the stage for new Marvel heroes. With a star-studded cast, it promises to reshape the MCU’s next phase.
Marvel Studios' upcoming film Fantastic Four: First Steps marks a major shift in the Marvel Cinematic Universe by focusing on the evolution of the superhero team as a family rather than retelling their origin story. Set years after the group received their powers, the film centers on Sue Storm and Reed Richards as they prepare for the birth of their son, Franklin Richards. This emotional development adds a personal layer to their heroic responsibilities, offering a unique narrative that contrasts with traditional superhero plots.
The trailer reveals that Sue is visibly pregnant just as the team faces a cosmic-level threat: the arrival of the Silver Surfer, who warns them of the imminent danger posed by Galactus, a planet-consuming being. The tension builds as the team juggles the anticipation of a new family member with the responsibility of saving Earth. The storyline underscores the dual pressures of impending parenthood and an apocalyptic battle, elevating the stakes for the Fantastic Four.
Franklin Richards’ imminent arrival hints at Marvel’s next generation of superheroes
While Franklin Richards does not appear in the trailer, scenes showing Reed and Sue preparing a nursery strongly suggest his arrival during the film. Sue’s absence in later action scenes hints that she may be giving birth or caring for the newborn as the crisis unfolds. The film’s title, First Steps, serves as a metaphor for both Franklin’s literal first steps and the team's next phase in their evolution as heroes and parents.
In the comics, Franklin Richards is one of the most powerful beings in the Marvel Universe, capable of telepathy, telekinesis, and even altering reality. His presence in the MCU opens doors for future storylines, possibly connecting to larger arcs like Avengers: Secret Wars. Introducing Franklin also suggests Marvel may be setting the stage for younger superheroes to emerge in upcoming phases.
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Fantastic Four: First Steps blends family drama and cosmic action as the iconic team joins the MCU.
The film stars Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm. Julia Garner joins the cast as the Silver Surfer. Directed by WandaVision’s Matt Shakman, the movie aims to bring emotional depth and cinematic flair to one of Marvel’s most iconic teams, with a cast chosen to highlight both the power and humanity of these characters.
Scheduled for release on July 25, 2025, Fantastic Four: First Steps will officially integrate the Fantastic Four into the MCU. With its focus on family, cosmic threats, and the birth of one of Marvel’s most powerful characters, the film promises to be a pivotal entry in the next era of Marvel storytelling, offering both intimate moments and epic scale in one cohesive narrative.
