Summary
A new theory perfectly explains the alternate universe setting ofThe Fantastic Four: First Stepsby introducing a powerful new character to theMCU. Shortly after thecast ofThe Fantastic Four: First Stepswas confirmed on Valentine’s Day, theories began to emerge suggesting that the movie could be set in a retro-futuristic, 1960s-themed alternate reality of the MCU. This has since been confirmed by Marvel Studios and director Matt Shakman, but this has spurred more speculation about the story details of the Fantastic Four’s much anticipated MCU debut.
Popular theories have suggested that theFantastic Four originated in Earth-616and became trapped in another universe after a failed experiment, or come from across the multiverse and will move to the MCU’s main continuity upon Galactus' destruction of their world. However, a new theory posed byReddituser ArmchairOfHeresyposits thata rumored new character inThe Fantastic Four: First Stepsmay have created the movie’s alternate universe himself. This is a very exciting prospect that could set up several future MCU projects.
Kevin Feige Tackles Fantastic Four Timeline & Multiverse Theories As He Confirms Filming Date: “Those Are Smart Observations”
After a series of The Fantastic Four rumors, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has confirmed some major details about the MCU movie.
Franklin Richards Created The Fantastic Four’s Alternate Universe: MCU Theory Explained
Franklin Richards Is Able To Create Pocket Universes In Marvel Comics
ArmchairOfHeresy’s theory suggests thatFranklin Richards, Reed Richards and Sue Storm’s sonwho hasn’t yet been confirmed forThe Fantastic Four: First Steps, may have created the alternate universe setting of the upcoming movie. Franklin Richards made his Marvel Comics debut in 1968’sFantastic Four Annual #6, and was first introduced as a mutant with remarkable reality warping and energy manipulation abilities.These powers allowed him to create pocket universes, which he put to use on several occasions, so he may have done the same in the MCU.
In 2020’sDawn of Xstoryline, Franklin Richards was revealed to in fact not be a mutant. He had instead been subconsciously altering his own molecular structure using his powers, but after he was depowered during a fight with the alien Cormorant, he was no longer an Omega-level mutant. His powers were later restored, however.
Marvel Studios unveiled anew title forThe Fantastic Fourduring this year’s SDCC presentation, adding theFirst Stepssubtitle to the official logo. There has been some speculation about whatFirst Stepscould mean. It may refer to the Space Race, which the movie is expected to focus on somewhat, or, indeed, the Fantastic Four’s own first steps into the MCU, in the same manner as Spider-Man’sHomecoming. However,this could also refer to Franklin Richards' “first steps” in realizing his powers, with him inadvertently trapping his family in one of his pocket universes while testing his abilities.
Franklin Richards Is Already Speculated To Appear In The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Franklin Richards Hasn’t Yet Been Confirmed For The Fantastic Four: First Steps
WhileFranklin Richards hasn’t been confirmed to be appearing inThe Fantastic Four: First Steps, his involvement has been heavily rumored. Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards and Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm have been revealed to already be married in the movie, and the casting of a slightly older actor, and perhaps contemporary TV’s most popular father-figure, in the role of Mister Fantastic has led some to speculate that Reed and Sue may already have children. This may have been supported by a recentset video fromThe Fantastic Four: First Steps.
This video shows Vanessa Kirby seemingly cradling a baby in her arms on the set ofThe Fantastic Four: First Steps. The quality of the footage isn’t great, but this has all but confirmed the inclusion of either Franklin Richards or the pair’s daughter, Valeria. Should Franklin actually appear in the Phase 6 movie, ArmchairOfHeresy’s theory could easily come to fruition, as the powerful young character would have little control over his reality-altering abilities. It makes sense that he may have accidentally created an alternate world.
Franklin Richards Theory Sets Up Avengers: Secret Wars Perfectly
Avengers: Secret Wars Is Scheduled To Release On June 15, 2025
Franklin Richards' debut inThe Fantastic Four: First Stepswould not only provide the perfect opportunity to explain the movie’s alternate universe setting, but could also set the stage for some of the MCU’s other biggest upcoming storylines. Most notably,Franklin Richards has a pivotal role in Marvel Comics’Secret Warsevent from 2015. Franklin Richards appeared alongside his mother, sister andGod Emperor Doom inSecret Wars’Battleworld, but truly put his powers to the test after Doctor Doom was defeated.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps could mark a test of his incredible abilities.
After everybody was returned to the new Marvel Universe by an Infinity Gauntlet-wielding Black Panther,Franklin Richards used his reality-warping and universe-creating abilities to help restore the multiverse to its former glory. He created entirely new realities, establishing a new status quo for Marvel Comics, and the same could be done in the MCU following 2027’sAvengers: Secret Wars.The Fantastic Four: First Stepscould mark a test of his incredible abilities, beforeSecret Warsputs them to use insoft-rebooting the MCU.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Cast
The Fantastic 4: First Steps features Marvel’s First Family navigating their dual roles as superheroes and family members in a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world. They defend Earth from a formidable space god, Galactus, and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer, testing their familial bonds and heroic resolve.
