With the release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps fast approaching on July 25, 2025, Marvel Studios is revealing more about its highly anticipated film introducing Earth’s legendary superhero team into the MCU. However, there’s a fascinating twist: Galactus, the colossal space god, isn’t quite the towering, planet-devouring force many fans might expect. Instead, in this iteration, he’s surprisingly… small.
The film promises to deliver a thrilling narrative set in a retro-futuristic, 1960s-inspired world, marking the perfect entry point for Marvel’s iconic First Family. The newly released teaser and official synopsis have already sparked intrigue. With a cast including Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic), Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm (Invisible Woman), Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm (Human Torch), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm (The Thing), the chemistry among the actors and their dynamic portrayals of Marvel’s first family seem poised to deliver.
A Cosmic Menace in an Unexpected Form
The official plot synopsis for The Fantastic Four: First Steps reveals that the team faces one of its most dangerous challenges yet: Galactus, the devourer of worlds. The space god and his herald, Silver Surfer (played by Julia Garner), are set to wreak havoc, but as the film’s teaser shows, Galactus’ size is far more complex than many fans may have anticipated.
In one scene, the shadow of Galactus looms over the towering skyline of Manhattan. In another, the enormous cosmic threat appears barely taller than the Statue of Liberty. This size-shifting portrayal is straight from the comic books, where Galactus has always been able to alter his scale at will—sometimes towering over cities, other times appearing closer to the height of a regular skyscraper. This version of the iconic villain embraces his ability to vary his size, allowing him to approach Earth and its inhabitants in a way that is uniquely personal.
This depiction is a stark departure from the infamous portrayal of Galactus in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007), where the character was reduced to a nebulous “cosmic cloud.” In First Steps, Marvel is returning to the classic vision of Galactus, both menacing and dynamic, retaining the iconic look from the comics while adapting it to fit the MCU’s cinematic style.
A Family in Crisis: Internal Struggles Amid Cosmic Destruction
As expected, the Fantastic Four film is not just a battle between heroes and villains. The synopsis hints at deeper, more personal stakes within the team. The First Steps story will explore the emotional complexities of the Fantastic Four, with internal conflicts adding weight to their already daunting mission. While facing a cosmic god bent on consuming Earth, the team will also have to confront their own fractured bonds.
The potential for personal turmoil is high. Could there be hidden knowledge about Galactus within the team? Might the Silver Surfer, played by Julia Garner, become entangled in a romantic subplot that complicates the group’s unity? These intriguing possibilities suggest that First Steps will dive deep into the emotional and personal sacrifices the Fantastic Four must make as they strive to protect the planet. Fans are left to wonder how family loyalty will fare in the face of an existential cosmic crisis.
The MCU’s Approach to Galactus: A Hybrid, Yet Faithful, Vision
In The Fantastic Four: First Steps, the portrayal of Galactus stays true to his comic-book origins while being adapted for the MCU’s grand cinematic landscape. Instead of presenting him as an invincible, unyielding cosmic force, this Galactus is malleable—he’s a force that shifts in scale and form to engage with the planet in ways that make his presence more nuanced and frightening. This hybrid approach should provide audiences with a more interactive, and thus compelling, antagonist.
Interestingly, Galactus’ unpredictable size could serve to symbolize his cosmic hunger, as he can appear smaller or more towering depending on his need to engage with Earth. This flexibility mirrors his legendary portrayal in the comics, where he’s ranged from being roughly the size of a large building to being vast enough to dwarf entire cities.
A New Chapter for the Fantastic Four in the MCU
The upcoming film marks a pivotal moment in the MCU, as the Fantastic Four step into the larger Marvel cinematic universe for the first time. As the teaser indicates, the story isn’t just about stopping a galactic invader—it’s about the personal and emotional toll of that mission. Will the team stay united, or will they be torn apart by internal strife?
The surprise addition of John Malkovich in an undisclosed role only adds to the mystery and excitement, with many speculating about his potential involvement in the unfolding events. Whether as an ally or an adversary, Malkovich’s presence is sure to bring another layer of intrigue to the film’s already complex narrative.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps promises to be a landmark film in Marvel’s Phase 6, as it brings beloved characters to life in a fresh and dynamic way. With a faithful adaptation of the comics, a portrayal of Galactus that combines the best of his menacing reputation with a more varied, intriguing presence, and a deep exploration of family dynamics under pressure, this film looks set to be one of Marvel’s most unique and groundbreaking entries yet.
As the First Family steps onto the big screen in the MCU, one thing is certain: the battle for Earth won’t just be a cosmic one—it will be a deeply personal and transformative journey. Galactus might be small in stature, but the stakes for Earth and the Fantastic Four have never been higher.
