Spoiler Alert: This article contains key plot details and post-credits scenes from “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.”
From the outset of “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” a big question hangs in the air: What does it mean for Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal) and Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby) to have a child with their unique powers? When Sue reveals her pregnancy, Reed’s mind races with possibilities. He runs tests, but everything looks normal. So, when Galactus (Ralph Ineson) shows up, claiming their child has “the power cosmic,” it throws them all for a loop.
With Reed, Sue, Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) distracted by Galactus’s threats—to take their baby and consume Earth—they hardly have time to unpack what it means for young Franklin Richards to wield such immense power. The situation escalates when Sue sacrifices herself, using her powers to push Galactus into a portal. In a heart-wrenching moment, baby Franklin brings her back to life by touching her, filling her eyes with stars.
In comic lore, the power cosmic lets its bearer shape reality. It’s a tricky tool; if a character can fix everything instantly, drama can suffer. “Fantastic Four” takes this conundrum head-on, and while Franklin may save his mother as an infant, the true extent of his powers is an exciting question for his growth into a teenager.
Historically, comics have sometimes limited Franklin’s powers to keep the stakes real. His abilities attract numerous villains seeking to use him for their schemes, creating endless narrative possibilities.
Fast forward to the film’s mid-credits scene: four years later, Sue and Franklin are reading “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.” As Sue steps away, she senses something isn’t right. She finds a mysterious figure, likely Doctor Doom, cloaked and menacing. Played by Robert Downey Jr. in 2026’s “Avengers: Doomsday,” Doom has a long-standing connection to both Franklin and his sister Valeria in the comics, adding layers to the upcoming storyline.
This integration of Franklin into the wider Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is clever; it taps into audience emotions by focusing on a family trying to protect their child. The challenge lies in ensuring Franklin’s character develops beyond being an adorable toddler, especially if he’s pivotal in the new film.
The film also offers a nod to the past with its final post-credits scene. It features a quote from Jack Kirby, co-creator of the Fantastic Four, which resonates deeply with long-time fans. The scene is a throwback to the classic animated series, filled with nostalgia that could inspire a revival.
In today’s landscape, families in cinema resonate well. A recent survey revealed that more than 70% of viewers prefer stories centered around family dynamics. “The Fantastic Four” harnesses this trend, offering an emotional anchor that contrasts the sprawling ensemble of characters often seen in superhero sagas.
As Marvel ventures forward, tying characters to emotional stakes and family ties could deepen audience engagement. The journey of Reed, Sue, and their children promises many more thrilling twists ahead.
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Avengers: Doomsday,Marvel Studios,The Fantastic Four: First Steps