The recent release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps on Disney+ has sparked intense speculation about the future of its colossal villains. While the film ended with the Silver Surfer pushing the planet-eating Galactus into a wormhole, saving Earth, their story is far from over. Fans are now piecing together how these powerful cosmic beings could make their way back into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The Final Showdown in First Steps
In the film’s climax, the Fantastic Four set a trap for Galactus, using Reed and Sue’s baby, Franklin, as bait. Galactus sought the child because he believed Franklin possessed the “Power Cosmic” and could relieve him of his duties as the Devourer of Worlds. Although the cosmic giant saw through the plan and began attacking New York, the Silver Surfer ultimately beat Johnny Storm to the sacrifice, flying Galactus into the wormhole just before it closed.
The movie confirms the two were not destroyed but stranded on the other side of the portal. This open-ended conclusion has led to several theories about their potential return.
Theory 1: A Technological Escape from the Wormhole
One popular fan theory suggests that Galactus and his herald are not permanently trapped. The Silver Surfer, with her mastery of the cosmic surfboard, could find a way to navigate back through the wormhole. Galactus, a being of immense power and intellect, might somehow construct a ship or use his energy to tear a new passage back to the main MCU universe. Their return could be a dramatic, unexpected event in a future film.
Theory 2: The Introduction of Multiversal Variants
The MCU’s Multiverse Saga provides another clear path for the characters’ return. Ralph Ineson and Julia Garner were not the first actors to portray Galactus and the Silver Surfer. They famously appeared, in different forms, in the 2007 film Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer.
While the cloud-like version of Galactus from that film is generally disliked by fans, the Norrin Radd version of the Silver Surfer, played by Doug Jones and voiced by Laurence Fishburne, is still appreciated. The MCU could introduce variants of these characters from another universe, allowing for new interpretations or even bringing back previous actors for a multiversal story.
Theory 3: A New Character Taking Up the Mantle
Perhaps the most compelling theory arises from the movie’s own lore. First Steps confirms that the MCU’s Galactus was not the first Devourer of Worlds; he was a mortal in a forgotten past who was given the responsibility. He sought baby Franklin as a replacement, seeing the child’s immense power as the only way he could be freed from his cosmic hunger.
This establishes that the role of Galactus is a title that can be passed on. The story could see Galactus return, perhaps in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, only to be defeated in a way that forces his power upon another character. This could lead to a new character taking on the mantle, or even Franklin Richards himself being permanently changed by his connection to the cosmic entity.
Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has emphasized a commitment to comic-accurate portrayals, stating the studio has moved past the fear of adapting the source material directly.
“I never looked at it as a redemption, but I did look at it as we had gotten to a point… where the fear of something being silly is not a reason enough to not attempt it,” Feige said, comparing the approach to how Loki’s iconic horns were brought to the screen.
The Fantastic Four are confirmed to be part of the cast for Avengers: Doomsday, making it a likely venue for the next appearance of these cosmic threats. With the mid-credits scene of First Steps introducing the looming threat of Doctor Doom, the stage is set for a massive confrontation where the fate of Galactus and the Silver Surfer will likely be decided.
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