In *The Fantastic Four: First Steps*, audiences will surely witness the iconic superhero team—Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Human Torch, and The Thing—unleashing their unique powers in an epic showdown against the cosmic threat of Galactus. But amid all the action, there may be room for another, younger hero to make his mark: Franklin Richards.
In a recent interview with *Empire Magazine*, Vanessa Kirby, who portrays Sue Storm, offered a cryptic yet compelling hint that has sparked excitement across the MCU fanbase: “It’s not just adults that have superpowers.” This line alone has fans speculating about the potential introduction of Franklin Richards into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, especially considering that Kirby’s version of Sue is pregnant in the film—a clear narrative setup for the arrival of this powerful character.
Franklin Richards' debut in the MCU is a monumental moment, as highlighted by IGN and other Marvel experts. As noted earlier this year:
Anyone familiar with the *Fantastic Four* comics understands the significance of this moment. Marvel Studios is on the verge of introducing what could be the most powerful mutant ever seen in the universe. And perhaps his equally gifted sister too? Let’s explore why Sue’s pregnancy hints at major developments for both the MCU and the multiverse storyline.
Franklin ranks among the most formidable beings in all of Marvel lore. His abilities include reality manipulation, matter reshaping, and the creation of entire pocket dimensions from nothing. These powers extend further, granting him telepathy, telekinesis, and even astral projection. In essence, Franklin's strength rivals that of celestial entities like Galactus and the Celestials themselves. And as he grows older, his power only increases—so much so that multiple future versions of Franklin have appeared throughout the comics, each more powerful than the last, suggesting a cosmic-level destiny as Earth’s ultimate protector.
If these comic book origins are being honored in the MCU, then Franklin could very well play a pivotal role in confronting Galactus. Kirby’s tease strongly implies that viewers might witness Franklin using his abilities in some capacity—even if it's just the beginning of his journey.
The cast of *The Fantastic Four* is also set to appear in *Avengers: Doomsday* next year alongside other established MCU heroes. With Doctor Doom confirmed as the central villain of that film, the inclusion of Franklin could be crucial to the outcome of the battle ahead.
Additionally, *The Fantastic Four: First Steps* recently received an official runtime, making it the longest MCU film since *Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3* in 2023. Last week, fans got an exclusive look at Galactus’ design via a leaked Snapple promotional image featuring actor Ralph Ineson in the role. Prior to that, a *Funko Pop!* listing revealed early spoilers about key elements of the film.
