'Fantastic Four: First Steps': Why Franklin Richards Is So Important

Fantastic Four: First Steps, marking the arrival of Marvel's First Family into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is about to hit theatres. The film looks to be a take on the classic 'Coming of Galactus' storyline. While this story was previously adapted in 2007's Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (a sequel to Fox's 2005 Fantastic Four film), First Steps will include some key differences.

One is that Fantastic Four: First Steps is set in one of the MCU's branch timelines, and includes Shalla-Bal, played by Julia Garner, as a female Silver Surfer, rather than Shalla's husband Norrin-Rad who becomes the Surfer in most scenarios. The other is that Sue Storm and Reed Richards are already married when the main plot of First Steps begins, and welcome a baby son, Franklin, early in the film.

Let's take a look at why Franklin's birth is such a significant event in this film, and potentially the wider MCU.

Franklin's birth is pivotal to the plot of 'Fantastic Four: First Steps'

For quite a while, rumours swirled of the potential arrival of Franklin Richards in Fantastic Four: First Steps, with many fans claiming that Vanessa Kirby's Sue Storm, The Invisible Woman, appeared to be pregnant in some teaser shots and promo pictures. Sue's pregnancy was confirmed in the film's first full trailer, when she and Reed share the news with Johnny and Ben at their weekly family dinner.

A later trailer depicts a shaken Reed Richards revealing to the public that the Fantastic Four's initial plan to attempt a negotiation with the world devourer Galactus had failed.

"He asked too high a price."

It was soon made clear that the 'price' the Fantastic Four refused to pay was to hand over baby Franklin to Galactus. Galactus wanted the child after sensing his hidden power and potential.

Marvel's first Super Baby

In the comics, Franklin was the first 'Super Baby' born into the Marvel Universe. Fantastic Four creators Stan Lee and Jack Kirby were excited about the idea of the baby, as both the next logical step in Sue and Reed's relationship, and as an easy way of introducing a new super-powered character without needing a fully detailed origin story. However, thanks to the format of comics, Sue Storm appeared to have a longer than natural pregnancy while writers decided on details such as the baby's name and gender.

The storyline of Galactus wanting Franklin for his powers is lifted straight from a comic storyline. In fact, many villains, such as Annihilus, Onslaught, and others, covet Franklin for his power and potential. This potential is part of what drives the witch, Agatha Harkness, to agree to serve as Franklin's Nanny despite previously planning to retire.

So, just how powerful is Franklin?

Franklin's power levels often vary based upon the needs of the story. Originally he was considered to be the most powerful Mutant on Earth, with some even believing he is beyond the current Omega classification reserved for characters such as Magneto and Jean Grey, but more recent stories have established that he is actually a being of Cosmic power. He possesses the abilities of telekinesis, telepathy, precognition, concussive force blasts, and astral projection. Franklin is also a reality warper, with the power to rearrange the molecular structure of matter and energy, and has even created his own pocket universes. It has also been hinted that he may be immortal.

The cosmic rays that altered his parents also resulted in Franklin's abilities manifesting when he was still just a toddler, with his lack of control over his vast abilities making him unintionally dangerous, and forciing Mister Fantastic to temporarily shut down his son's mind. This situation is ultimately resolved by an event that temporarily siphons off his powers, and as an older child, Franklin develops the awareness to willingly cut himself off from certain abilities if something seems dangerous.

The MCU's Franklin Richards is still very young, but if the comics are anything to go by, it won't be long before he can pack a punch. During the conclusion of the comics 2015 'Secret Wars' event, Franklin is a vital figure, helping to rebuild the 616 universe. It is uncertain at this stage if the Avengers: Secret Wars film, due for release in 2027, will follow this plot, but he is almost cerain to have some role in the MCU's future.

We can't wait to see how things unfold.