Marvel’s Fantastic Four Trailer Confirms Galactus as the Main Villain

Marvel Studios has officially unveiled the first trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and it’s packed with surprises. While fans were eager to see how Marvel’s first superhero family would be reintroduced to the big screen, the biggest shock came with the reveal of the film’s main villain—none other than Galactus.

A Retro-Futuristic Take on the Fantastic Four

The trailer immediately sets the tone for The Fantastic Four: First Steps, confirming that the movie takes place in a retro-futuristic version of the 1960s. This stylistic choice gives the film a classic comic book aesthetic, paying homage to the Fantastic Four’s original era in Marvel Comics.

Reed Richards, aka Mr. Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm, aka Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm, aka Human Torch (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm, aka The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), are shown struggling to adapt to their newfound powers following a cosmic accident in space. Unlike previous live-action iterations of the Fantastic Four, this film seems to be embracing a more nostalgic and adventurous tone, reminiscent of Marvel’s Silver Age storytelling.

Galactus Looms Over the MCU’s Future

While much of the trailer focuses on the Fantastic Four’s journey, the real jaw-dropping moment comes with the reveal of Galactus. As Sue Storm reassures Reed Richards that they can overcome any obstacle, a massive shadow appears, followed by the unmistakable silhouette of a giant figure with a distinctive helmet—Galactus has arrived.

Galactus, also known as the Devourer of Worlds, is one of the most formidable villains in Marvel Comics. First introduced in Fantastic Four #48 in 1966, he is a cosmic entity that feeds on entire planets to sustain himself. Unlike villains such as Thanos, who had personal motivations, Galactus is more of a force of nature—an existential threat that cannot be reasoned with.

In the film, Galactus will be portrayed by Ralph Ineson, known for his deep, commanding voice and intense screen presence. The decision to reveal him in the first trailer is surprising, as Marvel typically keeps major villains under wraps. This suggests that Galactus may play a significant role beyond just this movie, potentially setting up a larger storyline for the MCU’s future.

How Does This Fit Into the MCU?

One of the biggest questions surrounding The Fantastic Four: First Steps is how it connects to the broader Marvel Cinematic Universe. The 1960s setting and alternate timeline hint that this version of the Fantastic Four may exist outside the main MCU continuity. However, with the multiverse playing a crucial role in recent Marvel films, there’s a possibility that Galactus’s arrival could bridge the gap.

If Galactus has the power to consume entire worlds, he might also have the ability to alter realities. Could his presence lead to the Fantastic Four being transported into the main MCU timeline? Or worse—could their world be completely destroyed, forcing them to escape into another reality? The trailer leaves these questions open, making the film’s stakes feel higher than ever.

The Fantastic Four’s Future in the MCU

Marvel has been teasing the arrival of the Fantastic Four for years, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps finally brings them into the fold. With Galactus as their first major foe, the stakes are sky-high, and this could be the beginning of a new cosmic era for the MCU.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is set to hit theaters on July 25, 2025. Fans won’t have to wait long to see how Marvel’s first family takes on their biggest challenge yet.