Spoiler alert! This article contains spoilers for The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

The highly anticipated arrival of Franklin Richards in the Marvel Cinematic Universe marks a significant turning point, as his extraordinary powers could reshape the entire MCU timeline. Debuting in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, he is portrayed as a child endowed with immeasurable potential, igniting fervent speculation about the future trajectory of the MCU, particularly given his remarkable abilities.

In the realm of comics, Franklin is celebrated as one of the most formidable mutants in Marvel history. The film First Steps offers a tantalizing glimpse into his reality-altering capabilities. More than just another super-powered youth, Franklin Richards embodies both a multiversal threat and a guardian. His powers elevate him far above nearly every other character in the MCU.

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Unlocking Immortality & Unmatched Power Beyond the Celestials

Franklin Richards is not only incredibly powerful, but he is also effectively eternal. The comics classify him as an “Omega-level” mutant, whose strength exceeds that of the Celestials. In one notable storyline, an adult Franklin defeats two Celestials in an epic confrontation.

While The Fantastic Four: First Steps does not depict Franklin reaching such an advanced stage, the implications are unmistakable: he will not evolve like an ordinary human. Franklin stands out as the first MCU hero whose abilities will far surpass those of his colleagues. Characters like Thor and the Eternals have extended lifespans, but Franklin’s capabilities elevate this concept to an entirely new dimension.

In a universe that frequently resets or passes legacies to younger heroes, Franklin presents a refreshing change. He possesses the potential to anchor entire cosmic sagas for decades or even centuries to come. His limitless potential renders him one of Marvel’s most valuable assets, as Doom has already recognized in the First Steps post-credits scene.

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Mastering the Art of Pocket Universe Creation

As the MCU delves deeper into multiversal narratives, Franklin Richards introduces a transformative power: the ability to create entirely new universes. In the comics, he is renowned for crafting pocket universes—self-contained realities that adhere to their own unique physical laws and timelines. This capability could revolutionize storytelling within the MCU.

While projects like Loki, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, and What If…? have explored the notion of alternate realities, Franklin possesses the remarkable ability to generate these realities at his own discretion. This means that the MCU could begin to construct narratives within the universes he creates, providing fresh opportunities unbound by existing continuity.

This opens the door for Marvel Studios to engage in bolder creative experiments, reboot legacy characters, or even delve into “What If” scenarios outside conventional formats. Franklin’s universe-creating power acts as a multiversal reset button—and no other character within the MCU currently wields such extensive influence. This ability could prove crucial as the MCU faces formidable villains from the Fantastic Four franchise.

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Harnessing Reality Warping Abilities

One of the most astounding powers possessed by Franklin Richards is his capacity to reshape reality itself. In the comics, he has restructured entire timelines, modified the very essence of matter, and even influenced the cycle of life and death. Within the MCU, the ramifications of this ability could be monumental.

Unlike the reality manipulation exhibited by Scarlet Witch in WandaVision, which was confined to Westview and influenced by the Darkhold, Franklin’s abilities are purely instinctual. He does not require artifacts, spellbooks, or any form of training to access his powers—it’s an innate gift. This could be pivotal as the Multiverse Saga reaches its climax.

In theory, this means Franklin could alter the very fabric of the MCU at any moment, whether by erasing significant events, resurrecting deceased characters, or redefining what is deemed canon. As the Multiverse Saga ventures into increasingly abstract themes, Franklin’s powers position him as the ultimate wildcard.

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Unveiling Extraordinary Resurrection Powers

One of the most poignant moments in The Fantastic Four: First Steps occurs towards the end when Franklin revives his mother, showcasing his incredible power. Although the specifics of how Franklin resurrected Sue Storm remain undisclosed, this act serves as a powerful testament to his capabilities.

This particular scene is not only deeply emotional but also groundbreaking. In the MCU, characters have returned from death through various means: multiversal deception (Loki), the Infinity Stones (Avengers: Endgame), or mystical forces (Moon Knight). However, Franklin simply wills Sue back into existence.

Comic book history supports this ability: Franklin has previously resurrected Galactus and even entire species. Yet, this moment in First Steps represents the first instance in the MCU where a character has brought someone back from the dead through sheer psionic will. This elevates him beyond the likes of Wanda Maximoff and Doctor Strange.

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Exploring Future Sight & Cosmic Awareness Capabilities

In the comics, Franklin Richards develops a remarkable form of cosmic awareness and future sight, granting him the ability to foresee threats long before they materialize. As he matures, he assumes a mentorship role for other powerful beings, guiding them through extensive multiversal conflicts. Although this aspect has not yet been highlighted in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, its introduction would dramatically impact the future of the MCU.

This positions him as not just a powerhouse but also a strategic force for upcoming phases. The MCU currently features very few characters with such profound awareness. Besides Doctor Strange’s glimpse into countless futures during Infinity War and Charles Xavier’s telepathic insights in Multiverse of Madness, the franchise lacks robust clairvoyants. Franklin fills this crucial role and more.

As the second significant telepath introduced in the MCU (after Xavier), Franklin is poised to usher in a new era of cosmic-level psionics. This power set remains largely unexplored within the franchise to date. Following his introduction in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, his foresight may prove just as critical as his capacity to reshape reality.