The Fantastic Four: First Steps is poised to deliver the long-awaited, comic-accurate representation of Galactus, a character that Marvel enthusiasts have craved for years. The previous portrayal of this iconic figure as a mere cloud in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer left many fans feeling frustrated and disappointed. Among those fans was screenwriter Jeremy Slater, who later co-wrote the widely criticized Fantastic Four reboot in 2015. The anticipation surrounding this new film underscores the passion and dedication of Marvel fans who desire a faithful adaptation of their beloved characters.
In a recent interview with ComicBook.com, Slater shared insights about his initial plans for Galactus in the 2015 film, revealing that his vision faced significant opposition. He expressed his enthusiasm for including Galactus as a central antagonist and noted the internal conflicts that arose during the creative process.
“I wanted to make him our big bad, but there was some internal push back,” Slater detailed. “Initially, he was set to be our main villain. Then, plans shifted to just a single scene appearance. Ultimately, he was relegated to a post-credits scene. Having experienced the disappointment of Galactus being depicted as a cloud in [2007’s Fantastic Four:] Rise of the Silver Surfer, I was eager to reintroduce the classic version of Galactus with the iconic Jack Kirby design.“
Slater expressed his excitement about the upcoming The Fantastic Four: First Steps and eagerly anticipates witnessing a true representation of Galactus on the silver screen, which he believes will resonate with fans who have been waiting for a long time.
Numerous discussions have taken place regarding the reasons behind the Fantastic Four film’s shortcomings, but Slater pointed out a prevalent “disconnect” between his creative vision and that of director Josh Trank. “Josh and I probably just saw different movies,” he noted. “I leaned more towards an Avengers style, while he seemed inclined towards a Batman Begins aesthetic that was ultra-grounded, dark, and gritty. The vibrant comic book nature of something like The Avengers, which I cherished throughout my life, didn’t resonate with him the same way.“
The official synopsis for The Fantastic Four: First Steps offers an exciting glimpse into the film: “Set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” introduces Marvel’s First Family—Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Johnny Storm/Human Torch, and Ben Grimm/The Thing—as they confront their most formidable challenge to date. They must balance their heroic responsibilities while nurturing their family bonds as they defend Earth from the insatiable cosmic entity known as Galactus (voiced by Ralph Ineson) and his mysterious Herald, Silver Surfer (played by Julia Garner). Just when it seems Galactus’ plan to consume the planet couldn’t get any worse, it takes a deeply personal turn.” Fans can mark their calendars, as this highly anticipated film is set to hit theaters on July 25.
Following the release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, the characters Reed (portrayed by Pedro Pascal), Sue (played by Vanessa Kirby), Johnny (portrayed by Joseph Quinn), and Ben (played by Ebon Moss-Bachrach) are set to return in Avengers: Doomsday. Originally scheduled for a May 1, 2026 release, Doomsday has been postponed to December 18, 2026. Additionally, Avengers: Secret Wars has experienced a date change, moving from May 7, 2027 to December 17, 2027.
