The anticipation for Marvel Studios’ reboot of the Fantastic Four is reaching fever pitch. Set against a vibrant, retro-futuristic 1960s backdrop, the film promises to introduce Marvel’s first family to the MCU in a significant way.
But every great superhero team needs formidable foes, and the trailers and reports surrounding Fantastic Four: First Steps point towards a cosmic-level threat, alongside some more grounded antagonists. Let’s delve into the villains expected to challenge Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm in their inaugural MCU adventure.
The Devourer of Worlds: Galactus Takes Center Stage
The most significant and undeniably grand villain poised to make his full MCU debut in Fantastic Four: First Steps is Galactus. This cosmic entity, often referred to as the Devourer of Worlds, is a being of immense power who sustains himself by consuming the life force of entire planets.
The trailer offered a glimpse of his massive, helmeted head, confirming his role as a major antagonist. Voiced by Ralph Ineson, Galactus represents a threat unlike anything the Fantastic Four have faced before in live-action adaptations. His arrival signals a potential cosmic-level crisis for Earth and aligns with the multiverse saga’s escalating stakes.
The Silver Surfer: Herald of Doom or a Force of Her Own?
Accompanying Galactus is his enigmatic herald, the Silver Surfer, portrayed by Julia Garner. In the comics, the Silver Surfer often precedes Galactus, searching for suitable planets for his master to consume.
However, this iteration appears to be Shalla-Bal, a character from a different timeline (potentially Earth-X) who, in the comics, has a romantic connection to the original Silver Surfer, Norrin Radd.
The trailer shows her confronting the Fantastic Four, declaring Earth marked for death. Whether she is a purely antagonistic force or if her motivations are more complex remains to be seen, but her presence undoubtedly raises the stakes and adds a layer of moral ambiguity to the conflict with Galactus.
Grounded Threats: The Return of the Red Ghost?
While cosmic entities pose an existential threat, the Fantastic Four have a rich history of facing more terrestrial villains. Rumors and trailer footage suggest the appearance of Ivan Kragoff, also known as the Red Ghost, played by John Malkovich.
In the comics, the Red Ghost is a Soviet scientist who sought to replicate the cosmic ray accident that empowered the Fantastic Four, granting himself and his super-apes (Peotor, Miklho, and Igor) unique abilities.
His inclusion could provide a more personal and scientifically driven conflict for the team, contrasting with the overwhelming power of Galactus.
Could Doctor Doom Be Lurking in the Shadows?
Perhaps the most iconic villain in the Fantastic Four’s rogues’ gallery is Doctor Doom. While not explicitly confirmed as the main villain of First Steps, rumors persist about a potential appearance, possibly in a post-credit scene, setting up future conflicts.
Given Doctor Doom’s genius intellect, mastery of science and sorcery, and deep-seated rivalry with Reed Richards, his eventual introduction into the MCU is highly anticipated.
Some theories even suggest connections between the retro-futuristic setting of the movie and a potential alternate reality from which Doom might originate.
The Mole Man: An Early Challenge?
Another rumored villain, potentially appearing in an earlier part of the film, is Harvey Rupert Elder, the Mole Man, reportedly played by Paul Walter Hauser. In the comics, the Mole Man was the Fantastic Four’s very first villain, dwelling in Subterranea and commanding an army of Moloids.
His inclusion could serve as an initial challenge for the newly formed team before they face the larger cosmic threats.
Conclusion: A Multifaceted Threat for Marvel’s First Family
Fantastic Four: First Steps appears poised to deliver a compelling narrative with a range of villains to challenge Marvel’s iconic team. The looming presence of Galactus and his herald, the Silver Surfer, promises a cosmic spectacle with potentially universe-altering consequences.
Simultaneously, the rumored appearances of more grounded antagonists like the Red Ghost and the potential tease of Doctor Doom hint at the rich history and complex relationships that define the Fantastic Four’s world.
This multifaceted threat ensures that their MCU debut will be anything but a walk in the park, setting the stage for an exciting future for Marvel’s first family.