The Fantastic Four: First Steps Plot Theories & Speculation – What’s Next for Marvel’s First Family?

Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps has ignited a firestorm of excitement with its recently released official trailer, dropped by Marvel Studios. Fans are buzzing with The Fantastic Four: First Steps plot theories & speculation, dissecting every frame for clues about the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) bold reboot.

Set in a vibrant, 1960s-inspired retro-futuristic world, the trailer teases a cosmic adventure featuring Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach).

With Galactus and a gender-swapped Silver Surfer in the mix, the internet is alive with predictions about what this Phase 6 opener has in store. Let’s dive into the most compelling fan theories and speculations swirling online.

What Is the Core Plot of The Fantastic Four: First Steps?

The official synopsis reveals that The Fantastic Four: First Steps follows Marvel’s First Family as they confront their greatest challenge: defending Earth from the planet-devouring Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his Herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner).

The trailer hints at a deeply personal conflict, with the team balancing their heroic duties and family bonds. Fans speculate that the “personal” stakes involve Sue Storm’s pregnancy, potentially introducing Franklin Richards, the powerful mutant son of Reed and Sue. This could tie into the film’s title, suggesting the “first steps” of their child or the team’s journey into the MCU.

The trailer’s retro-futuristic aesthetic and 1960s setting have led to theories that the Fantastic Four may not originate from the main MCU timeline (Earth-616). Instead, they could hail from an alternate universe, with their powers resulting from a multiversal mishap. This aligns with posts on X claiming the team was “sucked into an alternate universe during an experiment,” setting up a narrative where they must navigate a foreign world while facing cosmic threats.

Are the Fantastic Four From Another Universe?

A popular theory gaining traction online is that The Fantastic Four: First Steps takes place in a parallel universe, not Earth-616. The trailer’s distinct 1960s vibe, coupled with advanced technology like the Fantasticar, suggests a reality divergent from the MCU’s main timeline.

X users have speculated that the team was born on the Sacred Timeline but became trapped in this retro-futuristic world after a failed experiment, possibly involving the Negative Zone or multiversal travel.

This theory is bolstered by reports that the Fantastic Four encounter Silver Surfer in Earth’s orbit, who warns them of Galactus’ impending arrival. Some fans believe the team’s origin story—briefly shown in flashbacks—will reveal they were exposed to multiversal radiation, granting their powers and stranding them in this alternate reality.

This setup could explain why the MCU has never referenced the Fantastic Four before, positioning them as heroes from another dimension who eventually cross into Earth-616 for Avengers: Doomsday.

How Does Galactus Tie Into the Multiverse?

Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds, is a central figure in The Fantastic Four: First Steps plot theories & speculation. The trailer offers glimpses of his towering presence, with some fans noting only his feet are shown, amplifying his cosmic menace.

Online discussions suggest Galactus is “sick” and seeks the Sacred Timeline to survive, potentially using the Fantastic Four as a gateway to access Earth-616. This could set up a multiversal conflict where the team must stop him from devouring their adopted world.

The inclusion of Julia Garner as Shalla-Bal, a female Silver Surfer, has sparked debate. In the comics, Shalla-Bal is the Empress of Zenn-La and Norrin Radd’s lover. Fans theorize that in the MCU, Shalla-Bal made a deal with Galactus to save her planet, becoming his Herald.

Her confrontation with the Fantastic Four, as hinted in leaked plot details, may involve her discovering their plan to escape to another universe, leading to a betrayal or alliance. This twist could tie into the broader Multiverse Saga, with Galactus’ actions triggering an incursion—an event where universes collide—paving the way for Avengers: Doomsday.

Will Sue Storm’s Pregnancy Introduce Franklin Richards?

One of the trailer’s biggest reveals is Sue Storm’s pregnancy, a detail confirmed at CinemaCon 2025. Fans are convinced this points to the introduction of Franklin Richards, a mutant with reality-warping powers in the comics. The title First Steps could symbolize Franklin’s birth or the team’s first mission as a family unit.

Social media is abuzz with speculation that Franklin’s powers could play a pivotal role in defeating Galactus, perhaps by manipulating reality to trap him in another dimension.

However, some fans caution that Franklin’s inclusion might be a setup for future films, with the pregnancy serving as an emotional anchor for Reed and Sue’s arc.

The trailer’s focus on family dynamics suggests that Sue’s condition will heighten the stakes, forcing the team to protect both Earth and their unborn child from Galactus’ wrath. This personal angle could differentiate First Steps from previous Fantastic Four adaptations, grounding the cosmic spectacle in human drama.

Could Doctor Doom Make a Surprise Appearance?

While director Matt Shakman has stated that First Steps avoids Doctor Doom to focus on Galactus, the announcement of Robert Downey Jr. as Doom in Avengers: Doomsday has fueled speculation about a cameo.

Fans on X theorize that Doom could appear in a post-credits scene, observing the Fantastic Four’s battle with Galactus from Latveria or another universe. This would align with the film’s multiversal themes and set up the team’s role in the next Avengers films.

Alternatively, some speculate that John Malkovich’s mysterious role—rumored to be Ivan Kragoff/Red Ghost—could serve as a red herring, with Doom pulling strings behind the scenes. While unlikely to be a major player, a brief nod to Doom would thrill fans and reinforce the Fantastic Four’s connection to the MCU’s larger narrative.

What Role Does the Fantasticar Play?

The Fantasticar, briefly glimpsed in the trailer zooming through Manhattan, is a beloved comic book staple. Fans speculate it will be more than a stylish vehicle, potentially serving as a key tool in the Fantastic Four’s battle against Galactus.

Some theories suggest Reed Richards designed it to navigate multiversal rifts, allowing the team to pursue Silver Surfer or confront Galactus in space. The trailer’s emphasis on retro-futuristic tech hints at the Fantasticar’s advanced capabilities, making it a fan-favorite element to watch.

Will The Thing vs. Hulk Happen?

A wild theory circulating online posits a dream matchup: The Thing vs. Hulk. While the trailer doesn’t explicitly show this, Ben Grimm’s raw strength and comic-accurate design have fans hoping for a clash with the MCU’s green goliath.

Some speculate this could occur in a post-credits scene or as a setup for future films, given The Thing’s prominence in the trailer and his popularity in comics. While a long shot, this idea has generated significant buzz, with fans eager to see Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s Thing in action.

Some Closing Thoughts: A Cosmic Leap for the MCU

The Fantastic Four: First Steps plot theories & speculation paint a picture of a bold, innovative reboot that blends cosmic stakes with intimate family drama. From multiversal origins to Franklin Richards’ potential debut, the trailer has given fans plenty to chew on.

Whether the Fantastic Four save their retro-futuristic world or set the stage for an incursion in Avengers: Doomsday, one thing is clear: Marvel’s First Family is poised to make a seismic impact on the MCU.

As we count down to July 25, 2025, the internet will undoubtedly keep churning out theories, keeping the hype alive for this fantastic new era.