• Galactus will be the main villain in Fantastic Four: First Steps
  • First appearance in the MCU since 2007’s Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver
  • Galactus’ origin and powers explained
Galactus made his first appearance in Fantastic Four #48 in 1966, created by the legendary duo of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.
Galactus made his first appearance in Fantastic Four #48 in 1966, created by the legendary duo of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. Credit: Imago

With the highly anticipated release of Marvel’s Fantastic Four: First Steps just months away, fans and critics alike are speculating about the storyline – particularly with Galactus confirmed as the main villain.

Read more: All we know about The Fantastic Four: First Steps

The Devourer of Worlds will be making his first appearance in the MCU since 2007’s Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. Let’s dive into the origins and significance of one of the most formidable antagonists in comic book history.

Where did Galactus come from?

Galactus made his first appearance in Fantastic Four #48 in 1965, created by the legendary duo of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. His story begins as Galan, a scientist from the planet Taa in the universe that existed before the current Marvel Universe.

Read more: Who plays Galactus in Fantastic Four: First Steps?

When a destructive force began destroying worlds including Taa, Galan would emerge as the sole survivor. He survived because he bonded with the cosmic entity known as the Sentience of the Universe, which transformed him into the giant figure Galactus.

Why is Galactus known as The Devourer of Worlds?

In order to sustain his own existence in the cosmos, Galactus must consume planetary energy. He has insatiable hunger and consumes worlds regardless of whether or not they are inhabited. Naturally, this makes him a villain, but not in the traditional sense, as he only eats to survive. His destructive hunger leads him to conflict with many superheroes in the universe.

Galactus’ powers

Glaucus is an incredibly powerful entity with the nearly limitless Power Cosmic. Each time he devours a planet, the energy he absorbs enhances his abilities. With these powers, he can manipulate matter, create life, teleport across galaxies, and annihilate entire civilizations.

To find the best planets to consume, Galactcus enlists the help of others, with Silver Surfer being one of his allies. However, the Surfer eventually betrays his master, driven by his desire to save Earth.

Appearances in the MCU

Galactus' shadow casts over New York City in the Fantastic Four: First Steps trailer
Galactus’ shadow casts over New York City in the Fantastic Four: First Steps trailer Credit: Marvel Entertainment

Galactus is about to serve as a major antagonist in the Fantastic Four: First Steps, which only makes sense as The Fantastic Four were the first Marvel heroes to face Galactus, encountering him in the iconic Galactus Trilogy arc. The cosmic entity will be played by British actor Ralph Ineson, best known for his work in the UK’s sitcom The Office and for his portrayal of Dagmer Cleftjaw in Game of Thrones.

Although the Devourer of Worlds previously appeared on the big screen in Tim Story’s Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007), it was memorable for all the wrong reasons. The character was re-imagined from its classic comic book appearance of purple body armour and helmet, to a cloud of ominous dust.

Fans are excited by the first glimpses of Galactus in the trailer for Fantastic Four: First Steps. His appearance stays true to the classic comic book look, with a towering shadow of his helmet looming over New York City.

It goes without question that Galactus will be looking to devour Earth to feed his powers, but will find Marvel’s First Family, Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm to contend with. And what about the Silver Surfer?

Fantastic Four: First Steps set for release on 25 July, 2025.

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Harvey Aspell
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