Key Points:
- The Fantastic Four: First Steps trailer reveals an unexpectedly small Galactus.
- Galactus’s size fluctuates in the comics, reflecting his ability to change at will.
- The film adapts a comic-accurate portrayal, with a release set for July 2025.
Fantastic Four: Trailer Insights on Galactus
The first official trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps has ignited discussions among fans, particularly regarding the depiction of Galactus. Unlike his traditional, planet-devouring form, the trailer shows Galactus as a considerably smaller figure. In the opening shot, a shadow looms over New York City, suggesting a colossal presence similar in size to Manhattan. However, subsequent footage reveals Galactus appearing barely taller than the Statue of Liberty.
This deliberate contrast in size is not a production error. Instead, it is a nod to the comics, where Galactus is known to change his size and appearance at will. The trailer intentionally plays with these visual cues to create intrigue. Director details have hinted that the MCU’s Galactus, portrayed by Ralph Ineson, will maintain his iconic look while adapting his scale to interact meaningfully with the Fantastic Four and the human characters.
The trailer also introduces a mystery MCU character played by John Malkovich, though no footage of Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer is shown yet. Despite the limited visuals, the presentation of Galactus has sparked widespread debate, especially when compared to his portrayal in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, which received criticism for its inanimate, voiceless depiction. The Fantastic Four: First Steps aims to deliver a more dynamic and comic-accurate version of the character.
The film’s production team has emphasized that the size variations seen in the trailer reflect Galactus’s ability to shrink himself when engaging with individual planets or heroes, a key aspect drawn directly from the source material.
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Comic Origins and Size Variability
Galactus first appeared in Fantastic Four #48 (1968), created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. In the comics, his size is not fixed; he is known to fluctuate, sometimes appearing as large as a city and other times as small as a skyscraper. This variability is intrinsic to his character, as Galactus possesses the power to adjust his mass and form based on his needs.
Historically, Galactus’s size has ranged from being only a few times the size of the heroes he confronts to becoming an almost incomprehensible cosmic entity when preparing to consume an entire planet. His ability to shrink enables him to interact with beings on a human scale, while his ability to expand reflects his role as a devourer of worlds. This fluidity in size is a hallmark of his character in the Marvel Comics universe and is now being adapted for the MCU.
Marvel has clarified that Galactus’s ability to change size is not merely a plot convenience but a core attribute that allows him to serve dual roles: as a distant cosmic force and as an active participant in planetary conflicts. For example, while humans typically perceive him as a humanoid giant, other beings (like the squirrels in Squirrel Girl) may see him entirely differently. This aspect of perception adds an additional layer of complexity to his character, emphasizing that his true form is mutable and subjective.
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The Fantastic Four: First Steps promises a faithful adaptation by incorporating these comic-accurate elements. The decision to portray Galactus at a smaller scale in the trailer is rooted in the desire to make him a practical villain who can physically interact with the heroes, without diminishing his legendary power. The film sets itself apart by not resorting to a purely inanimate force of nature, but rather by showcasing a character who is both a living entity and a symbol of cosmic balance.
The film’s retro-futuristic aesthetic, inspired by the 1960s, complements this portrayal. It blends classic comic book visuals with modern filmmaking techniques to create a universe where size and scale are used as narrative tools. As the MCU expands its roster of characters, adapting such a versatile and iconic figure as Galactus requires a balance between spectacle and story, ensuring that he is both terrifying and relatable.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is set for release in July 2025.
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