Who Is Galactus in Fantastic Four: Powers, Origin & Actor

Fantastic Four: First Steps is already knocking on our doors, and as we all know, the movie is all set to introduce us to one of the most dangerous beings in the Marvel Universe, Galactus. There have been several Fantastic Four movies, but Galactus has not featured in all of them. This will be the second time Galactus has appeared as a Fantastic Four villain. Marvel has created a lot of hype around the big, bad villain with a shadowy tease in trailers and the absolutely gigantic (and pricey) Galactus-head-shaped popcorn bucket. He is certainly a force to be reckoned with in Marvel comics. Before Fantastic Four lands in theaters, here is everything you should know about Galactus.

What Is the Origin of Galactus in Marvel?

Galactus made his debut in Fantastic Four #48, released in March 1966, but his origin story came to light much later. Galactus’ origin was explained to us in 1969 with Thor #168 and #169, where we got to know that Galactus hails from the sixth multiversal universe.

He was a regular man on the planet Taa and a brilliant scientist, but when his universe was destroyed, he tried to escape on a spaceship and was hit with cosmic energy being emitted by the dying universe. The effect of the cosmic energy turned him into Galactus, living in the seventh universe, where everything in the Marvel Universe takes place.

Another interesting thing to note is that while almost everyone in Marvel has an alternate version of themselves in the multiverse, there is only one Galactus, who can travel through the multiverse to devour Planets marked by his herald, The Silver Surfer.

What Are Galactus’s Powers in Fantastic Four?

Since Galactus is a cosmic entity, his powers are nothing less than limitless, making him one of the most powerful beings in the Marvel universe. Galactus’s powers include telepathy, telekinesis, cosmic awareness, resurrection, life creation, soul manipulation, force field generation, molecular restructuring, matter transmutation, and teleportation.

If this was not enough, he can also give other people powers, which is how he turns people into his heralds.

Who Is Playing Galactus in Fantastic Four: First Steps?

Ralph Ineson is playing Galactus in Fantastic Four First Steps. Previously, he has appeared in the Harry Potter movies as Amycus Carrow and also had a role in The First Omen. Besides these roles, Ralph Ineson has been a part of some incredibly popular projects such as Ready Player One, The Pope’s Exorcist, and The Creator.

As of now, we have not received a full look at Galactus’ character design in Fantastic Four First Steps, but now that the movie is almost here, that is about to change. So, let’s wait for July 25, 2025, to see how things work out for The Fantastic Four First Steps.

Why Is Galactus Attacking Earth in Fantastic Four: First Steps?

Initially, it looks like Galactus is attacking Earth for the very reason he invades any other planet: To devour it. However, in the case of Fantastic Four: First Steps, it looks like he has a secondary motive as well. In a recent clip, it has been revealed that Galactus wants Franklin Richards, the son of Reed Richards and Sue Storm, and it seems that he offered to leave Earth alone if they just hand over the kid to him.

There is a chance that Galactus is aware of how strong Franklin actually is and wants to turn him into his next herald. Another possibility is that Galactus wants Franklin so that he can devour his unlimited power and feed himself for eternity. However, these are just assumptions, and to learn of his actual motives, we will have to wait till July 25, 2025, for Fantastic Four: First Steps to hit our nearest theaters.