The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is poised for a significant shift in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. As the teaser trailer reveals, Baby Franklin Richards, a character often depicted as the most powerful in Marvel Comics, will appear.
This development raises questions about the future of Captain Marvel, another character often considered among the MCU’s most formidable heroes.
Baby Franklin: The MCU’s new powerhouse?
Franklin Richards, the son of Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic) and Sue Storm (Invisible Woman), possesses reality-warping abilities. Those include creating pocket universes and manipulating matter and energy on a cosmic scale. His powers have drawn the attention of cosmic entities like Galactus and the Celestials. Those baddies consider him on par with themselves, which says a lot.
In the upcoming film, Vanessa Kirby portrays Sue Storm, and early word suggests that Franklin’s birth and potential powers will be central to the plot. The introduction of a character with such immense capabilities could mean a new direction in the MCU’s power rankings.
Captain Marvel’s waning presence
Captain Marvel, portrayed by Brie Larson, was introduced as a major force in the MCU with her 2019 solo film, which grossed over $1.1 billion worldwide. However, her prominence has diminished in recent years. She was notably absent from several key MCU films and had a limited role in Avengers: Endgame.
The 2023 sequel, The Marvels, failed to replicate the success of its predecessor, earning just $206 million globally against a production budget of $374 million, making it the lowest-grossing film in the MCU. Factors contributing to its underperformance include a convoluted storyline only fans steeped in Disney+ MCU lore could understand, and limited promotional efforts due to industry strikes.
As for Larson, she’s noncommittal about her future in the MCU, stating she doesn’t “have anything to say” regarding upcoming projects. The Marvels’ poor reception, general controversy surrounding Larson and her character, and the introduction of her rival in the MCU power rankings, Baby Franklin, could further redefine Captain Marvel’s role in future movies.
However, as Marvel fans know, Captain Marvel and Baby Franklin aren’t necessarily in direct competition in the narrative sense.
A strategic shift in the MCU?
That said, and though it’s too soon to tell, the introduction of Baby Franklin could signify Marvel Studios’ intent to redefine the hierarchy of power within the MCU. By bringing in a character whose abilities surpass those of existing heroes, the studio may be setting the stage for new narratives that move away from established figures like Captain Marvel.
This transition aligns with broader changes within Marvel Studios, which is reevaluating its approach following several underperforming projects. The studio is reportedly focusing on fewer, higher-quality productions and integrating new characters to rejuvenate the franchise.
No matter what, Baby Franklin’s debut in The Fantastic Four: First Steps marks a pivotal moment for the MCU, potentially heralding a new era of storytelling centered around characters with unprecedented powers.
This development, alongside the declining prominence of Captain Marvel, suggests a strategic shift in the franchise’s direction, aiming to captivate audiences with fresh narratives and dynamic heroes. Marvel Studios’ highly anticipated film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, is scheduled to premiere in theaters on July 25, 2025.
Published: Jun 6, 2025 12:12 pm