Vanessa Kirby Raises Mystery About Franklin Richards in the MCU

The highly anticipated “Fantastic Four” movie, one of the most awaited productions in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), is set to premiere on July 25, 2025, and has already sparked intense discussions among fans. Directed by Matt Shakman, the film boasts a stellar cast, including Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm. Set in the 1960s, the movie embraces a retro-futuristic aesthetic and promises to innovate by skipping the traditional origin story, instead diving straight into the team’s adventures and challenges. Moreover, the film has fueled speculation about the introduction of new iconic Marvel characters, such as Franklin Richards, the son of Reed and Sue, which could further expand the MCU’s narrative possibilities.

Actress Vanessa Kirby was recently asked about Franklin Richards’ possible presence in the film and raised even more mystery by neither confirming nor denying the character’s inclusion. Behind-the-scenes images show Kirby dressed in the classic Invisible Woman suit while holding a baby, reinforcing rumors that Franklin may appear. However, Marvel Studios has remained silent on the matter, leading fans to continue theorizing about the character’s potential role in the plot.

Franklin Richards is one of the most powerful characters in the Marvel Universe. In the comics, he is classified as an Omega-level mutant with reality-warping abilities and vast cosmic potential. If confirmed in the film, Franklin could play a crucial role in the MCU’s next phase, paving the way for stories related to the X-Men and other cosmic narratives.

The Fantastic Four’s history has always been deeply connected to Marvel’s cosmic events. In the comics, the team was among the first to explore alternate dimensions, such as the Negative Zone, and face universe-scale threats. Setting the film in the 1960s is not only a tribute to the era in which the Fantastic Four was created but also a way to establish fresh narrative perspectives, moving away from the traditional superhero movie formula.

Another major highlight is the introduction of Galactus as the film’s primary villain. Played by Ralph Ineson, the World Devourer has been briefly mentioned in previous Marvel productions, but he will now take center stage. Alongside him will be the Silver Surfer, portrayed this time by Julia Garner. This female version of the character is expected to bring a new approach to the dynamic between the herald and her master, generating even more curiosity among fans.

Franklin Richards could be a key element in the MCU’s future, especially if his comic book origins and powers are preserved. As the son of two of Marvel’s greatest scientists, Franklin inherited abilities that place him on the same level as cosmic entities. His mastery over time and space has already played a crucial role in major comic book events, including the recreation of the universe after the “Secret Wars” saga. If the character is introduced, he could be the bridge for new cinematic sagas involving universal threats and mutants.

The “Fantastic Four” movie faces the challenge of reintroducing Marvel’s First Family into the MCU after previous adaptations failed to achieve the expected success. Unlike the 2005 and 2015 films, this new version aims to balance faithfulness to the source material with the need for innovation to captivate modern audiences. The casting choices have already pleased fans, and Vanessa Kirby’s portrayal of Sue Storm adds even more prestige to the production.

The retro-futuristic elements in the film’s art direction have already been praised in early previews. Marvel appears to be drawing inspiration from the classic illustrations of Jack Kirby, one of the team’s creators, delivering a unique aesthetic distinct from other MCU films. This approach could be a major attraction for longtime comic book fans and those seeking something new within the Marvel universe.

Galactus’ presence also raises questions about how the MCU plans to handle cosmic threats in its next phase. With Thanos’ departure after “Avengers: Endgame,” the universe needs a new large-scale antagonist, and the World Devourer could fill that role in a grand way. In the comics, he is an entity that consumes planets to survive, making him a colossal-level threat. If developed well, Galactus could be an even more impactful villain than Thanos, given his nearly unlimited power.

The potential inclusion of Franklin Richards also suggests that the MCU may be laying the groundwork for a deeper exploration of mutants. His power level and connections to alternate realities could be the necessary link to introduce characters like the X-Men and the Phoenix Force, setting the stage for future cinematic stories.

Among the aspects that make Franklin Richards a key piece in the MCU’s future are:

• His reality-warping powers, which could be used to alter the timeline or create new dimensions.
• His relationship with his parents, Reed and Sue, adding an emotional family dynamic to the film.
• The possibility of being one of the first mutants to emerge in the MCU, serving as a bridge for future X-Men stories.
• His role in the comics as a crucial figure in major cosmic events, such as “Secret Wars.”

With so many factors at play, Franklin Richards’ presence in the film could be a major turning point for the Marvel universe, setting up new stories and connections between established heroes and those yet to come. If Marvel indeed brings Franklin to the big screen, he could become one of the most important characters in the MCU’s next phase, linking different narratives and setting up new challenges for the heroes.

The excitement surrounding the film continues to grow as new information emerges. The MCU has been expanding constantly, and the introduction of the Fantastic Four has been one of the most anticipated moments since Disney acquired Fox and regained the rights to the characters. As the release date approaches, theories and speculation are bound to continue, making every new detail a fresh discussion point among fans.

The film’s impact could be crucial for the MCU’s future, especially as it paves the way for an even larger interconnected universe. Marvel has been investing in the introduction of new characters and concepts, and the Fantastic Four is an essential piece of that puzzle. With the presence of Galactus and the Silver Surfer, as well as the potential debut of Franklin Richards, the movie is shaping up to be one of the most significant additions to Marvel’s new phase.

The film is set to premiere in July 2025, and fans are eagerly awaiting new trailers and official confirmations about the characters that will be part of the story. The possibility of Franklin Richards being included remains one of the biggest mysteries, but regardless of his presence, the movie has already established itself as one of the most anticipated releases in the MCU.