Marvel Studios has released the final trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps, featuring Julia Garner's Silver Surfer delivering lines and a clearer look at Ralph Ineson's Galactus. While the trailer avoids showing Galactus' full face—even though merchandise has already unveiled it—the scale and threat of this cosmic devourer come through powerfully.
In fact, the trailer appears to reveal exactly how Galactus intends to consume Earth in the film, hinging on one crucial shot. Here’s a breakdown of how the planet might meet its end.
How Will Galactus Consume Earth?
A mysterious shot in the final trailer showcases a massive, arc-shaped device in Paris, beaming energy skyward. Is this one of Reed Richards’ creations? Unlikely. This machine is probably central to Galactus’ plan to devour the planet.
In the comics, Galactus uses a device called an Elemental Converter to consume worlds. Despite his immense size, he can’t simply swallow a planet whole. The Converter breaks down planetary matter and organic material into energy, fueling his endless appetite. While Galactus might occasionally take a literal bite out of impatience, his preferred method is far more systematic.
The trailer suggests these arc-like structures are Elemental Converters, placed around the globe to transform Earth into sustenance. If Reed and his family hope to save their world, they may need to target these machines and cut off Galactus’ supply.
Will the Fantastic Four succeed? That’s the central question heading into First Steps—alongside speculation about Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom. The team’s jump to the MCU needs a compelling reason, hinted at in The New Avengers post-credits scene where they flee to another world. Could they be escaping a Galactus-ravaged Earth? That grim outcome would offer a bold, surprising conclusion to the FF’s MCU debut.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps arrives in theaters on July 25, 2025. For more, explore why Vanessa Kirby’s pregnant Sue Storm is a pivotal storyline and catch up on every Marvel movie and series in development.
