Franklin Richards in Fantastic Four: What You Should Know About Sue and Reed’s Baby “`
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The new trailer for Fantastic Four: First Steps reveals that Sue Storm and Reed Richards are expecting a child. Comic book fans know that the pair have two children, Franklin and Valeria, both of whom are born with superpowers. This could mean the introduction of more superheroes to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Here’s a breakdown of Franklin’s role in the Fantastic Four, the team’s history, and the significance of his arrival in the MCU.
Previous trailers have made it clear that this Fantastic Four film isn’t an origin story. The movie begins after Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm have already traveled to space, been exposed to radiation, and gained their superpowers. Reed (played by ) can stretch his body, Sue () can turn invisible, Johnny (Joseph Quinn) can burst into flames, and Ben () becomes a rock-like creature called the Thing. In their universe, which exists parallel to the one with Iron Man and Spider-Man, they are Earth’s only superheroes.
Early in the trailer, Sue announces her pregnancy, and she and Reed discuss balancing parenthood with their superhero duties. Johnny and Ben are excited about becoming uncles.
The team is then interrupted by the Silver Surfer (), who warns them that their planet is “marked for destruction.” Comic fans know that the Silver Surfer is often a herald for Galactus, a cosmic being who consumes planets. Reed, a brilliant scientist, frantically tries to find a way to save the world. The Fantastic Four are then seen putting on spacesuits, presumably to confront the Silver Surfer or Galactus in space.
Will Franklin arrive in First Steps?
The film’s title suggests we might see Franklin’s birth. Although the baby isn’t shown in the trailer, Sue is visibly pregnant when the Silver Surfer appears but doesn’t seem to be involved in later fight scenes. It’s therefore possible that she gives birth to Franklin during the movie. A shot of Reed and Sue looking at an empty crib also suggests they’re preparing for his arrival.
The Fantastic Four are known as Marvel’s First Family, and their defining characteristic is their familial bond. The arrival of a baby raises the stakes, especially with Galactus threatening the planet. It’s likely that Franklin will not only survive this movie but also become important in future Marvel films.
Franklin’s powers and role in the MCU
In the comics, Franklin is an incredibly powerful child with telekinetic and telepathic abilities, similar to Scarlet Witch and Jean Grey. Interestingly, —played by Kathryn Hahn in —serves as Franklin’s nanny for a time.
Marvel has announced two upcoming Avengers movies: , which will feature Doctor Doom as the main villain, and Avengers: Secret Wars. (Robert Downey Jr., who previously played Iron Man, will play a version of Doom from a parallel universe.)
The Fantastic Four cast is confirmed to appear in Doomsday. Given their history in the comics, it would be surprising if Mr. Fantastic and Doctor Doom didn’t face off in the film. Without giving away any potential plot points for Doomsday or Secret Wars, Franklin plays a significant role in the Secret Wars comic storyline. Therefore, expect him to appear and perhaps use his powers in future movies.
In First Steps, it’s unlikely that infant Franklin will battle Galactus, but you never know. After all, baby Jack-Jack fought and defeated the villain in The Incredibles.