The first trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps has just dropped, and it’s giving us a lot to process. From its nostalgic 1960s aesthetic to the jaw-dropping reveal of Galactus, this teaser has set the stage for what might be one of the most ambitious Marvel movies yet.

A Fantastic Family in a Retro-Futuristic World

Marvel Studios is clearly leaning into the idea that the Fantastic Four aren’t just a team—they’re a family. The trailer opens with emotional beats between Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) as they grapple with their transformations and newfound responsibilities. It’s a fresh take that emphasizes their close-knit bond rather than just their powers.

But what really sets this film apart is its setting. Instead of placing the Fantastic Four in the modern MCU, First Steps takes place in a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world. The stylized visuals, combined with a sleek yet nostalgic aesthetic, make this version of the Fantastic Four feel both familiar and completely new. The film seems to embrace the adventurous, sci-fi-heavy spirit of the classic comics, while still keeping things grounded with heartfelt character moments.

Galactus is Coming – And He’s Bigger Than Ever

The biggest bombshell from the trailer? We finally have our villain confirmed, and it’s none other than Galactus. This cosmic entity, played by Ralph Ineson, is famous for consuming entire planets, making him one of the most terrifying threats the Marvel Universe has ever faced.

Unlike the 2007 Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, which depicted Galactus as a vague cosmic storm, this version is towering and unmistakably humanoid. One haunting shot in the teaser shows his colossal form looming over the Statue of Liberty, an image that perfectly captures his immense power and the sense of dread he brings.

And if Galactus is here, you know what that means—we’re getting Silver Surfer, too. In a twist, Marvel has cast Julia Garner as a gender-swapped version of the character. While we don’t see much of her in the trailer, her arc is likely to follow the comics: starting as Galactus’ loyal herald, only to rebel against him after encountering humanity.

Who is John Malkovich Playing?

Another major talking point from the teaser is the brief but intriguing appearance of John Malkovich. But who is he playing?

Rumors suggest he might be Ivan Kragoff, a.k.a. the Red Ghost—a Soviet scientist who, in the comics, gains powers alongside a team of super-intelligent apes. Yes, really. Given the 1960s setting and Malkovich’s knack for playing eccentric villains, this seems like a strong possibility.

Another theory? He could be Mole Man, an underground-dwelling villain obsessed with conquering the surface world. His brief appearance in the trailer definitely gives off the vibe of someone who’s spent a little too much time underground.

Whether he’s Red Ghost, Mole Man, or another classic Fantastic Four antagonist, it’s clear that Malkovich’s character will play a key role early in the film before Galactus takes center stage.

The Future Foundation and the Fantastic Four’s Legacy

While much of the trailer focuses on the team itself, there’s an interesting underlying theme—legacy. The title First Steps hints at new beginnings, possibly even a focus on parenthood. In the comics, Reed and Sue’s children, Franklin and Valeria, are major players, and Marvel’s marketing has been teasing the concept of the Future Foundation—a think tank created by Reed to nurture young super-geniuses.

Could this mean we’ll see Franklin and Valeria in some form? Maybe. At the very least, it suggests that First Steps isn’t just about the Fantastic Four saving the world—it’s about them shaping the future.

Final Thoughts: A Game-Changer for the MCU?

The big question lingering over The Fantastic Four: First Steps is how it fits into the broader Marvel Cinematic Universe. The timeline doesn’t quite match up with the world of Iron Man and Thor, but Galactus’ abilities could be the key to connecting everything. If he can devour planets, who’s to say he can’t alter the multiverse itself?

One intriguing theory suggests that by the film’s end, the Fantastic Four’s world could be destroyed, forcing them into the main MCU timeline. If that’s the case, they could play a huge role in the upcoming Avengers: Secret Wars—possibly even bringing the Ultimate Nullifier into play, a weapon with the power to rewrite reality itself.

Regardless of how it all plays out, one thing is clear—Marvel is finally doing justice to the Fantastic Four. With a stellar cast, a visually striking retro setting, and the long-awaited arrival of Galactus, First Steps is shaping up to be a must-watch.

Mark your calendars—The Fantastic Four: First Steps hits theaters on July 25, 2025.