Marvel Studios has unveiled the final trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps, featuring dialogue from Julia Garner as Silver Surfer and our clearest look yet at Ralph Ineson's Galactus. While the trailer keeps Galactus' face hidden (despite merchandise already revealing his appearance), it effectively conveys the cosmic villain's terrifying scale and looming threat.
The Earth's Fate Hangs in the Balance
The trailer might actually reveal Galactus' plan for consuming Earth through one crucial shot. Here's how Marvel's planet-devouring villain intends to make Earth his next meal.
How Galactus Plans to Devour Earth
A mysterious scene in the trailer shows a massive, arc-shaped machine towering over Paris, projecting energy beams into the atmosphere. This likely isn't Reed Richards' handiwork - we suspect it's key to Galactus' planetary consumption strategy.
This appears to be one of several Elemental Converters.
Comic lore explains that Galactus typically uses Elemental Converters to process planets. Despite his immense size, he can't simply swallow worlds whole. These devices break down planetary matter into consumable energy to satisfy his endless hunger (though he'll occasionally snack directly on planets when impatient).
Normally, Galactus doesn't literally do this. Art by Neal Adams. (Image Credit: Marvel)
The trailer likely shows these converters being deployed globally by Galactus and Silver Surfer. To save Earth, the Fantastic Four would need to disable these machines before completion.
A Cosmic Escape Route?
The bigger question is whether they'll succeed. Their potential failure could explain why we've seen glimpses of them fleeing their universe in Marvel's multiversal storyline. Could Galactus' devastation of Earth force their migration into the MCU proper?
The Fantastic Four: First Steps arrives in theaters July 25, 2025. For more insights, explore the significance of Vanessa Kirby's pregnant Sue Storm storyline and check out Marvel's complete upcoming slate.
