Fantastic Four: First Steps - How Galactus and Silver Surfer could return to the MCU next

Fantastic Four: First Steps was released on Disney+ this week, on November 5, 2025. Fans are discovering new things in the movie as they rewatch the MCU movie from the comfort of their homes. They are also formulating theories about where the Fantastic Four are heading next. For the uninitiated, First Steps ended with the four managing to transport Galactus into a wormhole with the Silver Surfer's help.

But ot should be noted that the two characters are not dead in the MCU. If you remember, we learn that the MCU Galactus was a mortal in a long-forgotten past, but he was given the responsibility of devouring worlds by someone else. Therefore, fans are wondering when they will see the devourer of worlds in the MCU after Fantastic Four: First Steps.

Many believe the MCU Galactus and Silver Surfer will return after Fantastic Four: First Steps:

Fan theories have identified three distinct ways in which Galactus and the Silver Surfer might return to the MCU after Fantastic Four: First Steps:

Technology

Fantastic Four: First Steps ended with the Marvel's First Family setting up a trap for the devourer of worlds by using Reed and Sue using baby Franklin as bait. Galactus is seeking Franklin because the former wants Reed and Sue's son to relieve him of his duties as the devourer of worlds. The four intend to trick the giant cosmic being into a wormhole as he comes for Franklin.

However, the cosmic giant sees through this plan and begins to raze Earth-828 NYC to the ground. But as Johnny Storm decides to sacrifice himself to push Galactus into the wormhole, the Silver Surfer beats him to it and flies the giant into the wormhole as the portal closes. So, it is clear that the two did not die by being stranded on the other side of the wormhole.

Thus, many believe that Galactus may somehow build a ship to get out, while Shalla-Bal's Silver Surfer will use her surfboard to get out.

Multiversal variants

Ralph Ineson and Julia Garner were not the first ones to play Galactus and Silver Surfer, respectively. The two famously appeared in the 2007 sequel to the 2005 Tim Story movie, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. The Norrin Radd version of the Silver Surfer was voiced by Laurence Fishburne (Doug Jones was the physical actor).

But the one thing that rules the return of these two variants out is that this version of Galactus is much maligned because the devourer of worlds appears as a cloud rather than a physical body. People still appreciate this version of the Silver Surfer, though.

Different MCU characters taking up the mantle

First Steps confirms that Galactus is not the first of the world devourers; he inherited this title, and he seeks Franklin as a replacement. Thus, he may return in Avengers: Doomsday (the Fantastic Four are confirmed to be a part of the cast) to find himself face-to-face with Victor Von Doom, who has stood up to the cosmic devourer in the comics.

"Set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, Marvel Studios’ 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' introduces Marvel’s First Family—Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Johnny Storm/Human Torch and Ben Grimm/The Thing as they face their most daunting challenge yet."