A new theory reveals just how important one of Marvel’s most powerful heroes is toThe Fantastic Four: First Stepsby explaining a majorMCUmystery that dates back toWandaVision. The corecast ofThe Fantastic Four: First Stepswas revealed back in February 2024, and the recently-released teaser trailer for the Phase 6 reboot has proven just how incredible Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn and Ebon Moss-Bachrach are in their roles. However, their origins and connections to other MCU heroes aren’t yet clear, but a new theory suggests they won’t be alone.
The Fantastic Four: First Stepshas been confirmed to be set in an alternate universe, but some have questioned whether the Fantastic Four actually originated from this world. While it’s certainly possible,there are many other theories about how Marvel’s First Family could have moved to their new reality, and one suggestion relies on awildWandaVisiontheorycoming to fruition.WandaVision, also directed by Shakman, was the first Disney+ series set in the MCU, so it would be great to see some of its loose ends addressed in the MCU’s future.
WandaVision Already Debuted Franklin Richards: MCU Theory Explained
MCU Theory Answers 1 Huge Loose End From WandaVision
One of these annoying loose ends from 2021’sWandaVisionseries is the fate of the SWORD agent who was sent into theScarlet Witch’s Hex around Westview, New Jersey, via the underground sewer system.This agent, named Franklin, was transformed by Wanda Maximoff’s magic into a beekeeper, who the Scarlet Witch hastily rewrote, leaving his fate uncertain. A new theory posed byReddituser Calm_Grasssuggests thatWandaVision’sFranklin may have gained powers by going through the Hex, perhaps introducing a new origin story for the MCU’s Franklin Richards.
In Marvel Comics, Franklin Richards is the son ofReed Richards' Mister Fantastic and Sue Storm’s Invisible Woman, and a remarkably powerful character. Typically depicted as a mutant, it wouldn’t be too far-fetched for Marvel Studios to alter Franklin Richards' origin story, tying his incredible abilities to the Scarlet Witch’s Hex.Teyonah Parris' Monica Rambeau received light absorption powers after passing through the Hex’s boundary, which means others could have undergone similar transformations, and this may perfectly set up the events ofThe Fantastic Four: First Steps.
WandaVision’s Franklin Could Have Created The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Alternate Universe
Franklin Richards Has Reality-Warping Powers In Marvel Comics
It’s very possible that passing through the Hex could have instilled Franklin with abilities, and since Monica Rambeau has become one of the MCU’s most powerful characters after going through the Hex, Franklin could be similarly formidable.IfWandaVision’sbeekeeper turns out to be Franklin Richards, this theory provides the perfect explanation for the character’s reality-warping, energy manipulation and pocket universe creation powersfrom Marvel Comics. The latter also sets up a wonderful way for Marvel Studios to explain whyThe Fantastic Four: First Stepsis set in another universe.
WandaVisionended without Franklin’s fate being revealed, and it’s very possible that the unfazed Scarlet Witch could have literally erased him from existence. However,this new theory suggests Franklin may have created a pocket universe to save himself, perhaps one where his family, including mother Sue Storm, father Reed Richards, uncle Johnny Storm and family friend Ben Grimm, were all alive and operating as powerful heroes in their own right. SinceFranklin Richards has already been teasedforThe Fantastic Four: First Steps, this explanation could actually work rather well.
Franklin Richards Is One Of Marvel’s Most Powerful Characters & Has Already Been Hinted To Appear In The MCU’s Phase 6
The Fantastic Four: First Steps May Confirm Franklin Richards' Debut
First seen in 1968’sFantastic Four Annual #6in Marvel Comics, Franklin Richards has always been depicted as one of Marvel’s most notable, powerful and dangerous characters. Originally depicted as a mutant,Franklin Richards has powers far surpassing those of even the strongest Omega Level mutants. He can make any thought or desire a reality, is able to rearrange the molecular structure of matter, and can create pocket dimensions. It’s even been noted that the Celestials believe Franklin Richards' power to be on par with their own, and this level of power could have a huge impact on the MCU.
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Set photos fromThe Fantastic Four: First Stepsand theories suggesting the movie’s first teaser trailer was edited suggest thatSue Storm’s pregnancy and Franklin Richards' birthwill be explored in the Phase 6 reboot. Based on this newWandaVisiontheory,it’s possible that an adult Franklin Richards gained these incredible powers after traveling through the Hex, and used them to create a new universe where he could grow up with his superpowered family. This would be a fantastic way to connectThe Fantastic Four: First Stepsto the wider world of the MCU.
Why Connecting First Steps & WandaVision Is A Good Idea For The MCU
The Fantastic Four: First Steps Will Continue WandaVision’s Best Themes
Thefirst teaser trailer forThe Fantastic Four: First Stepswas"Presented in FantastiVision,“which, as well as being a hint at Reed Richards' genius-level intellect and technological prowess, could also be a reference toWandaVision. By settingFirst Stepsin another reality, Marvel Studios runs the risk of making the reboot feel too separate from the MCU’s wider storylines. This means thatconnectingFirst Stepsto other MCU projects in subtle ways would be a brilliant way to make the movie feel like a solidified installment in the MCU, andWandaVisionis the perfect project to call back to.
Ben Grimm’s Thing
Ebon Moss-Bachrach
Before Matt Shakman took over fromSpider-Manfranchise director Jon Watts to leadThe Fantastic Four: First Steps, he made his MCU debut directingWandaVision, while the series was created by Jac Schaeffer. This means thatShakman knows the themes and motifs ofWandaVisioninside-out, and is the perfect man to continue thesedirectly inThe Fantastic Four: First Steps. It would be great to see Marvel’s First Family impacted by some of the MCU’s biggest events, including the Scarlet Witch’s takeover of Westview, so we can clearly see this theory coming to fruition.
