Spoiler alert! This article contains spoilers for The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
Franklin Richards has finally arrived in theMarvel Cinematic Universe, with powers that could changethe MCU timelineforever. Introduced inThe Fantastic Four: First Steps, the son of Reed Richards and Sue Storm appears as a child with immeasurable potential. This is already drawing intense speculation forthe MCU’s future, especially considering his more impressive abilities.
In the comics, Franklin is one of the most powerful mutants in all of Marvel history.First Stepsgave viewers a glimpse of just how reality-breaking he might become. Indeed, he’s not just another super-powered kid. Franklin Richards is a multiversal threat and protector all in one. His abilities place him leagues above almost anyone else in the MCU.
5Immortality & Power Beyond Celestials
Franklin Richards isn’t just powerful, he’seternal. In the comics, he’s described as an “Omega-level” mutant whosestrength surpasses even the Celestials. One storyline even shows an adult Franklin killing two Celestials in battle.
WhileThe Fantastic Four: First Stepsdoesn’t show Franklin reaching this level, the implication is clear: he’s not going to develop like a regular human. Franklin isfirst MCU hero will far beyond any of his peers. Thor and the Eternals already operate on extended timelines, but Franklin takes this to another level.
In a universe that often resets or passes mantles to younger generations, Franklin offers something new. He’s a character who cananchor entire cosmic sagas for decades, or even centuries. His potential has no ceiling, which makes him one of the most important assets Marvel has just introduced – as Doom has already determined in theFirst Stepspost-credits scene.
4Pocket Universe Creation
As the MCU continues to expand into multiversal storytelling, Franklin Richards brings a power that’s an obvious next evolution:the creation of entirely new universes. In the comics, Franklin famously creates pocket universes – entirely self-contained realities with their own physical laws and timelines. This is a game-changer for the MCU.
WhileLoki,Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, andWhat If…?have introduced the concept of alternate realities, Franklincangeneratethem at will. This means the MCU could begin building stories within universes created by Franklin himself. He can create new sandboxes that don’t have to adhere to existing continuity.
This would allow Marvel Studios to try bolder experiments, reboot legacy characters, or even explore “What If” stories outside the format. Franklin’s universe-building power is like having a multiversal rewrite button –and no other character in the MCU currently has that kind of influence. This could prove vital in facingfuture Fantastic Four villains in the MCU.
3Reality Warping
One of Franklin Richards’ most staggering powers is his ability toreshape reality itself. In the comics, Franklin has reshaped entire timelines, altered the fundamental makeup of matter, and even manipulated life and death. In the MCU, this could have enormous implications.
Unlike Scarlet Witch’s reality warping inWandaVision, which was contained to Westview and influenced by the Darkhold,Franklin’s power is completely internal. He doesn’t need an artifact, a spellbook, or even training – it’s instinctual. This could become vital as the Multiverse Saga concludes.
It means Franklin could, theoretically,change the rules of the MCU at any point, whether that’s erasing entire events, reviving dead characters, or reshaping what’s considered canon. As the Multiverse Saga continues to explore increasingly abstract concepts, Franklin’s powers make him the ultimate wild card.
2Resurrection Powers
One of the most emotional moments inThe Fantastic Four: First Steps comes at the endwhen Franklinbrings his motherback to life. While the circumstances around how Franklin revived Sue have not been revealed, it was an explicit demonstration of his incredible power.
This act isn’t just emotionally resonant – it’s unprecedented. In the MCU, characters have died and returned through multiversal trickery (Loki), Infinity Stones (Avengers:Endgame), or mystical means (Moon Knight). Franklin, however,simplywillsSue back into existence.
There is comic precedent for this: Franklin has previously brought Galactus back to life and has even resurrected entire species. Yet this moment inFirst Stepsmarks the first time in the MCU thata character brings someone back from the dead through sheer psionic will. This elevates him beyond even Wanda Maximoff or Doctor Strange.
1Future Sight & Cosmic Awareness
In the comics, Franklin Richards develops aform of cosmic awareness and future sight, allowing him to perceive threats long before they occur. He even grows into a role as a mentor to other powerful beings, guiding them through vast multiversal conflicts. While this hasn’t been shown orreferenced inThe Fantastic Four: First Steps,it would alter the MCU’s future.
This makes him more than a powerhouse, it makes him astrategic forcein upcoming phases. The MCU has very few characters who possess this level of awareness. Aside from Doctor Strange’s brief look into millions of futures duringInfinity War, and Charles Xavier’s telepathy inMultiverse of Madness, the franchise lacks powerful clairvoyants. Franklin fills that role and more.
As the second major telepath in the MCU (after Xavier) Franklin stands tousher in the next age of cosmic-level psionics. This is a power set barely touched in the franchise so far. After his introduction inThe Fantastic Four: First Steps,his ability to sense what’s coming may be just as valuable as his ability to reshape it afterward.
