'The Fantastic Four First Steps': Is Franklin Richards a Mutant? [Spoiler-Heavy]

The finale of The Fantastic Four: First Steps introduced another superhuman to the Marvel family. Sue and Reed believed their son, Franklin, was an ordinary child, but he demonstrated an extraordinary power and saved his mother.

How did he do it, and what does the finale imply about his future?

Why Did Galactus Need Franklin?

The Silver Surfer informed humanity that their planet was about to be destroyed by Galactus, the world-devourer who suffered from an eternal hunger. Shalla-Bal had previously become Galactus's herald in order to protect her own planet.

The Fantastic Four tracked down Galactus's ship and asked him to spare Earth. He agreed to leave, but only if Sue and Reed gave up their unborn son, Franklin.

Galactus claimed that the boy contained the Power Cosmic. He believed that Franklin would satisfy his endless hunger and finally bring him peace.

Reed and Sue were surprised by Galactus's words – they had done extensive research to ensure that their powers had not been passed on to the child. However, the child in the womb didn't exhibit anything unusual.

Galactus hinted that the baby was hiding its powers from its parents on purpose.

In Marvel comics, the Power Cosmic refers to a source that godlike beings can wield. For example, Galactus himself and his heralds used it.

This force is capable of changing reality itself because it is part of the universe. This explains why Reed said his son could become an all-powerful deity.

Is Franklin a Mutant?

During the battle with Galactus, Sue exhausted all her energy trying to pull him into a portal, which is why she died. When Reed brought Franklin to her body, she was miraculously resurrected.

At the same time, her eyes glowed blue when she returned to life, proving that Franklin had superpowers.

Sue, Reed, Johnny, and Ben all gained superpowers, but Franklin was born with powers, which technically makes him a mutant.

Franklin Richards in the Marvel Comics

Franklin crossed paths with the X-Men in the comics and was a member of the teenage team Generation X, so it is unlikely that his appearance in the new movie is a coincidence. He may become part of the MCU's new X-Men storyline.

In the comics, he receives the superhero nickname Powerhouse – he is extremely powerful with unlimited abilities to manipulate reality and psionics.

He also has a younger sister named Valeria, who has a genius-level intellect. Valeria's life was in danger even before she was born. – Sue could have a miscarriage. However, Doctor Doom saved the child.

This subsequently affected the relationship between Doom and Valeria. In the MCU, Reed and Sue will probably also have a daughter. Whether she will be connected with Doom remains to be seen.