Franklin Richards’ long-awaited Marvel Cinematic Universe debut in The Fantastic Four: First Steps left fans thrilled — but also asking questions. While he appears only as a newborn, it’s clear he holds immense significance in the story. In fact, Galactus’ pursuit of him is no accident. However, the movie stops short of showcasing Franklin Richards’ true comic-book-level abilities.
Franklin Richards’ MCU Arrival Sets Up Huge Potential
Born in the final act of First Steps, Franklin is already at the center of cosmic tension. In fact, Galactus senses his unrealized power, hinting that this child could tip the balance of the universe. While the film subtly plants this idea, it ultimately doesn’t explore it further. Nevertheless, for longtime fans, this is familiar territory — because, in the comics, Franklin Richards’ powers are among the most powerful in the Marvel Universe.
Franklin Richards’ Powers the Film Skipped Over
Reality Warping
Franklin Richards’ reality-warping powers allow him to reshape matter, energy, and even create pocket universes. The Celestials call him a “universe shaper,” and he’s considered a multiversal threat capable of altering existence itself.
Psionic Abilities
Franklin Richards uses telepathy and telekinesis to communicate mentally, move objects with his mind, and project his astral form. While the movie doesn’t show these abilities directly, subtle hints suggest they may already be awakening within him.
Matter and Energy Manipulation
Franklin can unleash enormous energy blasts and manipulate molecules. These powers far surpass those of his mother, Sue Storm, yet the film offers no sign of them — possibly saving them for future installments.
Other Franklin Richards’ Powers Yet to Appear
Time Manipulation
Franklin travels through time, freezes it, and even ages himself at will. In Fantastic Four #244, he rapidly matures himself into an adult — a power that could eventually reshape timelines in the MCU.
Teleportation
As shown in Empyre #6, Franklin can teleport himself and others across both the universe and the multiverse. While not present in the film, this could play a vital role in Marvel’s multiversal phase.
Flight
Using psionic energy, Franklin is capable of flying — a skill seen in X-Men/Fantastic Four (Vol. 2) #1. It may be a subtle addition in future films but is nowhere to be found in his MCU debut.
Duplication
In Fantastic Four: Road Trip #1, Franklin duplicates himself, creating clones to handle various situations. A skill like this could have been useful against Galactus, but it’s likely being saved for later.
Precognitive Dreams and Cosmic Awareness
Franklin Richards’ advanced awareness allows him to sense future events and cosmic threats. Boosted by the Power Cosmic, this intuitive sense remains dormant in the movie — yet may emerge when the stakes rise.
Why Franklin Richards’ Role Is Just Beginning
Even with minimal screen time, Franklin Richards’ importance is clear. Galactus isn’t pursuing him randomly — it’s because of the limitless power he may one day unleash. Marvel seems to be playing the long game, possibly saving these powers for the broader Multiverse Saga or even Secret Wars.
With Matt Shakman directing and a stellar cast led by Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ralph Ineson, and Julia Garner, the foundation has been set. Released on July 25, 2025, the film sets the stage — now it’s just a matter of when, not if, Franklin Richards’ powers will rise.
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