By Nicolas Ayala
With The Fantastic Four: First Steps hitting theaters this July, Marvel fans are nearing the peak of anticipation for the MCU’s latest and most cosmic outing. While official footage has been stingy with details, a recent LEGO Marvel set leak has given fans their best look yet at Galactus — and it’s nothing short of spectacular. More than just a toy tie-in, the brick-built reveal of Marvel’s World-Eater teases the scale, style, and storytelling ambition that Marvel Studios is bringing to Reed Richards and the First Family’s big-screen debut.
LEGO set reveal gives fans the first full look at MCU’s Galactus
Marvel’s partnership with LEGO has once again unintentionally become part of the marketing machine. The “Galactus vs The Fantastic Four” set, featuring a minifigure-style Galactus in full comic-accurate glory, has broken the internet in the most Marvel-ous way possible. With its purple cosmic armor, towering humanoid form, and vibrant design straight out of the John Byrne-era comics, this is the Galactus fans always wanted to see — and never got in the 2007 Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer.
What makes this reveal even more exciting is that it comes from practical merchandise, not an official trailer or poster. While the Silver Surfer minifigure is conspicuously absent (despite Julia Garner’s presence in the film as the character), the image of Galactus alone is enough to ignite speculation about how and when he’ll make his full cosmic entrance in the film. Will Marvel keep the big reveal under wraps until the theatrical release? One can only hope.
Galactus’ design and presence show Marvel’s confidence in cosmic storytelling
Director Matt Shakman’s decision to feature Galactus instead of Doctor Doom — despite the latter’s looming presence in the Marvel Studios’ plans — speaks volumes about the creative direction of First Steps. As Shakman put it, “Doom’s a great character, but he takes up a lot of air.” By skipping the origin and traditional Doom conflict, Marvel is free to explore a different kind of threat — one that’s not just villainous, but elemental.
And what’s more elemental than Galactus? The Devourer of Worlds isn’t just a bad guy; he’s a force of nature, a cosmic balance, and a storytelling tool of immense scale. Ralph Ineson’s portrayal, grounded by practical effects and an actual costume on set, promises a tangible presence for a character that’s often been relegated to floating CGI messes. As Shakman explained, “I didn’t want to just use motion-capture for Galactus. I wanted to actually have someone there embodying the part.”
This approach — blending practical and visual effects — could be the key to making Galactus feel real, and real dangerous, in a way that resonates with both long-time fans and general audiences.
The Fantastic Four bring family, fun, and 60s flair to the cosmic clash
Set against a retro-futuristic, 1960s-inspired backdrop, The Fantastic Four: First Steps introduces Marvel’s First Family in a style that’s equal parts nostalgic and innovative. Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn’s Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s Ben Grimm aren’t just suiting up — they’re stepping into roles that ask them to balance heroism with the strength of their familial bond.
It’s a dynamic that Marvel hasn’t fully explored with the FF before, and one that feels especially potent when paired with a threat as massive as Galactus. The LEGO set, the promo art, and the merchandise ecosystem may be teasing more than just a battle for Earth. They may be hinting at a conflict where the emotional core of the team is tested by a cosmic entity that doesn’t just want to destroy — but perhaps understands what it means to be beyond human.
Silver Surfer’s mysterious role adds another layer to the cosmic equation
While the Silver Surfer’s gender swap to Shalla-Bal (played by Julia Garner) has divided fans, her role as Galactus’ Herald remains shrouded in mystery — much like the character herself. Marvel seems content to subvert expectations once again, and her enigmatic presence may give the filmmakers a way to explore Galactus’ motives without turning him into a one-dimensional villain.
As Garner herself said, “You’re not sure where she stands… she has this mysterious energy about her.” It’s a smart move that keeps the focus on the Fantastic Four’s journey, even as it propels them into the most cosmic of battlegrounds.
Final thoughts: Marvel’s Fantastic Four may have just delivered a cosmic masterpiece
With less than three months to go, and merchandise leaks doing Marvel’s marketing work for them, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is shaping up to be more than just another MCU entry. It’s a bold blend of family drama, cosmic spectacle, and retro style — anchored by a villain reveal that corrects one of the biggest missteps in Marvel film history.
Galactus in LEGO form might seem like an odd way to get excited, but sometimes that’s all it takes. A toy, a design, and a moment of clarity that Marvel Studios is playing the long game — and they’re doing it with cosmic flair. Here’s hoping the Devourer of Worlds brings with him not just destruction, but the next evolution of the MCU.