Top 10 Unanswered Questions in Fantastic 4 First Steps

#10: Do Ben & Rachel Get Together?

In the comics, the love of Ben Grimms life is Alicia Masters, a blind sculptor who Kerry Washington played in the Tim Story movies. As heartwarming as their comic book romance is, Alicia is absent from First Steps. Maybe Marvel didnt want to send the message that only a person without sight could love Ben. Suddenly giving Alicia the ability to see wouldve opened another can of worms. It makes sense why the filmmakers created an original character named Rachel Rozman, played by Natasha Lyonne. Theres a clear attraction between the two, with Ben eventually taking the first step. Their relationship status remains somewhat ambiguous, though. If theyre in a committed relationship, we have some other questions, but well let Brodie from Mallrats ask them.

#9: What Happened to Sue & Johnnys Father?

Sue and Johnnys mother isnt around anymore, but what exactly became of their dad? Sue vaguely mentions that they didnt have the best relationship. In the comic continuity, their father blames himself for a tragic car accident that leaves Sue and Johnny without a mother. He goes down a dark path involving gambling and incarceration. In another comic continuity, hes a scientist who prioritizes work over family. We know little about him in the film, but assuming hes alive, its telling that he didnt get in contact after becoming a grandfather, or after the Silver Surfer arrived. In the comics, though, Sue and Johnnys father is named Franklin Storm. Sue passes the name onto her son in the film, suggesting she still cares about him.

#8: Will We Ever Revisit Earth-838?

For a period, we all thought John Krasinski would be the MCUs Reed Richards. Our theory was correct for about five minutes. Then Wanda turned him into ground meat. While that took place on Earth-838, First Steps sets itself on Earth-828. In this reality, theres seemingly no Illuminati, and the Fantastic Four are the only superheroes. We thought realities might collide, although theres no mention of Earth-838 here. Krasinskis Reed notably left children behind. With Doom on the horizon and the Multiverse Saga reaching its conclusion, perhaps one of the future Avengers movies will explore what happened to Reeds family on Earth-838. However, this is starting to look more and more like one of those MCU plot threads that ultimately goes nowhere.

#7: Will Reed & Sue Try For Baby No. 2?

First Steps opens with the revelation that Sue is pregnant. She and Reed tried having a child for two years, although it seemed hopeless until now. As such, a second child likely wont come easily to them, but its not outside the realm of possibility. The comics eventually saw the couple conceive a daughter, Valeria Richards. Of course, to say that Valerias birth was difficult would be an understatement. In fact, Sue initially believed she miscarried. Attempting to save his sister, Franklin sent Valeria to another reality where a different Invisible Woman and Doctor Doom raised her. Down the line, Valeria becomes Marvel Girl and later Brainstorm. If time travel factors in, perhaps an older Valeria could appear in the MCU sooner than later.

#6: When Did Doom Take Over Latveria?

The mid-credits scene only provides a glimpse of Doctor Doom, although another fleeting moment gives us an idea of his role in this reality. At a United Nations meeting, the representative from Latveria is missing. Latveria is a small country in Europe, but its ruler has much bigger aspirations. Its monarch is, of course, Victor von Doom. Yet, its not indicated when or how he took over the country. For that matter, we dont know if this Doom has an established relationship with the Fantastic Four. In most iterations, Dooms origins are linked to our heroes. In First Steps, though, he seemingly wasnt involved in the space mission that gave the Four their powers. Whether or not theyve met before, theyre about to become archrivals.

#5: Does Norrin Radd Exist in this Universe?

Norrin Radd is often depicted as the Silver Surfer. First Steps takes a different approach, combining Radds origin story with Shalla-Bals. The comics see Radd volunteer himself to Galactus, becoming the Devourers herald so his planet will be spared. Radd leaves behind Shalla-Bal, his lover and the planets Empress. In First Steps, its Shalla-Bal who assumes the Silver Surfer mantle, saving her world along with her daughter. The change works with Julia Garner literally shining in the role, although we are curious if Norrin Radd is part of this universe. Maybe Radd was the father of Shalla-Bals child, and she made this sacrifice for both of them. In any case, there are plenty of other universes where Radd is the Silver Surfer.

#4: Where Did Galactus Wind Up?

Reed plans to teleport his world somewhere else beyond Galactus reach. When that doesnt pan out, the Fantastic Four decide to send Galactus through a portal. They pull this off with help from the Silver Surfer, who throws herself into the portal with Galactus. Their world is safe for now. While Galactus mightve been sent to a galaxy far, far away, that doesnt mean hes dead. He could still find a way back, devouring some other planets along the way. On that note, could he have been sent to Earth-616, where the Avengers reside? Were also curious about what happened to Galactus giant ship. We mean, it didnt get sucked into the portal with him. So, is it just drifting in space without a pilot?

#3: What About That Space Crisis?

Thunderbolts*, or The New Avengers as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine might call it, concluded with our heroes discussing a mysterious space crisis. Before that can be addressed, the ship with a four emblem arrives in Earths atmosphere. We assumed that First Steps would end with the Fantastic Four crossing between Earth-828 and Earth-616, picking up where Thunderbolts* left off. While the ending may set up Avengers: Doomsday, First Steps is otherwise self-contained with few references to the larger MCU. Our heroes have the technology to cross realities, but we still dont know what will prompt their arrival in Thunderbolts*. Were not even 100% sure if the Four are the ones piloting the ship. Maybe Doom hijacked it, traveling between worlds with little Franklin.

#2: What Other Powers Does Franklin Have?

Although he seems like a normal baby, Galactus insists that Franklin has unparalleled powers waiting to be unleashed. Franklin demonstrates what he can do in the final act when it appears Sue has made the ultimate sacrifice. He miraculously revives his mother, suggesting that Franklin might be the most powerful being on this earth. Franklin is also among the smartest. In the mid-credits scene, which takes place four years later, Franklin can already comprehend advanced literature. As Franklins mind continues to expand, so will his abilities, which include telekinesis, precognition, and reality manipulation on the printed page. We dont know how the MCU will depict all of his powers yet, but one things for certain. You wouldnt want Franklin falling into the wrong hands.

Joke #1: Is the Board Part of Silver Surfers Body?

Oh wait, we guess they did answer that. Its not, for the record.

#1: What Are Dooms Plans with Franklin?

During the mid-credits scene, Sue returns to find an ominous figure looming over her child. While we dont see his face, theres no doubt that this is Doctor Doom. The real question is what he plans to do with Franklin. Although he hasnt demonstrated it yet, Franklin is bound to pick up tricks like reality warping and the ability to create pocket universes. This could allow Doom to create a world that he rules over. A Battleworld, if you will. Doom might also use Franklin to traverse the Multiverse, assembling the Avengers, X-Men, and other heroes for a Secret War. Well find out in another year when Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters while the Multiverse Saga will wrap up in 2027.

What questions do you have about the MCUs future? Let us know in the comments.