Fresh Look at Galactus in ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Reveals His Massive Size Above New York City

A brand new version of The Fantastic Four is on the way, and this time it’s bringing something massive, literally. Marvel’s next big film, Fantastic Four: First Steps, is set to release in July 2025, and one of the biggest things about it is Galactus.
He’s not just big in the story; he’s physically huge, towering over buildings in New York City, as seen in a recent scene from the movie.
This isn’t the first time Marvel has rebooted the Fantastic Four, but this version looks and feels very different. The film skips the usual origin story and dives right into the action. The team is already formed, with Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn playing the iconic group. They’re up against Galactus and the Silver Surfer, and the stakes are cosmic.
Galactus is played by Ralph Ineson, who’s known for his deep, gritty voice. He doesn’t see Galactus as a typical villain. Ineson said in an interview, “He’s a god of sorts… a big, planet-eating guy, simply doing what a big, planet-eating guy does.”
To prepare for the role, he spent time alone on rooftops, thinking quietly about how to act like a creature that’s been alive for billions of years.
Director Matt Shakman shared his own thoughts about Galactus, calling him a “humongous, 14-billion-year-old, planet-devouring cosmic vampire.” Marvel wanted Galactus to look like his classic comic book self. That means no more space clouds like in the 2007 movie. This Galactus has the bold purple and blue armor, and they even built a real suit for Ineson to wear on set, instead of just using digital effects.
The movie has a unique look too. It’s set in a world inspired by the 1960s but with futuristic tech and style. Kevin Feige, the head of Marvel Studios, has been pushing for this retro-futuristic feel. He was also the one who really wanted Galactus in the film. To help the team get the right vibe, Feige showed them scenes of Galactus from Fortnite Battle Royale, where the character made a big appearance.
Filming for the movie happened in England and Spain from July to November 2024. The team used a lot of practical effects and paid close attention to the design, giving the movie a cool vintage style that stands out from other Marvel films.
Galactus isn’t just a one-scene monster. He’s a big part of the story, and not just because of his size. The filmmakers wanted him to feel like a real force of nature, something that’s just always been there. Ineson’s performance is meant to show that side of Galactus, calm, powerful, and ancient.
With the release just around the corner, fans are curious to see how the Fantastic Four will handle a threat this big. People are also excited to see Ralph Ineson’s take on the giant cosmic being. If the early look is anything to go by, Galactus is going to leave a big impression on the Marvel universe.
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