Does Galactus Steal the Show in The Fantastic Four: First Steps? Ralph Ineson’s Cosmic Triumph Revealed!

As Marvel Studios gears up for the highly anticipated release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps on July 25, 2025, one question is buzzing among fans: Does Galactus Steal the Show in The Fantastic Four: First Steps? Recent reports following rumored audience test screenings in Los Angeles have thrust Ralph Ineson’s portrayal of the planet-devouring Galactus into the spotlight.

Described as “terrifying” and “ripped straight from the comics,” Ineson’s performance is generating significant hype. This article dives into every verifiable detail about his role, the audience reactions, and what this means for the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) Phase 6 opener.

Who Is Ralph Ineson, and Why Was He Cast as Galactus?

Ralph Ineson, a prolific British actor known for roles in The Witch, The Green Knight, and as Finchy in the UK’s The Office, brings a commanding presence to Galactus. His deep, baritone voice and ability to embody complex characters made him a natural choice for the cosmic entity.

Marvel Studios announced his casting in May 2024, with Ineson himself humorously noting, “World-devouring cosmic villain is it? I’ll see what I can do” (@screentime, X post). Director Matt Shakman emphasized the importance of a physical performance, opting for a practical costume over motion-capture to capture Galactus’ immense scale (@yahoo.com, May 19, 2025).

Ineson’s preparation was unconventional yet fitting. He visited tall buildings, including London’s Gherkin, to channel Galactus’ god-like perspective, even getting in trouble with his wife for ruminating too long at a wedding (@gamesradar.com, May 30, 2025). He also drove through Mont Blanc’s tunnels, imagining them as Galactus’ windpipe, showcasing his method-acting approach (@DiscussingFilm, X post).

What Do Test Screening Reactions Say About Ineson’s Galactus?

Recent test screenings, reportedly held on May 28, 2025, in Los Angeles, have provided early insights into Ineson’s performance. While the film itself received mixed reactions, with some calling it “mid” or “meh” (@comicbookmovie.com, May 30, 2025), Galactus was a standout.

One attendee described Ineson’s portrayal as “TERRIFYING,” praising its comic-accurate design and “incredible sense of scale” (@F4Update, X post; @indulgexpress.com, May 30, 2025).

Another viewer hailed Galactus as “the best part of the movie,” noting its “Lovecraftian” vibe (@maxblizz.com, May 29, 2025).

The visual depiction of Galactus, revealed earlier through a Snapple promotion, has also fueled excitement. Unlike the 2007 Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer’s cloud-like Galactus, Ineson’s version sports the iconic helmet and a practical suit modeled after his face, evoking a “Death Star” aesthetic (@yahoo.com, May 19, 2025).

This fidelity to Jack Kirby and Stan Lee’s 1966 comic creation has fans optimistic about a definitive Galactus.

How Does Ineson’s Galactus Compare to Past MCU Villains?

Galactus is no ordinary antagonist. Described by Ineson as a “cosmic force” and “a god, of sorts,” he’s not inherently evil but driven by an insatiable hunger (@comicbook.com, May 30, 2025). This nuanced take sets him apart from previous MCU villains like Thanos or Kang.

Kevin Feige, Marvel Studios’ president, called the Galactus storyline “one of the greatest comic-book stories ever written,” signaling high ambitions for the character (

@movieweb.com, May 30, 2025).

Ineson’s performance is enhanced by his physical embodiment of the role. Director Shakman’s team built an entire costume to ensure Galactus feels like a tangible, towering presence, akin to filming “Mount Rushmore” (@gamesradar.com, May 30, 2025). This approach contrasts with the CGI-heavy villains of recent MCU films, potentially making Galactus a visual and emotional benchmark.

What Role Does Galactus Play in The Fantastic Four: First Steps?

Set in a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic MCU multiverse, The Fantastic Four: First Steps follows Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) as they face Galactus and his herald, Shalla-Bal/Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) (@superherohype.com, May 30, 2025).

The trailer hints at Galactus marking Earth for destruction, with his immense stature looming over the Statue of Liberty (@movieweb.com, May 30, 2025).

Test screening feedback suggests Galactus’ destructive mission hits close to home for the Fantastic Four, amplifying the stakes (@timesnownews.com, May 19, 2025).

Ineson’s enthusiasm for the script, which he called “cool as f—” after learning the MCU lore from his son, indicates a pivotal role that ties into the broader narrative (@cosmic_marvel, X post).

Why Is Ineson’s Performance Generating So Much Buzz?

The buzz around Ineson’s Galactus stems from multiple factors. First, his comic-accurate design addresses past criticisms of the 2007 film’s depiction (@yahoo.com, May 19, 2025).

Second, his unique preparation methods have endeared him to fans, showcasing dedication to a larger-than-life role (@cbr.com, May 31, 2025). Finally, the test screening praise, despite mixed film reactions, positions Galactus as a potential scene-stealer, with fans on X anticipating his voice in IMAX (@likeanoutlaww, X post).

Marvel’s marketing, including the Snapple collab and Empire Magazine covers, has kept Galactus front and center (@comicbookmovie.com, May 29, 2025). With Phase 6 kicking off, Ineson’s Galactus could set the tone for future MCU epics like Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars (@collider.com, May 19, 2025).

Does Galactus Steal the Show? The Verdict Awaits

As The Fantastic Four: First Steps approaches its July 25, 2025, release, Ralph Ineson’s Galactus is shaping up to be a cosmic highlight. Test screenings, while mixed on the film, universally praise his terrifying, comic-accurate portrayal.

With a practical costume, a commanding voice, and a performance rooted in method acting, Ineson is poised to elevate Galactus into MCU legend.

Whether he truly steals the show remains to be seen, but the early buzz suggests Marvel fans are in for a treat.

Stay tuned for more updates as we count down to the Fantastic Four’s MCU debut!