Unveiling How Ralph Ineson’s Galactus Devours Planets in The Fantastic Four: First Steps

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is gearing up to be a cosmic spectacle, with Ralph Ineson’s portrayal of Galactus at its heart. Recent revelations from the cast and crew have sparked excitement about how this iconic Marvel villain, known for consuming entire worlds, will be brought to life in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

From practical costumes to philosophical takes on his motivations, here’s everything we know about how Galactus devours planets in this highly anticipated reboot, set to hit theaters on July 25, 2025.

What Makes Galactus a Cosmic Force in The Fantastic Four: First Steps?

Galactus, portrayed by Ralph Ineson, is no ordinary villain. Director Matt Shakman describes him as a “humongous, 14-billion-year-old, planet-devouring cosmic vampire,” emphasizing his immense scale and ancient existence.

Unlike the 2007 film Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, where Galactus was depicted as a vague cosmic cloud, The Fantastic Four: First Steps promises a comic-accurate design. Shakman and Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige have highlighted that Galactus’ planet-devouring nature is central to the story, with Feige calling his arrival “one of the greatest comic-book stories ever written.”

In the comics, Galactus sustains himself by consuming the life force of planets, a process that’s both destructive and essential for his survival. This version of Galactus will face off against Marvel’s First Family—Reed Richards/Mr. 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 defend Earth from his ravenous hunger.

How Did Ralph Ineson Prepare for Galactus’ Planet-Devouring Role?

To embody a being who devours planets, Ineson took an unconventional approach to get into Galactus’ colossal headspace. He told Empire Magazine that he drove through the tunnels of Mont Blanc, imagining them as Galactus’ “windpipe and trachea” to capture the character’s immense scale.

He also visited tall buildings, including spending an afternoon at London’s Gherkin building during a wedding, staring out and ruminating on Galactus’ god-like perspective—much to his wife’s chagrin.

Ineson’s preparation underscores the challenge of portraying a character who operates on a planetary level. “He’s a cosmic force. He’s a god, of sorts,” Ineson explained, suggesting that Galactus’ actions, while catastrophic, stem from a primal need rather than malice.

This nuanced take hints at a portrayal that could make Galactus one of the MCU’s most compelling antagonists.

Is Galactus Truly Evil in The Fantastic Four: First Steps?

One of the most intriguing revelations is Ineson’s perspective on Galactus’ morality. “I don’t think Galactus is evil,” he told Empire Magazine, contrasting the planet-eater with his more overtly villainous The Office character, Chris Finch. Ineson views Galactus as a god-like entity driven by necessity, not malevolence.

In the comics, Galactus consumes planets to survive, and if he stops, he’ll cease to exist. This moral ambiguity could paint him as a tragic figure in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, torn by his insatiable hunger.

Online discussions, such as those on Reddit, echo this complexity. Fans argue that Galactus’ sentience doesn’t necessarily make him evil, comparing his planet-eating to humans consuming animals for survival.

This philosophical angle could elevate The Fantastic Four: First Steps beyond a simple hero-versus-villain narrative, offering a fresh take on one of Marvel’s most iconic characters.

How Is Galactus’ Planet-Devouring Brought to Life Visually?

Unlike the CGI-heavy cloud of the 2007 film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps opts for a practical approach to Galactus’ design. Shakman revealed to Entertainment Weekly that they built an entire costume for Ineson, avoiding reliance on motion-capture or CGI alone. “I didn’t want to just use motion-capture for Galactus.

I wanted to actually have someone there embodying the part,” he said. Extensive photography testing ensured the costume conveys Galactus’ massive scale, with trailers teasing his iconic helmet and towering presence over landmarks like the Statue of Liberty.

A leaked LEGO set and promo art have further revealed a comic-accurate Galactus, complete with his angular, horned helmet. Ineson also shared a wrap gift—a silver or pewter bust of Galactus’ head—on social media, offering a glimpse of the character’s traditional design.

These elements suggest that The Fantastic Four: First Steps will deliver a visually stunning depiction of Galactus as he consumes planets, blending practical effects with the grandeur of a cosmic entity.

Why Is Galactus’ Story So Personal for the Fantastic Four?

While specific plot details remain under wraps, promotional materials hint that Galactus’ plan to devour Earth “gets very personal” for the Fantastic Four. This suggests that his planet-devouring actions may directly threaten the team’s family dynamic or involve a deeper connection to their 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world.

With Julia Garner as Shalla-Bal, a female Silver Surfer serving as Galactus’ herald, the stakes are heightened as the Fantastic Four confront both cosmic and emotional challenges.

The involvement of additional cast members like John Malkovich and Paul Walter Hauser in undisclosed roles, possibly as other villains like the Red Ghost or Mole Man, could further complicate Galactus’ destructive mission.

These layers promise a narrative in The Fantastic Four: First Steps that balances spectacle with heartfelt storytelling.

Some Closing Thoughts:

As The Fantastic Four: First Steps approaches its July 25, 2025 release, Ralph Ineson’s Galactus is shaping up to be a highlight of the MCU’s Phase 6.

With a comic-accurate design, a practical costume, and a nuanced portrayal that questions the nature of evil, Galactus’ planet-devouring antics will challenge Marvel’s First Family like never before.

Stay tuned for more updates as we inch closer to witnessing this cosmic vampire’s reign of destruction on the big screen.