Quick Facts on Franklin Richards, the Fantastic Four Baby: Who Is He in the Comics and Does He Have Powers?

Marvel's The Fantastic Four: First Steps has now hit cinemas in the UK, the US, and several other countries, and while the film introduces viewers to familiar faces like Reed Richards and Sue Storm, it's their son, Franklin, who's quietly stealing the spotlight.

For longtime comic readers, Franklin Richards isn't just another superhero offspring; he's one of the most powerful characters ever created in the Marvel Universe. But for many filmgoers, this is their first encounter with the child who could one day reshape reality itself.

So, who is Franklin Richards? Why is the MCU giving him such a prominent role so early? And what exactly is he capable of? Here's what fans should know. SPOILERS AHEAD

A Cosmic Child with Classic Comic Roots

Franklin Richards first appeared in Fantastic Four Annual #6 in 1968, introduced by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. As the child of Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic) and Sue Storm (Invisible Woman), Franklin was born into Marvel's "First Family", but his powers go well beyond anything his parents can do.

Unlike most heroes whose powers come from freak accidents or mutations later in life, Franklin began developing his abilities before he was even born. Due to Sue's exposure to cosmic radiation during pregnancy, Franklin entered the world with abilities that immediately raised alarm, even for someone like Reed, who spends most of his time around superpowered beings.

What Powers Does Franklin Richards Have?

In the comics, Franklin is known as an Omega-level mutant, which is the highest power classification among mutants. His abilities include:

• Reality manipulation: He can reshape the world, from altering physics to creating entire universes.
• Telepathy and telekinesis: He can move objects with his mind and read or influence thoughts.
• Energy projection: Franklin can emit powerful blasts of energy.
• Precognition: He's had visions of future events, often with unsettling accuracy.

At one point, Franklin becomes powerful enough to restore the multiverse, something very few characters in Marvel history have accomplished.

Galactus, Agatha, and Other Cosmic Connections

Because of his immense potential, Franklin has often been at the centre of major comic book storylines. He's been kidnapped by villains like Annihilus and the psychic entity Onslaught. His powers once grew so unstable that his father placed him in a coma to prevent a catastrophic event.

One of the more surprising relationships in his life? His nanny, Agatha Harkness, is the powerful witch most MCU fans know from WandaVision.

Franklin's bond with Galactus is especially notable. In alternate comic timelines, he doesn't just fight Galactus; he becomes him. In one storyline, Franklin even revives Galactus to help battle the Celestials, proving just how far-reaching his abilities truly are.

The MCU's Version of Franklin

In Fantastic Four: First Steps, the MCU takes a grounded but emotional approach to Franklin's birth. Director Matt Shakman said, 'I really wanted to bring Franklin into this world... the most fantastic moment of my life was the birth of my daughter.'

The film shows Sue Storm pregnant and Reed growing increasingly anxious, not just about baby-proofing the Baxter Building, but about whether cosmic radiation may have affected their child.

When Franklin arrives, he's more than healthy, and he's extraordinary. In one pivotal moment, he even brings Sue back to life after she collapses from overexerting her powers against Galactus.

Why Is Doctor Doom Interested?

In the mid-credits scene, Doctor Doom, played by Robert Downey Jr., makes his first MCU appearance, quietly approaching a four-year-old Franklin and removing his mask. It's a short but telling moment.

Doom, known for seeking power wherever he can find it, appears interested in harnessing Franklin's abilities or possibly manipulating him.

This scene connects directly to future MCU entries, including the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, hinting that Franklin's role will only grow. His powers could be used to resurrect powerful figures or even shape multiverse realities, something Doom may try to exploit.