```htmlFollowing the events of Thanos in Avengers Endgame and the unfortunate Kang the Conqueror, the inaugural film of MCU’s Phase 6 – Fantastic Four First Steps has unveiled new cosmic possibilities with one of the most formidable antagonists in existence – Galactus. The World-Devourer is depicted actively clashing with the four in the movie, displaying a particular interest in Franklin Richard – the son of Reed and Sue. Galactus, whose insatiable hunger is legendary, is shown to be approaching Earth 828 – with the intent to consume it. When Galactus targets a planet, even the strongest heroes can merely strive to postpone the unavoidable.
However, what many may not realize is that Galactus is not merely a villain with an enormous appetite. His need to devour worlds is intricately linked to the very essence of the Marvel Universe and its multiversal cycle of destruction and renewal. So, what drives Galactus to consume planets, and what role does his unending hunger play in the grand cosmic scheme?
Also Read: Fantastic Four First Steps: Why Does Doctor Doom Want Franklin Richards In Avengers Doomsday?

To Begin With, Who Is Galactus?
Galactus made his debut in Fantastic Four #48 (1966), crafted by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. Yet, his origins trace back even further — to a prior universe, referred to as the Sixth Cosmos. According to various accounts, he was originally known as Galan, a brilliant explorer from the planet Taa, a utopian realm doomed by a universe-ending plague known as the Black Winter. In a final endeavor, Galan piloted his vessel into the collapsing core of his universe, merging with the Sentience of the Cosmos, transforming into something beyond human — Galactus, a cosmic entity destined to endure the demise of one universe and thrive in the next.
But Why Does Galactus Consume Planets?
Frankly, Galactus does not devour worlds out of spite. His hunger is a cosmic necessity, not an act of personal malice. As a part of the new Seventh Cosmos, Galactus was “born” to fulfill a greater purpose — one that encompasses destruction as a precursor to eventual creation. When Galactus feeds, he transforms matter into energy, sustaining himself while simultaneously contributing to the cosmic energy needed to give rise to the next universe, the Eighth Cosmos. Consider Galactus as a cosmic harvester: his consumption of worlds maintains the multiverse's equilibrium, preserving the memory and energy of dying realities so they may one day be reborn.
Galactus consumes so that the universe can progress.
How Does Galactus Feed?
Galactus employs advanced, godlike technology — primarily an Elemental Converter — which extracts and absorbs all usable energy from a planet, often leaving behind a barren, lifeless shell. He usually travels aboard his ship, the Star Sphere, and dispatches a Herald in advance to either scout, alert, or intimidate civilizations. Notable Heralds include Silver Surfer, Nova, and Terrax, among others. These forerunners prepare the way for Galactus’ arrival — a tempest that few worlds can withstand.
Also Read: Fantastic Four First Steps Is Marvel’s Best Visual Spectacle Yet — Soothing, Surreal
Not a Villain, But a Cosmic Force
Silver Surfer and Watcher (Uatu) once contemplated eliminating Galactus to save lives. However, over time, they have come to perceive him as neither good nor evil, but rather as a fundamental force of the universe, akin to gravity or entropy.
How Does Galactus Integrate Into Fantastic Four: First Steps
With Galactus officially integrated into the MCU, First Steps sets the stage for a more expansive, cosmic Marvel. Given Franklin Richards’s immense power — hinted at in the film and rooted in comic history — it is evident that Galactus sees him not as prey, but as a successor or a key to his cosmic fate. In fact, it is Galactus’ comprehension of Franklin’s abilities that lays the foundation for the introduction of Doctor Doom.
Galactus is not merely a colossal space villain. He represents the necessary conclusion and the beginning, the devourer and the catalyst, a being whose insatiable appetite propels the future of all existence.
```