```htmlThe Fantastic Four: Initial Journey focused on the child of Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic (Pedro Pascal) and Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby). The Marvel films that refresh the superhero saga within the context of the MCU also feature Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) and Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) as they unite to protect Earth-828 from being consumed by Galactus. In the film, Galactus presents a risky proposition, threatening to abandon his ambitions if they surrender their young son, Franklin Richards.
Although the narrative centers around Franklin Richards, the toddler is anticipated to eventually play a significant part in future MCU storylines. The post-credits scene of The Fantastic Four also hinted at Victor Von Doom, also known as Doctor Doom, setting the stage for his role in Avengers: Doomsday.
Who is Franklin Richards?
He is the offspring of Reed Richards and Sue Storm from the Fantastic Four. In Marvel comics, he is the elder sibling of Valeria Richards and the nephew of Sue's younger brother, Johnny Storm. His complete name is Franklin Benjamin Richards, with his first name derived from his maternal grandfather, Franklin Storm, and his middle name honoring his godfather, Ben(jamin) Grimm.
What abilities does Franklin Richards possess?
In the film, Reed and Sue are unable to identify any mutant traits in their son despite conducting numerous tests. Nevertheless, Franklin is regarded as one of the most formidable characters in the Marvel universe. He possesses immense reality-altering and psionic abilities that surpass most Omega-level mutants. In fact, he even has the capacity to create entire universes, and his Power Cosmic is comparable to that of Galactus. His alias is Powerhouse. In the comics, he is depicted as limiting the use of his powers to once a year to ensure he enjoys a normal, healthy childhood.
Franklin and Doctor Doom in The Fantastic Four post-credits
Doom's appearance before young Franklin, just before Sue enters the scene, strongly suggests that Doom intends to take the child. However, the way the boy touches Doom's face sparks numerous fan theories. Notably, he shows no fear of Doom despite the villain's mask. In fact, the moment hints at a connection between the two characters, implying a relationship that goes deeper than it seems. Many fans speculate that Franklin may eventually become the MCU's version of Molecule Man. For those unfamiliar, Doom collaborates with Doctor Strange and Molecule Man to prevent incursions across the multiverse in the 2015 Secret Wars comic series. It illustrates Doom's realization that he cannot save the multiverse alone and utilizes Franklin's (Molecule Man's) powers to forge Battleworld, a fusion of the last remaining dimensions.
ALSO READ: Fantastic Four First Steps: Why Does Doctor Doom Want Franklin Richards In Avengers Doomsday?
Franklin's role in future MCU films
While details about the MCU's future following Avengers: Doomsday—which features Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom—remain scarce, many anticipate that Avengers: Secret Wars will likely incorporate Battleworld, which will be introduced in Doomsday. Following the post-credits scene of The Fantastic Four: Initial Journey, Franklin is rumored to have a part in all these forthcoming Marvel cinematic events.
Doctor Doom may have entered the Fantastic Four's universe to seize Franklin for his extraordinary powers, intending to utilize them to address the multiversal incursions in the MCU moving forward.
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