As the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) continues to expand its cosmic and multiversal scope, one name that fans are starting to hear more and more is Franklin Richards — a character who may be small in size but possesses powers that rival even the most powerful beings in Marvel lore. With the Fantastic Four reboot slated for 2025, the seeds are being planted for Franklin’s inevitable introduction. But who exactly is this “superpowered baby,” and why is his arrival such a big deal?
Who Are Franklin Richards’ Parents?
Franklin Richards is the son of Reed Richards (a.k.a. Mr. Fantastic) and Susan Storm (a.k.a. The Invisible Woman) — two founding members of the Fantastic Four and among the most iconic duos in Marvel history.
Reed Richards is often described as the smartest man in the Marvel Universe. A brilliant scientist and inventor, he’s known for his elastic powers and for being the team’s leader.
Susan Storm is equally powerful and often underrated. Her ability to become invisible and project force fields makes her a formidable fighter and protector.
Their relationship has been at the center of Fantastic Four storylines since the 1960s. But when they had a child — Franklin — it wasn’t just a heartwarming family addition. It was a game-changer for the Marvel Universe.
Who Is Franklin Richards?
Franklin is more than just the offspring of two superheroes — he is considered one of the most powerful mutants (or cosmic beings) in the entire Marvel multiverse. First introduced in the comics in Fantastic Four Annual #6 (1968), Franklin’s powers began to manifest at a very young age.
While he was born a human mutant, Franklin’s powers eventually evolved far beyond any traditional mutant capabilities. His reality-warping and universe-creating abilities have allowed him to alter timelines, defeat celestial beings, and even create entire universes from scratch.
What Are Franklin Richards’ Powers?
Here’s just a glimpse of what Franklin Richards can do:
Reality Manipulation: He can reshape reality at a cosmic scale — changing physical laws, altering time, and creating new dimensions.
Telepathy and Telekinesis: Franklin can read minds, influence thoughts, and move objects with his mind.
Precognition: He has the ability to foresee future events, sometimes in vague or dreamlike visions.
Immense Power Levels: He once held Galactus as his personal herald in an alternate future, and has been able to stand up to Celestials, Doctor Doom, and other cosmic beings.
At one point in the comics, Franklin was so powerful that he restored an entire multiverse, making him one of the few Marvel characters to truly exist on a god-like level.
Franklin Richards in the MCU
While Franklin hasn’t officially debuted in the MCU, all signs point toward his arrival being a matter of when, not if. With the upcoming Fantastic Four film in 2025 set to introduce Marvel’s first family to the big screen — likely in a multiversal or cosmic storyline — the foundation is being laid for Franklin’s eventual emergence.
Given the MCU’s exploration of multiversal chaos (Loki, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Kang Dynasty, etc.), Franklin could be a key figure in stabilizing or disrupting the multiverse. His connection to both science (via Reed) and emotional empathy (via Sue) positions him as a character that could rival or exceed even Kang the Conqueror or the Living Tribunal in importance.
There’s even speculation that Franklin’s powers could be the bridge between the X-Men and Fantastic Four, especially if Marvel chooses to lean into his mutant classification from the comics.
Why Franklin Matters
Franklin Richards represents legacy, potential, and power. He’s the child of two brilliant superheroes, but he may surpass them both. His presence in the MCU would open doors for:
New multiversal storylines
The rise of cosmic-level heroes and villains
Connections to Galactus, Silver Surfer, and the X-Men
The emotional grounding of the Fantastic Four as a true family
Whether he shows up as a baby in Fantastic Four (2025) or as a more grown-up version later on, Franklin Richards is destined to be one of the most important characters in the future of the MCU.
