As Marvel Studios enters its next cosmic chapter, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is set to introduce one of the most powerful entities in the Marvel Universe — Galactus, the planet-devouring cosmic force of nature. But according to actor Ralph Ineson, who voices the character, Galactus isn’t your typical villain. He’s not evil — just… massive. And hungry.
Let’s dive into everything we know so far about Galactus, the cast of First Steps, and how Marvel is handling one of the greatest comic book stories of all time.
A New Era for Marvel’s First Family
Director Matt Shakman (known for WandaVision) leads the charge with The Fantastic Four: First Steps, an ambitious reboot that introduces the legendary superhero team to the MCU in full force:
- Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards / Mr. Fantastic
- Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm / The Invisible Woman
- Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm / The Human Torch
- Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm / The Thing
Together, they face their greatest challenge yet — a celestial threat who devours worlds.
Enter Galactus: The Godlike Devourer of Worlds
Forget the purple cloud from 2007. Marvel is doing Galactus right this time. Ralph Ineson, known for his deep voice and memorable role as ‘Finchy’ in The Office, will embody the iconic antagonist — complete with comic-accurate design, including his towering helmet and imposing form.
Shakman describes him as a “14-billion-year-old cosmic vampire,” whose hunger drives him to consume entire planets — Earth being next on the menu. But Ineson wants audiences to think beyond good and evil.
“He’s a cosmic force. He’s a god, of sorts,” Ineson explains. “I don’t think Galactus is evil… He’s simply doing what a big, planet-eating guy does.”
Ralph Ineson on Becoming Galactus: Big Mindset, Big Voice
To tap into the mindset of a being beyond time and space, Ineson embraced the cosmic scale of the character. His preparation went beyond voice acting — it was practically method.
“I drove through the tunnels of Mont Blanc just imagining that as his windpipe and his trachea,” he shares.
“We went to a wedding at the top of the Gherkin building in London, and I spent most of the afternoon just staring out, ruminating. I got in trouble with my wife — she was like, ‘You’ve got to say hello to the bride and groom at some point!’”
It’s clear Ineson took the role seriously, embodying Galactus not just in voice, but in presence — as much as one can when playing a godlike being who floats through the cosmos snacking on planets.
The Silver Surfer Arrives Too
Galactus doesn’t travel alone. This version of the story features Julia Garner as the Silver Surfer, his mysterious and loyal herald. The Surfer’s job? To find suitable worlds for his master to consume.
Her presence marks another big win for the MCU, expanding the cosmic corner of the franchise with yet another fan-favorite character. How the dynamic between Surfer and Galactus will play out remains to be seen — but with this cast, expectations are high.
Kevin Feige’s Dream Project Finally Realized
Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has long had his eyes on adapting Galactus’ story to the big screen.
“The coming of Galactus is one of the greatest comic-book stories ever written,” Feige told Empire magazine.
Now, under Shakman’s direction, that story is being realized the way fans have always hoped — no clouds, no compromises, just bold, epic storytelling with a god-level threat.
Ineson Compares Galactus to… Finchy?
While Galactus may consume worlds, Ineson insists he’s not the worst character he’s ever played.
“I don’t think Galactus is evil,” he laughs. “But Finchy’s a proper cunt.”
For fans of The Office, that’s a mic drop moment.
Release Date & Where to Read More
The Fantastic Four: First Steps hits UK cinemas on 25 July 2025, marking a major turning point in the MCU’s cosmic storyline. With a rich cast, faithful designs, and the arrival of Galactus, the stakes have never been higher.
Want more behind-the-scenes details? Pick up the July 2025 issue of Empire magazine, featuring an in-depth on-set report with Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and interviews with Matt Shakman and Kevin Feige. The issue hits stands on Thursday 5 June and is available for pre-order now.
