The MCU is known for crafting complex story arcs, and with the Multiverse Saga building toward its epic conclusion, the introduction of new characters with layered, emotional backstories has never been more vital.
While ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ is set to bring Franklin Richards (Reed Richards and Sue Storm’s immensely powerful son) into the mix, there is another child from Marvel Comics with equal, if not more. Enters Valeria Richards, the daughter of Sue Storm, and, in one version of the story, Doctor Doom himself.
Who Is Valeria Richards?
Though not yet confirmed, all signs point to ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ and ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ as the perfect place for Valeria’s grand debut. With Robert Downey Jr. rumored to play the MCU’s Doctor Doom and Pedro Pascal stepping into the shoes of Reed Richards, introducing Valeria as the child caught between them could elevate everything.
In Marvel Comics, Valeria Richards doesn’t have a straightforward backstory. In fact, hers might be one of the most reality-warping origins in the Marvel Universe. Initially introduced as the daughter of Doctor Doom and Sue Storm from an alternate timeline, Valeria’s very existence is tied to the unpredictable nature of the multiverse. The story goes that Sue’s baby with Reed was stillborn. However, her essence was saved by her brother, Franklin Richards, using his god-like powers.
In a twist of fate, she was reborn in a universe where Sue was with Victor Von Doom. This origin story alone creates an explosive dynamic. Later comic retcons would bring her origin closer to Earth-616 continuity, suggesting Doctor Doom assisted in her birth through magical means. He then named Valeria and declared himself her godfather. Regardless of which version the MCU adapts, her ties to both Reed Richards and Doctor Doom make her the ideal character to explore.
Valeria’s MCU Arrival Could Be The Heart Of Doctor Doom’s Conflict With Reed Richards
We’ve seen Marvel villains with emotional depth before, Loki, Killmonger, and even Thanos in some respects. However, Doctor Doom requires a very different kind of storytelling. He’s not just power-hungry. He’s proud, driven by both intellect and ego and deeply wounded by his rivalry with Reed Richards. Introducing Valeria Richards, possibly as his daughter from another timeline, would make this rivalry heartbreakingly personal.
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It’s a conflict that’s both cosmic and painfully human. And that’s where Marvel thrives. Moreover, Valeria could be the reason Doom ultimately descends into villainy that feels justified in his own mind. Conversely, she could be Reed’s last for balance in the multiverse. Adding her to the MCU also sets up future stories.
Even after the rumored MCU reset at the end of ‘Secret Wars’, Marvel could reintroduce her as the legitimate daughter of Reed and Sue, just like in the comics after their timeline was rewritten. This would allow Valeria to exist in the MCU going forward. She could also join the Young Avengers. All in all, introducing her into the MCU is narrative genius.
It deepens the conflict between Reed and Doom and enriches Sue Storm’s arc. It also adds emotional gravity to the high-stakes multiversal battles to come. With Franklin Richards already set to debut in ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’, it’s only logical that his sister follows closely behind. If Marvel Studios chooses to bring her into the fold, the result could be amazing.
