The Marvel Cinematic Universe is no stranger to building long, complex storylines that culminate in explosive crossover events. Now, as the dust settles from the Multiverse Saga’s early phases, Marvel Studios has subtly, but powerfully, laid the groundwork for what might be its most ambitious film yet: ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’.
Additionally, leading the charge is an unlikely character, introduced not as a seasoned superhero but as a child with powers that could reshape reality itself: Franklin Richards. With the introduction of Franklin Richards in ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’, the MCU has taken its first bold step toward the reality-warping chaos of ‘Secret Wars’.
Franklin Richards Has The Power To Save Or Rebuild The Multiverse
In ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’, audiences were introduced to baby Franklin Richards, the son of Reed Richards and Sue Storm. At first glance, he appears to be just a normal infant. However, the film delivers a jaw-dropping moment where Franklin seemingly revives a deceased character. It’s a subtle but monumental flex of power, hinting at just how much potential lies within this child.
For comic book readers, Franklin’s powers are legendary. He’s known to manipulate matter and energy, create entire pocket universes, and even bend time. In some iterations, he rivals even the cosmic entities of the Marvel Universe. The MCU version is still growing into his role, but the breadcrumbs have been laid for something massive. It hints at the reset of the multiverse itself.
This possibility fits neatly with the endgame of ‘Secret Wars’. In the original comic storyline, the Marvel multiverse collapses, leading to the creation of Battleworld. Eventually, Franklin and his father, along with Molecule Man, help recreate the multiverse. Kevin Feige’s suggestion that the MCU will undergo a soft reboot after ‘Secret War’ ties directly into this narrative arc. Who better to recreate the MCU’s universe than the literal universe-maker, Franklin Richards?
Franklin Richards Might Be Too Powerful For His Own Good
While Franklin’s arrival is exciting, it comes with narrative challenges. If you have a character who can fix any problem with a wave of the hand, what’s the point of the Avengers even showing up? This concern isn’t new for Marvel Studios. We’ve seen it before with Captain Marvel, who was conveniently off-world for most of ‘Infinity War’ and ‘Endgame’. Franklin is heading down a similar path; he’s simply too powerful to be a regular player on the board.
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However, the comics offer a clever solution: nerfing with purpose. In several storylines, Franklin has lost power either due to overexertion or a conscious decision to tone things down. This gives Marvel Studios a neat narrative out. If Franklin helps save the multiverse in ‘Secret Wars’, it could temporarily drain him or push him into a dormant phase. This removed the need to explain why he doesn’t fix every crisis afterward.
Marvel’s Phase 6 may be the boldest yet, and all signs point to ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ marking a radical shift. With Franklin Richards introduced and Doctor Doom lurking in the wings, the road ahead looks thrilling. If Franklin ends up reshaping the MCU as his comic counterpart once did, audiences could be looking at a future that balances old favorites with new blood. And that balance may be just what the MCU needs.
