The X-Men is yet to be properly introduced in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but ‘Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness’ teased their existence on screen. The mutant representative in the Earth-838 Illuminati line-up teased John Krasinski’s Mr. Fantastic that hinted at the existence of Marvel’s most powerful mutant. While talking with Scarlet Witch about possessing Earth-838 Wanda, Reed Richards mentions that he also has kids – Franklin and Valeria Richards.
Franklin Benjamin Richards is the first child of Fantastic Four founders Reed Richard and Sue Strom, who became one of the Earth’s most powerful mutants. Reed and Sue named him after Sue’s father Franklin who sacrificed his own life for his children and Reed’s best friend Ben Grimm, The Thing.
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Franklin Richards Powers
The son of Reed Richards – Mr.Fantastic is known to be the most powerful mutant on the planet Earth. Since an early age, he possesses the ability to manipulate reality and create more powerful avatars of himself in accidents or when in need. His cosmic-level powers attract supervillains. Unlike Scarlet Witch, Franklin Richards does not abuse his powers of manipulating reality. Over the years he has managed to create universes and protect Earth from cosmic threats.
Sue Strom underwent complicated pregnancy which put unborn Franklin and her life in danger. Although his powers can be the result of the cosmic rod that was used on him as an infant. In the current canon of a comic book, it was revealed that his abilities were inherited from his parent’s charged genes because of cosmic rays. Since Franklin is just a kid, his powers have a drawback like how much energy can be drained from him.
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Is Franklin Richards A Mutant?
As Marvel’s first family, the birth of Franklin Richards was a huge deal and he was labeled as the most powerful mutant (Omega level) according to ‘Fantastic Four #26‘. But he is not what he appears to be, and this might change the course of ‘X-Men‘. Franklin Reeds almost runs out of his powers after the Secret Wars in Marvel Multiverse and almost escapes a conflict with Griever. It is difficult for Reed to comprehend the real reason behind Franklin’s drop of powers. But with his abilities gone, Franklin will be just a baseline human. Thus the Gate of Krakoa no longer recognizes him as a mutant and Professor X also bans him from entering the island nation.
Professor Xavier reveals the true reason why none of the mutants were able to figure out Franklin’s diminishing powers. It is because his powers were never mutant powers, instead, he has just been a reality wrapper who believed himself and others to believe that he is a mutant. But even if Franklin could alter his body and restore his mutant status, neither the Fantastic Four nor Franklin himself will forget Professor Xavier’s behavior towards him.
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