The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s long-awaited debut of the Fantastic Four in ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ has done more than just introduce Marvel’s First Family to the big screen; it may have planted the seeds for one of the franchise’s most compelling villain arcs yet.
Beneath all the moments, Reed Richards’ portrayal hints at a darker potential, one that fans of Marvel Comics will instantly recognize in The Maker, the evil variant of Mister Fantastic. It’s no secret that the MCU’s Multiverse Saga is the perfect playground for alternate versions of beloved characters. Now, the latest theory suggests Reed Richards could follow a similar path.
Reed Richards’ Heroism In ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Comes With A Dangerous Edge
In ‘First Steps’, Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards is portrayed as the ultimate protector. He is a man willing to stare into the darkest possibilities in order to safeguard his world and his family. This isn’t just about calculating how to defeat a villain; it’s about calculating every eventuality, no matter how bleak. One of the most telling moments comes during a conversation between Reed and Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby).
Related: Why The Original Fantastic Four Returning In ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Is A Huge Possibility
Sue, aware of just how far Reed’s mind can wander in crisis scenarios, notes that he has likely considered the unthinkable: sacrificing their son, Franklin, if the situation demanded it. Reed doesn’t deny it; he admits it with visible horror. That small confession speaks volumes. It shows a man whose intellect can lead him into ethically dangerous territory, even when his heart wants to do the right thing.
It also mirrors a trait many of Marvel’s greatest heroes share. He possesses the willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice, but in Reed’s case, the calculation feels colder, more clinical. Later, when Reed cares for Franklin alone, he confesses something even more vulnerable. “I don’t want you to be like me. There’s something wrong with me, always has been,” he states. It’s a heartbreaking moment that makes Reed relatable in his self-doubt.
The Maker Can Be Unleashed In ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ And ‘Secret Wars’
In Marvel Comics, The Maker is an alternate version of Reed Richards from the Ultimate Universe. He starts as a hero but slowly transforms into a cold, manipulative villain. His downfall stems from the loss of emotional bonds with his family and his growing obsession with control. The MCU doesn’t need to reinvent this, as ‘First Steps’ has already laid the groundwork for how this could happen.
In case you missed it: ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Suffers From Being Too Disconnected
If there’s a universe where Reed loses Sue, Johnny, Ben, or Franklin, or where he makes a morally devastating choice, then Reed could easily slip into The Maker’s territory. The movie already shows us a Mister Fantastic who considers grim contingencies; without love and loyalty anchoring him, those dark “what ifs” could become dark realities. This isn’t far-fetched.
‘Multiverse of Madness’ demonstrated that Wanda Maximoff could become a ruthless killer in one reality because she lost the family she had in another. The same principle could apply to Reed. However, his villainy would be far more calculated and methodical, making him an even greater threat. And there’s no better stage for The Maker than the upcoming ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ and ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’. These films are already rumored to feature villainous variants of multiple heroes.
It could possibly even alternate versions of Captain America and Black Widow. Robert Downey Jr.’s return as the villainous Doctor Doom sets the precedent perfectly. Imagine Pascal’s Mister Fantastic returning, but as a twisted mastermind pulling strings across realities. A villainous Mister Fantastic wouldn’t just be fan service, as it would deepen the MCU’s exploration of morality in the multiverse.
