Marvel Studios dropped an official trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps last month, subtly confirming the live-action appearance of Franklin Richards. As known from the previous teaser, it’s the team’s ritual to have a family dinner every Sunday at 7:00 PM. However, in the new clip, Johnny accuses Sue and Reed Richards of being late to the dinner. That’s when Ben Grimm guesses that Sue is pregnant. With the trailer having hinted at the arrival of Franklin Richards, many are eager to know more about his origins and powers. So, here are the details.
Who is The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Franklin Richards?
Franklin Richards is Reed Richards and Sue Storm’s son. He is regarded as one of the strongest characters in Marvel.
Sue Storm had unconventional complications in her pregnancy after being exposed to cosmic radiation that superpowered her. Before giving birth to Franklin, she learned about a strange energy in her blood that could potentially risk her and the child’s life. This energy is related to her superpowers. The rest of the team ensures Sue and the baby both remain safe as they venture out to take the Cosmic Control Rod from the villain Annihilus. The rod wielded the ability to stabilise Sue’s energy, which led to her giving birth normally. The name Franklin was inspired by Sue’s deceased father and Benjamin Grimm.
Surprisingly, Franklin turned out to be a unique mutant, as his energies began manifesting at a very early age, as compared to others who receive powers after hitting puberty. The cosmic radiation that impacted Sue also had effects on her child, altering his genetic structure and granting him superpowers. The upcoming movie will set up the arrival of a live-action Franklin.
What are Franklin Richards’ powers in Marvel comics?
Franklin Richards had a vast range of powers in Marvel comics, like telekinesis, telepathic powers, reality manipulation, teleportation, precognitive dreams, flight mode, psionic resistance, and durability.
As an omega-level mutant, Franklin has great reality warping powers, leveraging which he could manipulate cosmic energy and forces, while also creating new universes and reviving dead individuals. Moreover, his telepathic abilities allow him to create illusions and mess with people’s minds. He can use these powers to control and alter anyone’s mind. These powers also act as his shield. His powers can also reach the Astral plane and manipulate it at his own will. His precognitive abilities also allow him to look into the future.
