Who is Galactus? Ralph Ineson's Fantastic Four: First Steps villain explained
One of Marvel's most popular and powerful villains has finally arrived.
Fantastic Four: First Steps finally does justice to one of the most iconic figures in American comic books.
Galactus is a powerful villain best known for opposing Marvel's First Family and for his ever-present hunger for entire planets, which has put the citizens of Earth in grave danger on more than one occasion.
The character's enormous scale and garish purple costume proved an obstacle to his translation into live-action for many years, with a particularly woeful attempt in 2007's The Rise of the Silver Surfer provoking the ire of fans.
Now though, Marvel Studios is finally attempting a more accurate portrayal, enlisting the help of celebrated British actor Ralph Ineson to bring the devourer of worlds to the MCU.
If you're intrigued to know more, here's your primer for Fantastic Four: First Steps villain Galactus.
Who is Galactus?
Galactus is a Marvel super villain who can survive only by consuming the life energy of entire planets. Suffice to say, his appetite is as legendary as it is terrifying.
Despite committing countless evil acts in the name of satiating that aching hunger, the character also carries a degree of pathos as the last survivor of a destroyed universe that pre-dates the Big Bang of our own.
As the only reality he knew collapsed, the mortal being Galan was chosen by Eternity – essentially a sentient manifestation of the Marvel Universe – to inherit the unenviable mantle of 'devourer' in a nascent new universe.
This means of survival was hardly a blessing, as when Galan emerged from a period of gestation as the cosmically empowered Galactus, he was burdened with the task of consuming planets in their entirety.
Eventually, this was a responsibility he delegated to his Herald; a mortal imbued with a portion of his might, whose job it was to identify suitable planets for Galactus's meals and inform any inhabitants of their coming doom.
The Heralds of Galactus include Norrin Radd and Shalla-Bal, both of whom have served as his Silver Surfer in the comics; the former appeared in live-action in 2007's Fantastic Four: The Rise of the Silver Surfer, while the latter features in First Steps.
Galactus has posed quite the puzzle for the Fantastic Four's genius (albeit sociopathic) leader Reed Richards, who sees him as one of the universe's most fiendish problems to be solved.
He and the other heroes of the Marvel Universe have found a range of temporary solutions in the past, from threatening Galactus with a mysterious weapon known as the Ultimate Nullifier, to bargaining and co-operating on schemes to minimise his harm.
Who plays Galactus in Fantastic Four: First Steps?
Galactus is played in Fantastic Four: First Steps by British actor Ralph Ineson.
The star has come a long way since playing David Brent's obnoxious friend Chris Finch in The Office (UK), with acclaimed turns in Game of Thrones, Chernobyl and Robert Eggers' The Witch bringing him to Hollywood's attention.
Ineson is known for his distinctively deep and booming voice, which has made him a natural fit for roles like Galactus and The Green Knight in David Lowery's Arthurian film of the same name.
In a change of pace, he also serves as narrator on Quest's factual series Salvage Hunters, although that's arguably a less dramatic gig in all but the most aggressive of haggling exchanges.
Ineson is the first actor to portray Galactus in a live-action film, as the character was depicted as a dust storm in Fantastic Four: The Rise of the Silver Surfer; a move that frustrated comic fans to no end.
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Authors
David Craig is the Senior Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest and greatest scripted drama and comedy across television and streaming. Previously, he worked at Starburst Magazine, presented The Winter King Podcast for ITVX and studied Journalism at the University of Sheffield.
