Marvel Studios had a new Big Bad heading into the MCU, with The First Omen's Ralph Ineson announced as Galactus in the Fantastic Four.
Summary Galactus is set to be the main villain in The Fantastic Four , with Ralph Ineson cast in the role. Javier Bardem was previously a top choice for Galactus. With filming approaching, Marvel Studios have been rounding out the cast for the 2025 movie.
Last month, Galactus was confirmed to be the main villain of Marvel's upcoming The Fantastic Four, and now we know who will be playing the mighty antagonist - The First Omen's Ralph Ineson. Just like several other castings for the movie, the actor is not one that was at the top of many fan-casting lists, but as confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter, Ineson will be joining the movie in the highly coveted role.
Ineson has been a regular on British TV for decades, but as well as his role in The First Omen, the actor also starred in Game of Thrones, the Harry Potter franchise, and A24's The Witch. He will reteam with director Robert Eggers for his Nosferatu remake, and is also set to join Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein for Netflix.
Last month, Deadline's Justin Kroll, who broke the news of Julia Garner's Silver Surfer casting in next year's Marvel Cinematic Universe movie, shared that Galactus was definitely going to be a part of the movie, but at the time there were "no actors in talks" for the role. This news comes hot on the heels of two other cast additions for the highly anticipated film, Paul Walter Hauser and John Malkovich, whose roles are currently undisclosed.
Fantastic Four (2025) ActionAdventure Sci-FiSuperhero Release Date July 25, 2025 Director Matt Shakman Cast Pedro Pascal , Joseph Quinn , Vanessa Kirby , Ebon Moss-Bachrach Main Genre Superhero Format Theatrical Studio Marvel Studios Franchise Marvel
The main cast announcement for The Fantastic Four was made back in February. However, casting news has been coming in a steady flow over the last few weeks. This included April's reveal that Osark star Garner is now part of the movie.
Previously, it was believed that Javier Bardem was Marvel Studios' top choice for the role of Galactus, but it seems like many other rumors, this turned out either not to be true or did not pan out as expected. it was also announced recently that Breaking Bad's Giancarlo Esposito is joining the MCU soon in a role that he called "better than he could have dreamed." This led many to speculate that he could be in line to take on the role of Galactus, but it seems that once again, that is not the case.
Fans Have Been Waiting a Long Time for Galactus' Arrival
Marvel Studios has reportedly been working on the introduction of the world-eater Galactus since 2018. Like many other big Marvel villains, Galactus has become the subject of many fan theories during the theatrical runs of James Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy movies, Eternals, and Captain Marvel among others.
Although there have been several plausible points that could suggest the cosmic being might be connected to any of those characters, his connection to the Fantastic Four is much stronger than any other Marvel heroes. Reports have already suggested that the 2025 movie will actually take place outside the MCU timeline, and will feature the Fantastic Four battling to stop Galactus destroying their home. If the reports are correct, then the quartet will ultimately be beaten in the mission, and will find themselves being thrown through time and space to land in the MCU by the end of the movie.
Related Joseph Quinn Says The Fantastic Four Will Combat Superhero Fatigue and Is 'Very Different' Joseph Quinn says the MCU's Fantastic Four is "very different to other Marvel films. That felt very compelling to me."
Of course, for now, these plot points are mostly speculation and the word of "insiders," so it should be considered just that until confirmed officially by Marvel Studios.
The Fantastic Four is slated to arrive in cinemas on July 25, 2025.
