Marvel’s Fantastic Four: First Steps teaser has ignited a frenzy among fans, not just for its retro aesthetic but for the cryptic details hinting at a cosmic saga. Amid debates about Galactus’ role and the Avengers: Secret Wars countdown, one question dominates: Did we miss Uatu the Watcher in the teaser? From Reed Richards’ mysterious family meetings to Johnny Storm’s moon-bound journey, let’s dissect the clues and explore how Marvel’s ultimate observer could shape Phase 5.
The Sunday 7 PM Signal—A Cosmic SOS?
The teaser opens with Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal) explaining the family’s rule: “Every Sunday at 7 PM, we meet.” While it sounds like a wholesome dinner tradition, Marvel rarely does “simple.”
A message to the watcher?
New Rockstars first flagged this as a potential signal to Uatu, a theory we’ve expanded. In Marvel lore, Uatu observes Earth from the Blue Area of the Moon. Reed’s insistence on meeting at the exact time and place weekly mirror protocols used in the comics to contact cosmic entities.
The Retro TV Broadcast Clue
The vintage TV snippet in the teaser shows Reed and Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby) announcing their whereabouts publicly. Why broadcast this? Likely to guide someone (or something) to them. Given Uatu’s non-interference oath, this could be Reed’s clever workaround to summon aid without direct confrontation.
Johnny Storm’s Moon Mission: Spotting the Watcher?
One scene shows Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn) soaring toward the moon, halting mid-flight with a stunned expression.
The Watcher’s Lunar Lair
In the comics, Uatu’s base is on the Moon’s Blue Area. Johnny’s trajectory and reaction suggest he glimpsed Uatu’s observatory. This aligns with the theory that the Fantastic Four are already aware of being watched, prompting Reed’s structured “meetings” as a rendezvous point.
Why Uatu Matters Now
Uatu has been subtly woven into the MCU through What If… (voiced by Jeffrey Wright) and Spider-Man: Freshman Year. His live-action debut here would solidify the multiversal stakes ahead of Avengers: Secret Wars, where Watchers often oversee reality-altering events.
Asteroids, Silver Surfer, and Galactus’ Arrival
The teaser’s asteroid shower isn’t just eye candy.
Silver Surfer’s Signature Entrance
In Fantastic Four #48 (1966), Silver Surfer heralds Galactus’ arrival by igniting Earth’s atmosphere. The trailer’s flaming debris mirrors this, hinting at Surfer’s imminent debut. Notably, the team gathers outdoors during this chaos, with Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) checking his watch—likely a Sunday at 7 PM.
Galactus’ Timing: Coincidence or Interference?
If the asteroid scene occurs during the family’s scheduled meetup, it implies Galactus knows their routine. Could Uatu have alerted Reed, only for the signal to be intercepted? This twist would mirror the comics, where Uatu’s warnings inadvertently attract cosmic threats.
Uatu’s Pivotal Role in the Original Galactus Trilogy
To predict Uatu’s MCU role, revisit Fantastic Four #48-50:
The Watcher’s Intervention
- Uatu initially shields Earth using asteroids (teased in the trailer’s debris field).
- He mentors Reed, explaining Galactus’ energy-consumption cycle.
- Guides the team to the Ultimate Nullifier, a weapon forcing Galactus to retreat.
MCU Adaptation Predictions
The teaser’s QR code (linking to these exact comics) isn’t subtle. Uatu will likely:
- Warn Reed about Galactus’ arrival.
- Guide Johnny to retrieve a weapon (Nullifier?).
- Mediate a truce, as seen in the comics.
Connecting to Avengers: Secret Wars: The Watcher’s Multiversal Duty
Kevin Feige has teased Secret Wars as a “crossover of crossovers.” Uatu’s involvement in Fantastic Four could set up two critical elements:
Incursions and Multiverse Collapse
Watchers monitor reality breaches (incursions), a core plot in Secret Wars. If Galactus’ arrival destabilizes the multiverse, Uatu’s role expands beyond Earth.
Jeffrey Wright’s live-action debut?
With Wright already voicing Uatu, a live-action cameo here would seamlessly bridge What If…? and the MCU’s prime timeline.
Fan Theories: Franklin Richards, Herald Speculations, and Beyond
- Franklin Richards: Reed’s reality-warping son (a key Secret Wars player) could debut post-credits, hinted via the family’s “first steps” theme.
- Herald Twist: What if Johnny becomes Galactus’ herald instead of Surfer? The trailer’s fiery visuals support this dark turn.
H2: Final Verdict: Why Uatu’s Inclusion is Inevitable
Marvel’s Easter egg track record (e.g., Thanos’ tease in The Avengers) suggests nothing is accidental. With the QR code, comic timings, and Wright’s existing role, Uatu is 100% involved. His role will likely blend mentorship and moral conflict, especially if Galactus’ origin ties to the Celestials (Eternal connection, anyone?).
Conclusion: The Watcher’s Game-Changing Role
The Fantastic Four teaser isn’t just retro flair—it’s a roadmap. Uatu’s presence bridges the team’s cosmic journey with the multiversal chaos of Secret Wars. As theories swirl, one thing’s certain: Sundays at 7 PM will never be the same.
Engage With Us!
Did you spot more Watcher clues? Could Galactus’ design stay true to the comics? Share your thoughts below!
