Fantastic Four: First Steps - Will a Key Character Die?
Is a character in Fantastic Four: First Steps destined to meet a tragic end? With the film's release drawing closer, speculation is growing about which member of the "First Family" – or perhaps a close ally – might not survive their MCU debut.
The Fantastic Four's introduction to the MCU has been highly anticipated, and the stakes are clearly high. The trailers hint at a confrontation with Galactus, a cosmic threat of immense power, which suggests potential destruction and sacrifice. Could this mean a significant character will be killed off to emphasize the gravity of the situation?
One theory gaining traction is that while the core members of the Fantastic Four are unlikely to be killed, a newer character, H.E.R.B.I.E., might be in danger. Let's delve deeper into why this theory holds weight.
Why H.E.R.B.I.E. Could Be the Sacrificial Lamb in Fantastic Four: First Steps
The MCU has a history of using character deaths to amplify emotional impact. Remember Yondu's sacrifice in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, or Vision's tragic fate? These moments resonated deeply with audiences because they involved characters we had grown to care about.
While killing off the main Fantastic Four heroes would be a bold move, it could also be seen as wasteful. Instead, introducing a new character like H.E.R.B.I.E. and then sacrificing him could provide the necessary emotional punch without diminishing the core team.
Director Matt Shakman himself has described H.E.R.B.I.E. as "absolutely as important and as alive as any other member of the cast" and "definitely a member of the family." He even hinted that H.E.R.B.I.E. "will break your heart… Which I hope is emblematic of the movie." This foreshadowing suggests a tragic fate for the robotic character. This makes it likely that H.E.R.B.I.E. could be the character to be sacrificed in Fantastic Four: First Steps.
H.E.R.B.I.E.'s Comic Book History
Interestingly, H.E.R.B.I.E. has a history of self-sacrifice in the comics. In Fantastic Four #217, he sacrificed himself to protect the team. This precedent could influence the MCU's portrayal of the character and his ultimate fate in Fantastic Four: First Steps.
The MCU has also shown a willingness to explore the humanity of robotic characters. Vision's arc, in particular, the capacity for love, sacrifice, and loss within artificial beings. H.E.R.B.I.E.'s potential death could follow a similar path, further solidifying the stakes and emotional weight of the film.
The Importance of High Stakes in Superhero Movies
Superhero movies often rely on high stakes to engage audiences. The threat of destruction, the loss of loved ones, and the ultimate sacrifice are all common tropes used to create tension and emotional investment.
By introducing Galactus as a major threat, Fantastic Four: First Steps is already setting the stage for significant consequences. If the film truly wants to emphasize the gravity of the situation, a character death – especially one involving a sympathetic character like H.E.R.B.I.E. – could be a powerful way to achieve that goal.
The destruction of the Fantastic Four's home world also adds to the potential for a tragic narrative. The team's escape to the main MCU timeline, as hinted at in the Thunderbolts* post-credits scene, suggests a desperate attempt to survive a cataclysmic event. This reinforces the idea that sacrifices may be necessary to protect the new world they find themselves in.
In conclusion, while the core members of the Fantastic Four are likely safe, all signs point to H.E.R.B.I.E. being in a precarious position. His established comic book history, coupled with the director's ominous foreshadowing and the MCU's track record of impactful character deaths, suggests that Fantastic Four: First Steps could be a heartbreaking debut for this robotic member of the family. We will have to wait and see if this theory proves to be true when the movie hits theaters.