What Powers Does Franklin Richards Have in The Fantastic Four Comics?
(L-R) Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman and Ada Scott as Franklin Richards in 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios' THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2025 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2025 MARVEL
The Fantastic Four: First Steps introduces us to Marvel’s First Family, composed of Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, aka Mister Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm. But it also introduces us to a character that has been incredibly important to the Marvel universe, and is considered one of the most powerful beings in existence. But what powers does Franklin Richards have in the comics?
Well, the answer is a lot of them. Not for nothing, Franklin is considered one of the most powerful beings in the Marvel Universe. His most important power is, perhaps, his vast reality-manipulating and psionic powers, which go beyond those of Omega-level mutants. For those unfamiliar with the term, Omega-level mutants are those whose dominant power has no known limit.
So, Franklin’s specific power set includes reality warping, matter and energy manipulation, energy projection, and all kinds of psionic abilities, such as telekinesis, telepathy, astral projection, and even precognition. He can also teleport and even create pocket universes. However, what Franklin’s full power set as an adult can be is something the comics have yet to explore.
Yes, that’s right. Even though Franklin Richards was “born,” aka first appeared in Fantastic Four Annual #6, which was published in November 1968, he has been portrayed as a child for most of his history. In his most recent appearances, he’s depicted as a teenager, so that means we have yet to see the full extent of his powers for a long period of time. We have, however, seen adult Franklin Richards in the comics at some points, because comics and time travel!
How upcoming movies will utilize a being like Franklin Richards remains to be seen. But there’s no doubt he might just be the most powerful superhero the MCU has ever seen.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps hits theaters Friday, July 24, 2025.