Explained
Will Franklin Richards reboot the universe?
Could Franklin Richards reboot the MCU in Secret Wars? The theory that the Fantastic Four's reality-warping son rebuilds the universe - and how Avengers: Doomsday sets it up.
Here’s a theory that connects the Fantastic Four’s arrival to the biggest question of all - how the MCU gets rebuilt. It centres on a character who, in the comics, is one of the most powerful beings in all of Marvel: Franklin Richards.
Who is Franklin Richards?
Franklin is the son of Reed Richards and Sue Storm - Mister Fantastic and the Invisible Woman. In the comics he’s a mutant of almost limitless potential, a reality-warper who has created pocket universes and, crucially, played a decisive role in the original Secret Wars ending, using his power to help remake reality.
With the Fantastic Four confirmed for Doomsday (details), fans have connected the dots.
The theory
If the multiverse collapses and Doom builds Battleworld, defeating a god-level villain may require a god-level solution. The theory proposes that Franklin Richards - or a child like him - becomes the instrument that rebuilds reality at the end of Secret Wars, delivering the MCU’s soft reset.
Why it’s compelling
- Comic precedent. Franklin literally helped remake the world after the 2015 event (Secret Wars explained).
- It uses the FF meaningfully. It makes the First Family central to the saga’s resolution, not bystanders.
- It’s a hopeful ending. Rebirth through a child mirrors the saga’s themes of renewal.
The counterpoint
Marvel may not introduce Franklin so soon, or may hand the “rebuild” to a different force entirely. The theory depends on choices Marvel hasn’t confirmed.
Our verdict
Possible - and a fan-favourite for good reason. If the FF’s family factors into the finale, Franklin Richards is the most elegant reset button Marvel could reach for - the kind of twist that would make the First Family the secret heart of the whole saga.