Is the Fantastic Four: First Steps Soundtrack Hiding Marvel’s Biggest Secrets?

Marvel Studios’ Fantastic Four: First Steps isn’t even out yet, but its official soundtrack—released today—might be revealing more than Marvel intended. Courtesy of the always-clever composer Michael Giacchino, fans are already dissecting the film’s emotional and cosmic beats just by reading the names of his musical tracks.

Giacchino, who’s previously scored Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), The Batman (2022), and Up (2009), has made a name for himself with playful yet revealing track titles. And with Fantastic Four: First Steps, he’s done it again, subtly pulling back the curtain on the structure, tone, and possible twists of Marvel’s upcoming cosmic epic.

The Family Dynamic at the Core

The soundtrack opens with the sweeping “Fantastic Four: First Steps Main Theme,” a nostalgic yet heroic composition that calls back to old-school superhero themes while grounding the story in warmth and hope. That retro tone underscores Marvel’s approach: portraying the Fantastic Four not just as explorers or heroes, but primarily as a family, much like in Jonathan Hickman’s acclaimed comic run from 2009–2012.

That idea is immediately cemented with the second track, “Pregnancy Testing 1, 2, 3,” which appears to accompany an early emotional scene where Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal) and Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby) tell Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn) and Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) that they’re expecting a baby. It’s a grounded way to kick off what will soon become a universe-spanning saga.

From Silver Surfer to Galactus

One of the album’s standout tracks is “Herald Today, Gone Tomorrow,” which fans might recognize from the trailer. It backs the ominous debut of Shalla-Bal, a female Silver Surfer played by Julia Garner. Her spine-chilling line—“I herald his beginning, I herald your end, I herald Galactus”—is likely underscored by this haunting track, rich with alien tones that highlight the weight of her arrival.

This moment sets the tone for a story that leaves Earth behind and dives headlong into deep space diplomacy, power plays, and galactic threats.

Space Travel, Cosmic Conflict—and Comedy

The middle section of the album is brimming with track titles that tease a wild interstellar ride. Names like “Out to Launch,” “A Galactus Case of the Munchies,” “Bowel Before Me,” and “The Light Speed of Your Life” suggest a tone that walks the tightrope between awe-inspiring space action and Giacchino’s signature humor.

Clearly, the Fantastic Four embark on a desperate mission to confront Galactus, but judging by the titles and musical tone, it won’t be all serious: Marvel is mixing humor with high-concept stakes once again.

A Birth Amid the Stars

One of the most emotionally charged tracks comes later in the list: “Starship Birth.” As the title implies, this seems to accompany a pivotal sequence where Sue Storm gives birth to Franklin Richards during a critical moment in their space mission.

This would be a major narrative event. In the comics, Franklin is a being of unimaginable power—able to reshape reality itself—and including his birth sets up massive implications for the MCU’s future.

Unseen Villains and Big Reveals

The back half of the soundtrack hints at other surprises. “A Mole in Your Plan” essentially confirms that Mole Man (played by Paul Walter Hauser) will make his MCU debut. While he hasn’t shown up in any trailers, director Matt Shakman confirmed his appearance, describing him more as a disgruntled “union boss” than a traditional villain—a modern spin on one of Marvel’s oldest bad guys.

Other cues like “A Walk on the City” suggest that Galactus’s towering presence in New York City will be every bit as epic and ominous as it sounds. This might be the MCU’s next big disaster sequence—one that rivals the destruction of Sokovia or the Battle of New York.

Final Confrontation and Unexpected Turns

The film’s final act seems to be scored by a series of tracks that blend emotion and spectacle: “Don’t Sue the Baby!,” “Without Further Adieu,” “Carseat Drivers,” and “Fantastic Four to Be Reckoned With.” These track titles point toward a high-stakes battle to protect newborn Franklin from Galactus, all while keeping Giacchino’s signature humor intact.

Easter Eggs and Fan Service

Some bonus tracks provide delightful surprises for longtime fans. “Let Us Be Devoured (Studio Version)” is a melancholic yet darkly comedic ballad that seems to explore themes of mortality and sacrifice. Meanwhile, “The Fantastic Four Power Hour (Cartoon Theme)” is an in-universe nod to the 1967 animated series—complete with a cringey delivery of “It’s clobberin’ time!” that Ben Grimm reportedly hates.

The soundtrack ends with “H.E.R.B.I.E.’s Lullaby,” a gentle tune played by the team’s robot babysitter. H.E.R.B.I.E., originally created for The New Fantastic Four cartoon in 1978, finally gets his moment in the spotlight.

A Sonic Preview of What’s to Come

While the soundtrack won’t spoil the movie beat for beat, it definitely offers a roadmap to the emotional and narrative spine of Fantastic Four: First Steps. And there may be an even bigger twist in store. According to a Thunderbolts post-credits scene, the team’s ship—the Excelsior—arrives from an alternate universe, suggesting they may not succeed against Galactus, at least not yet.

Fantastic Four: First Steps lands in theaters Friday, July 25. Whether Giacchino’s track titles are clever clues or cosmic red herrings, one thing’s certain: Marvel’s First Family is ready for liftoff.

So, what do you think? Has Michael Giacchino just spoiled Marvel’s biggest showdown through his music? Or is it all part of the misdirection? Let us know in the comments!