The forthcoming Avengers: Secret Wars has become the subject of severe speculation. The MCU could base the adaptation around the original May 1984 – Apr. 1985 comic book run. Or, the film franchise may draw inspiration from Jonathan Hickman’s Secret Wars storyline. Another option (and what makes the most sense given MCU’s history) would be to take creative liberties and make a concoction, influenced by elements of both the lauded comic-book narratives.
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A few core characters, important to both runs, will likely feature in the sixth Avengers installment, regardless of the chosen premise brought to the masses. Mister Fantastic, the leader of the Fantastic Four quartet, could prove the most significant among them. Rumors also suggested that some of Marvel’s most anticipated villains, besides Kang, may join the roster of forces to endanger our superheroes.
With that in mind, the protagonists of the storyline may need to rely on more than their combined powers—perhaps even a device of immense power, one initially used by Reed Richards in the comics to scare off a dangerous foe.
If the MCU chooses to introduce the weapon, which terrifies even Galactus, it could prove more potent than the Infinity Stones.
We are, of course, talking about the Ultimate Nullifier.
Could Reed Richards Wield The Ultimate Nullifier In Secret Wars?
The Last of Us star Pedro Pascal is expected to play Reed Richards in the MCU if rumors and reports surrounding the upcoming Fantastic Four film are to be believed. Marvel’s cosmic entity and one of the frequent adversaries of the superhero quartet, Galactus, is additionally speculated to be a part of the 2025 endeavor. Some anticipate that he will be developed further to play a pivotal part in the film franchise’s Secret Wars, much like he did in the 1984 comic-book run.
If that is the case, we may encounter a showdown between FF and the most feared being in the cosmos in the MCU’s future, just like we have witnessed in the comics. While it could transpire in the movie based on the quartet, it could also be tackled in Avengers: Secret Wars. Nevertheless, to ward off Galactus, leader Reed Richards could choose to wield a weapon he once threatened to use against the entity, who planned to destroy the Earth, in Fantastic Four Volume 1 #50 (1966).
The device referred to is the Ultimate Nullifier.
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If introduced in the MCU mythos, the device could make its way into being used by different characters for distinct purposes and intentions (for the greater good or the worse). Its first appearance in the comics was tied to Reed Richards and Galactus, which may result in it being integrated into an MCU storyline involving the two.
Nevertheless, irrespective of how the weapon gets utilized, one thing that underscores the Ultimate Nullifier’s lethality is how even the Devourer of Worlds, the mightiest universal constant, fears it. Its origins and powers could best describe why it parallels, if not triumphs, even the MCU’s MacGuffin—Thanos’ Infinity Gauntlet, powered by the omnipotent Infinity Stones.
The Origins And Powers Of The Ultimate Nullifier
When the powerful extraterrestrial weapon debuted in Fantastic Four Vol. 1 #50 (1966), Johnny Storm retrieved it from Galactus’ house (Taa II) at the Uatu the Watcher’s instructions. This enabled the superhero quartet to utilize the device as a deterrent to Galactus’ threat, who had been intent on destroying Earth. The cosmic being was frightened of meeting his demise by the weapon initially wielded by Reed Richards on the possibility of it being activated.
He eventually retreated.
There’s a reason, therefore, that the weapon is said to be the only one in the cosmos that can make even the mighty Devourer of Worlds fearful.
Although the Ultimate Nullifier has been in the custody of mainly Galactus for most of its history, there have been times when it was stolen or held in others’ possession. At first, it was stated that the origins of the pocket-sized device were unknown.
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It was revealed to readers in Fantastic Four (2018) #44, released in 2022, that the Watcher Emnu was its creator. He constructed and used it during the Watchers’ catastrophic war with the Prosilicans, who had begun to conquer the universe. The weapon destroyed them, but it also decimated nine-tenths of the universe. That’s the scale of power associated with the hand-held metallic device.
When the Ultimate Nullifier is used, it can destroy whatever its user targets. However, if the wielder doesn’t possess enough control or concentration, it could eliminate even the bearer. If in control of a being with an immensely high-powered mind, the Ultimate Nullifier can also wipe out entire timelines from beginning to end or recreate all of reality.
Incorporation In Secret Wars Or Other Possible MCU Endeavors
The Ultimate Nullifier’s influence and power are unmatched. If introduced in the MCU through Secret Wars or some future premise beyond Phase Six, it could change the franchise’s future, paralleling the stakes brought forth by the Infinity Stones.
Should the doomsday weapon fall into the hands of the good, characters like Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards could fend off attacks from several multiversal adversaries—not through its direct usage (cause that might have severe implications) but by threatening its use.
If Galactus fears it in fear of being eliminated, it could prove helpful in stopping other formidable forces.
It all depends on how it gets introduced and whether the film franchise chooses to incorporate the iconic showdown from the 1966 Fantastic Four issue. The gadget could be featured in the franchise even if it doesn’t directly adapt its original appearance. We can only sit in anticipation, hope for, and theorize about its inclusion.
