Leaked Galactus Merchandise Is Causing a Stir—And Marvel’s PR Strategy Is in Turmoil

Marvel had a strategy in place. Build anticipation for Galactus. Keep teasing him. Then possibly reveal his voice in a trailer ahead of the release of Fantastic Four: First Steps.

But that plan fell apart.
A tiny, plastic bobblehead unexpectedly took over the excitement.

A leaked Funko Pop has given fans an upfront glimpse of Galactus’ complete look in the MCU—complete with a horned helmet, striking armor, and a robotic physique. The images, first shared by MCU Film News, offer the most comprehensive view of Marvel’s upcoming cosmic menace. And the best part? It’s authentically reflective of the comics.

How One Toy Altered the Landscape

This Funko figure may be compact, but its ramifications are enormous.

Marvel had been carefully unveiling Galactus, akin to crafting a secret recipe, offering glimpses of him looming over New York in Eternals and the recent First Steps teaser. Suddenly, the entire design surfaces—not through a major magazine or a teaser, but through the graphics on a $12 toy.

This isn’t merely a leak; it’s a playful disruption in their promotional efforts.

To be fair, the design is fantastic. The bizarre “space fart” iteration from Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer has been replaced. This version seems like it was styled by Jack Kirby himself, embracing vibrant colors and an air of cosmic authority with shades of purple that declare, “I consume planets but make it stylish.”

The Story Behind the Elegant Horns

This isn’t just a nod to fans; it’s a nod to history. The design appears to be pulled directly from the pages of 1970s Marvel comics, where Galactus was less of a villain and more like a futuristic leader cloaked in chrome. That stylish aesthetic can be seen throughout First Steps, which hints at an alternate 1960s vibe reminiscent of the Jetsons.

Marvel is adopting a new approach—leaning into the quirkiness rather than smoothing it out.

Remember Mysterio’s aquarium helmet? Or MODOK’s floating visage? The MCU’s Phase 5 is evolving into a retro-futuristic spectacle—and this iteration of Galactus is a standout.

As one user on Reddit astutely noted: “It’s like if Daft Punk founded a doomsday cult.”

What’s Your Take: Innovative or Overhyped?

Would you have preferred to wait for Galactus to be teased for an additional two months, or are you satisfied with the toy now occupying space in your thoughts?