2025 marks a monumental year for Marvel, but no project looms larger than The Fantastic Four: First Steps. This Phase 6 MCU kickoff finally introduces Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards and his iconic family, promising to end our decades-long wait for a truly great Fantastic Four film.
The recently released teaser trailer offers a closer look at the foursome and our first glimpse of antagonists like Ralph Ineson's Galactus and John Malkovich's mysterious character. However, one question dominates fan discussions: where is Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom?
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Where Is Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom?
Marvel's San Diego Comic-Con announcement that Avengers 5 (renamed Avengers: Doomsday) would feature Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom was a surprising revelation. Fans naturally wonder how The Fantastic Four: First Steps sets up Doom as the next major Avengers-level threat.
Marvel is keeping details close to the vest. The teaser offers no direct hints of Doom's presence, highlighting a different approach compared to previous Fantastic Four films. Julian McMahon's and Toby Kebbell's Dooms were central villains, but this iteration downplays Doom, focusing instead on Galactus, Silver Surfer, and John Malkovich's enigmatic character.
We assume First Steps will establish Doom's role, given his connection to the Fantastic Four and the film's release before Avengers: Doomsday. A crucial question is Doom's universe of origin; he's clearly not from Earth-616. Is he from the First Steps universe, an alternate Tony Stark timeline, or another reality entirely? Even a post-credits appearance could clarify his motives and target: the MCU Avengers.
Regardless of his role, Doom won't be the central antagonist. The Fantastic Four face far greater challenges.
The Fantastic Four vs. Galactus
The teaser clearly establishes Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds, voiced by Ralph Ineson (Game of Thrones), as the primary antagonist. Inspired by the classic "Galactus Trilogy," the film depicts a well-established Fantastic Four facing their greatest threat.
The film explores the lengths Reed and his family will go to save Earth. Will the Ultimate Nullifier, a multiverse-altering weapon, appear, and how does it connect to the Multiverse Saga and Incursions?
This Galactus differs from Rise of the Silver Surfer's depiction. Here, he's a humanoid figure, towering over the Statue of Liberty, a more character-driven approach, reflecting Ineson's casting.
While Galactus is shown, his herald, Silver Surfer (played by Julia Garner), is absent from the teaser. We expect a similar arc to Laurence Fishburne's portrayal in 2007, starting as Galactus's herald before rebelling after encountering Earth and rediscovering her mortal life on Zenn-La.
Who Is John Malkovich Playing?
Beyond Galactus and Silver Surfer, John Malkovich's character remains a mystery. Rumors suggest he plays Ivan Kragoff (Red Ghost), a Soviet scientist with super-powered apes, or Mole Man, an underground king obsessed with surface world domination. Malkovich's appearance hints at a subterranean existence, possibly supporting the Mole Man theory.
Malkovich likely portrays a secondary villain clashing with the Fantastic Four early in the film, reflecting their established status and rogues' gallery.
The roles of Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles, and Paul Walter Hauser remain unconfirmed, adding to the anticipation.
Meet the Fantastic Four
The teaser primarily showcases the Fantastic Four: Pedro Pascal's Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby's Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn's Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bacharach's Ben Grimm, along with H.E.R.B.I.E.
The film emphasizes the Fantastic Four's family dynamic, including Ben's struggle with his transformation and Reed's guilt. While not an origin story, flashbacks to the team's origins are included.
The costumes differ from previous films, reflecting a more scientific and adventurous aesthetic, inspired by John Byrne's classic comics. Marketing hints at the Future Foundation's involvement, raising the possibility of younger heroes, including Franklin and Valeria Richards.
Franklin Richards' presence and potential connection to Galactus's attack on Earth are intriguing possibilities.
Fantastic Four: First Steps releases July 25, 2025.
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