2025 marks a monumental year for Marvel, but no project looms larger than The Fantastic Four: First Steps. This Phase 6 MCU launch finally introduces Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards and his family, potentially ending our long wait for a truly great Fantastic Four film.
The recently released teaser trailer offers a closer look at the foursome and first glimpses 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 unexpected. Fans naturally wonder how The Fantastic Four: First Steps sets up Doom as the next major Avengers threat.
Marvel is keeping details close to the chest. The teaser offers no direct hints of Doom's presence, highlighting a different approach than previous Fantastic Four films. Julian McMahon's and Toby Kebbell's Dooms were central villains, but this iteration prioritizes Galactus, Silver Surfer, and John Malkovich's character.
First Steps must establish Doom's role, given his connection to the Fantastic Four and the film's release before Avengers: Doomsday. A key question is Doom's origin universe. Given the casting, he's not from Earth-616. Is he from the First Steps universe, a darker Tony Stark reality, or another world entirely? Even a post-credits appearance should clarify his motives and targeting of the MCU Avengers.
Regardless of his role, Doom won't be the central focus. The Fantastic Four face far larger, literal threats.
The Fantastic Four vs. Galactus
The teaser clearly emphasizes Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds, voiced by Ralph Ineson (Game of Thrones). A classic Marvel character created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, Galactus debuted in 1966's Fantastic Four #48, beginning the "Galactus Trilogy."
Marvel lore expands on Galactus' past and cosmic role. Once Galan of Taa, he survived the pre-Big Bang universe and evolved into Galactus, consuming worlds to sustain himself. While not a typical supervillain, his actions are part of the universe's cycle of death and rebirth.
First Steps draws inspiration from the Galactus Trilogy, portraying established Fantastic Four heroes facing a cosmic threat. The film explores the lengths Reed and his family will go to save Earth. The comics feature the Ultimate Nullifier, capable of destroying and remaking the multiverse—will it appear, connecting to the Multiverse Saga and Incursions?
This Galactus differs from Rise of the Silver Surfer's depiction. Here, he's a humanoid figure, not a force of nature, reflecting Ineson's casting.
While Galactus is shown, his herald, Silver Surfer (played by Julia Garner), is not. Expect a similar arc to Laurence Fishburne's portrayal in 2007, starting as Galactus' herald before rebelling.
Who Is John Malkovich Playing?
Beyond Galactus and Silver Surfer, John Malkovich's character is a mystery. One theory suggests Ivan Kragoff (The Red Ghost), a Soviet scientist with super-powered apes. Malkovich's past roles suggest this is plausible, but the film's treatment of this campy origin remains unknown.
Another possibility is Mole Man, a classic Fantastic Four villain. Malkovich's appearance hints at a character living underground. He likely serves as a secondary villain clashing with the established Fantastic Four.
Several actors' roles remain unconfirmed (Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles, and Paul Walter Hauser).
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 their family dynamic, including Ben's struggle with his transformation and Reed's guilt. The Fantastic Four are established heroes, though flashbacks to their origin are included.
The costumes differ from previous films, resembling John Byrne's classic comics, reflecting their scientist/adventurer identities.
Marketing hints at the Future Foundation, raising the possibility of younger heroes, including Franklin and Valeria Richards. Franklin's immense power might be connected to Galactus' targeting of Earth.
Fantastic Four: First Steps releases July 25, 2025.
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For more on the future of the Marvel Universe, see what to expect in 2025 and every Marvel movie and series in development.
