2025 marks a monumental year for Marvel across various media, but none more so than with the highly anticipated release of *The Fantastic Four: First Steps*. This film not only launches Phase 6 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) but also introduces Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, alongside his superhero family. Fans have been eagerly awaiting a truly exceptional Fantastic Four movie, and it seems their wait might finally be over.
The excitement is palpable with the release of the teaser trailer for *First Steps*. It offers an in-depth look at the main quartet and introduces us to antagonists like Ralph Ineson's Galactus and John Malkovich's mysterious character. However, the burning question on many fans' minds remains: where is Robert Downey, Jr.'s Doctor Doom? Let's delve into what the trailer reveals and what it keeps under wraps.
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Where Is Robert Downey, Jr.’s Doctor Doom?
Marvel made waves at last year's San Diego Comic-Con by announcing that *The Avengers 5* has been retitled *The Avengers: Doomsday* and that Robert Downey, Jr. would portray Doctor Doom. This unexpected casting choice, given the rich history between Doom and Iron Man in the comics, has left fans curious about how *The Fantastic Four* movie will set the stage for Doom's emergence as a major Avengers-level threat.
Marvel Studios is keeping their cards close to the chest, and the teaser trailer offers no clear hints of Doom's involvement. Instead, it highlights a fresh approach for *First Steps*, distinct from its predecessors. While Julian McMahon and Toby Kebbell played significant roles as Doom in previous films, this time, the focus shifts to Galactus, Silver Surfer, and John Malkovich's enigmatic character.
Given Doom's integral connection to the Fantastic Four, it's reasonable to assume that *First Steps* will lay some groundwork for his character. As one of the last MCU films before *Avengers: Doomsday* in May 2026, it's crucial for setting up the next big villain. The key question is from which universe Downey's Doom originates. Is he from the same universe as *The Fantastic Four: First Steps*, or does he hail from a different, darker reality? Even a brief appearance in a post-credits scene could provide vital context about his motives and his targeting of the MCU's Avengers.
Regardless of Doom's role in *First Steps*, whether as a supporting villain or a cameo, the Fantastic Four will have their hands full with more immediate threats.
The Fantastic Four vs. Galactus -------------------------------The teaser trailer clearly establishes Galactus, voiced by Ralph Ineson, as the primary antagonist. Known as the Devourer of Worlds, Galactus is a classic Marvel character created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, first appearing in 1966's *Fantastic Four #48*. This issue kicked off the iconic "Galactus Trilogy," where Galactus and his herald, the Silver Surfer, arrive to consume Earth, forcing the Fantastic Four into a desperate battle.
Galactus' backstory has been expanded in subsequent Marvel stories. Originally a mortal named Galan of Taa, he survived the pre-Big Bang universe and bonded with the Sentience of the Universe, transforming into Galactus. His role in the cosmic hierarchy involves consuming life-rich planets to sustain himself, a necessary function in the cycle of death and rebirth within the Marvel Universe.
First Steps draws heavily from the Galactus Trilogy, presenting a well-established Fantastic Four facing their greatest challenge yet. The film explores how far Reed Richards and his family will go to protect Earth. In the comics, Reed uses the Ultimate Nullifier, a weapon capable of destroying and remaking the multiverse, to threaten Galactus. Will this weapon feature in the film, and could it tie into the broader Multiverse Saga and the concept of Incursions?
Unlike the 2007 film *Rise of the Silver Surfer*, which depicted Galactus as a cloud-like entity, *First Steps* portrays him in a more traditional, humanoid form, towering over landmarks like the Statue of Liberty. This approach allows for a more character-driven portrayal, justifying the casting of Ineson.
While Galactus is prominently featured, his herald, the Silver Surfer, played by Julia Garner, is absent from the teaser. In the comics, the Silver Surfer scouts planets for Galactus but eventually rebels against him after developing empathy for Earth. Despite the gender swap, we expect a similar arc for Garner's character, echoing the journey of Laurence Fishburne's Silver Surfer in the 2007 film.
Who Is John Malkovich Playing? ------------------------------While Galactus and Silver Surfer are the main threats, the teaser hints at additional antagonists, including a brief shot of John Malkovich. Speculation suggests he might be playing Ivan Kragoff, aka The Red Ghost, a Soviet scientist who gains powers similar to the Fantastic Four. Alternatively, he could be portraying Mole Man, another iconic FF villain rumored to appear. Malkovich's character appears rugged, suggesting a life spent underground, fitting Mole Man's backstory.
Regardless of his role, Malkovich is likely to be a secondary villain, providing early challenges for the well-established Fantastic Four. Other unconfirmed cast members include Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles, and Paul Walter Hauser, sparking further speculation about their Marvel characters.
Meet the Fantastic Four -----------------------The teaser primarily focuses on the Fantastic Four themselves: Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Susan Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm. We also catch a glimpse of their helper robot, H.E.R.B.I.E. The film emphasizes the family dynamics, highlighting Ben's struggle with his monstrous form and Reed's guilt over causing it.
Unlike previous films, *First Steps* is set in a time when the FF are already established heroes, not an origin story. However, flashbacks to their origins are included, showing pre-Thing Ben Grimm and the aftermath of the accident that granted them powers.
The costumes in First Steps reflect a departure from past designs, adopting a blue and white color scheme reminiscent of John Byrne's '80s comics. These outfits emphasize the team's identity as scientists and adventurers rather than traditional superheroes.
Marvel's marketing has also highlighted the Future Foundation, a group established by Reed in the comics to nurture young super-geniuses. This raises questions about the inclusion of younger heroes, possibly Reed and Sue's children, Franklin and Valeria. The title "First Steps" suggests themes of parenthood and raising children, hinting at Franklin's potential role in attracting Galactus to Earth.
*The Fantastic Four: First Steps* is set to hit theaters on July 25, 2025, promising to answer these questions and more.
What are your thoughts on Robert Downey, Jr.'s Doctor Doom appearing in the film? Share your theories in the comments below.
