2025 marks a pivotal year for Marvel, with The Fantastic Four: First Steps standing as a highly anticipated cornerstone of Phase 6. This film not only initiates Phase 6 but also introduces Pedro Pascal's Reed Richards and his family to the MCU. The long-awaited arrival of a truly exceptional Fantastic Four film may finally be upon us.

The recently released teaser trailer offers a closer look at the core team and first glimpses of antagonists like Ralph Ineson's Galactus and John Malkovich's enigmatic character. However, one question dominates fan discussions: where is Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom? Let's analyze the trailer's reveals and omissions.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps - Trailer 1 Stills

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Where Is Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom?

Marvel's San Diego Comic-Con announcement last year, revealing Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom in the retitled Avengers 5: Doomsday, surprised many. Despite the rich comic book history between Doom and Iron Man, the casting choice was unexpected. Fans naturally wonder how The Fantastic Four: First Steps sets up Doom as a major Avengers-level threat.

Marvel Studios remains tight-lipped. The teaser offers no direct clues about Doom's involvement. Instead, it highlights the film's unique approach compared to its predecessors. Julian McMahon's Doom was central to the 2005 and 2007 films, and Toby Kebbell's Doom played a significant role in the 2015 reboot. This time, however, Marvel downplays Doom, focusing on Galactus, Silver Surfer, and John Malkovich's mystery character.

First Steps will likely play a role in establishing Doom, given his connection to the Fantastic Four and the film's proximity to Avengers: Doomsday (May 2026). The film needs to tease the next major Avengers villain.

A key question is Doom's universe of origin. Given the casting, he's unlikely to be from Earth-616. Is he from the First Steps universe? Does this depict an alternate reality where Tony Stark's life took a darker turn? Or is he from another universe entirely? Even a post-credits appearance could clarify his identity and motives against the MCU Avengers.

Regardless of Doom's role (supporting villain or cameo), he won't be the central antagonist. The Fantastic Four face far greater, literal, challenges.

The Fantastic Four vs. Galactus

The teaser clearly establishes Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds (voiced by Ralph Ineson), as the primary antagonist. Galactus, a classic Marvel character co-created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, debuted in 1966's Fantastic Four #48, initiating the "Galactus Trilogy." This storyline depicts Galactus and his herald, Silver Surfer, attempting to consume Earth, forcing the Fantastic Four to desperate measures.

Later stories expanded Galactus' backstory and cosmic role. Once Galan of Taa, a survivor of a pre-Big Bang universe, he bonded with the Sentience of the Universe, transforming into Galactus. He travels the cosmos, seeking life-sustaining worlds.

Galactus is less a supervillain and more a cosmic entity fulfilling a cyclical function of death and rebirth. This offers little comfort to those whose planets he targets.

First Steps draws inspiration from the classic Galactus Trilogy, portraying an established Fantastic Four facing their ultimate challenge. The film explores the lengths Reed and his family will go to save Earth. The comics depict Reed threatening Galactus with the Ultimate Nullifier, a multiverse-altering weapon. Will the film feature the Nullifier, and how might it connect to the Multiverse Saga and Incursions?

First Steps' Galactus is more comic-book accurate than Rise of the Silver Surfer's portrayal. Instead of a cloud, he's a humanoid figure towering over the Statue of Liberty, making him a more developed character (hence Ineson's casting).

While the teaser shows Galactus, his herald, Silver Surfer (played by Julia Garner), is absent. Debuting alongside Galactus in Fantastic Four #48, Silver Surfer initially served as a scout, but encountering Earth awakened memories of her mortal life, leading to rebellion against Galactus. Expect a similar arc to Laurence Fishburne's portrayal in the 2007 film.

Who Is John Malkovich Playing?

While Galactus and Silver Surfer are the main antagonists, others likely exist. The teaser shows John Malkovich, raising the question of his character.

Rumors suggest Malkovich plays Ivan Kragoff (Red Ghost), a Soviet scientist who recreates the Fantastic Four's accident with three super-powered apes. Given Malkovich's history playing Russian characters, this is plausible, though the film's approach to the character's campy origins is uncertain.

Another possibility is Mole Man, another iconic Fantastic Four villain rumored for First Steps. Shunned for his appearance, he rules the Moloids and seeks to conquer the surface world. Malkovich's appearance suggests a subterranean existence.

Malkovich likely plays a secondary villain clashing with the Fantastic Four early in the film, fitting for an established team with a rogues' gallery. The roles of Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles, and Paul Walter Hauser remain unconfirmed.

Meet the Fantastic Four

The teaser mainly 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 their robot, H.E.R.B.I.E.

The teaser emphasizes the family dynamic, including the love and conflict within. Ben's struggle with his transformation and Reed's guilt are likely central themes.

The film depicts a well-established Fantastic Four, unlike origin stories of past films. However, flashbacks to Ben's pre-Thing days and the accident's aftermath are expected.

The costumes differ from previous films, resembling John Byrne's classic 1980s designs. They're functional, reflecting their scientific and adventurous nature rather than traditional superhero attire.

Marketing emphasizes the Future Foundation, suggesting the presence of younger heroes, possibly including Reed and Sue's children, Franklin and Valeria. The "First Steps" title hints at parenthood themes. Young Franklin's potential involvement and connection to Galactus' attack on Earth remain to be seen.

Fantastic Four: First Steps releases July 25, 2025.

Will Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom appear in The Fantastic Four: First Steps? Vote in our poll and share your theories in the comments.

Will Robert Downey, Jr.'s Doctor Doom appear in The Fantastic Four: First Steps?

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