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 family, potentially ending our long wait for a truly great Fantastic Four film.
The newly 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?
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 that Avengers 5 (renamed Avengers: Doomsday) features 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 overt hints of Doom's presence, highlighting a different approach than previous Fantastic Four films. Julian McMahon and Toby Kebbell's Dooms were major villains, but here, Marvel 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 universe of origin. Given the casting, he's not from Earth-616. Is he from The Fantastic Four: First Steps universe, a darker alternate Tony Stark reality, or another world entirely? Even a post-credits appearance could establish his motives.
Regardless, Doom won't be the central focus. The Fantastic Four face far greater, literal, problems.
The Fantastic Four vs. Galactus
The teaser clearly showcases Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds, voiced by Ralph Ineson (Game of Thrones). Galactus, a classic Marvel character, debuted in 1966's Fantastic Four #48, launching the "Galactus Trilogy."
Marvel's storytelling has expanded Galactus's backstory and cosmic role. Once Galan of Taa, a survivor of a previous universe, he became Galactus after bonding with universal energy. He travels the cosmos, consuming life-rich planets—a cosmic function rather than pure villainy, although devastating for those planets.
First Steps draws inspiration from the Galactus Trilogy, depicting established Fantastic Four facing their greatest challenge. The film will explore the lengths Reed and his family go to save Earth. Will the Ultimate Nullifier appear, connecting to the Multiverse Saga and Incursions?
This Galactus is more character-driven than the hurricane-like cloud in Rise of the Silver Surfer. Ineson's casting suggests a more developed portrayal.
While Galactus is shown, his herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner), is not. The character arc is expected to follow the original: starting as Galactus's herald, then rebelling after encountering Earth and awakening memories of her mortal life.
Who Is John Malkovich Playing?
Galactus and Silver Surfer are the main antagonists, but not the only ones. The teaser shows John Malkovich, raising the question of his character.
Rumors suggest Ivan Kragoff (The Red Ghost), a Soviet scientist who gains powers along with three apes. Given Malkovich's history playing Russian characters, this is plausible, though the film's approach to the campy origins is unknown.
Another possibility is Mole Man, a classic Fantastic Four villain. Malkovich's character's appearance suggests a possible fit.
Malkovich likely plays a secondary villain clashing with the Fantastic Four. Their established status suggests a pre-existing rogues' gallery. The roles of Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles, and Paul Walter Hauser remain unconfirmed.
Meet the Fantastic Four
The teaser primarily showcases the Fantastic Four: Pedro Pascal's Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby's Susan Storm, Joseph Quinn's Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bacharach's Ben Grimm, along with H.E.R.B.I.E.
Family dynamics are emphasized, highlighting both love and dysfunction. Ben's struggle with his transformation and Reed's guilt are likely key plot points.
The film depicts an established team, not an origin story, though flashbacks are expected. The costumes differ from previous films, paying homage to John Byrne's comics. They're functional uniforms, reflecting their scientific and adventurous nature.
Marketing emphasizes the Future Foundation, raising the possibility of younger heroes, including Franklin and Valeria Richards. Franklin's immense power might be connected to Galactus's attack on Earth.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps releases July 25, 2025.
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