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, promising to end our 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?

The Fantastic Four: First Steps - Trailer 1 Stills

Where Is Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom?

Marvel's San Diego Comic-Con announcement that The Avengers 5 (renamed The Avengers: Doomsday) would feature Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom was a surprising revelation. Fans are naturally curious about the Fantastic Four film's role in establishing 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 from previous Fantastic Four films. Julian McMahon's and Toby Kebbell's Dooms were major villains, but this iteration downplays Doom in favor of Galactus, Silver Surfer, and John Malkovich's undisclosed character.

We assume First Steps will establish Doom; he's a core Fantastic Four villain, and the film precedes Avengers: Doomsday. The crucial question is Doom's origin. Given the casting, he's not from Earth-616. Is he from the First Steps universe, an alternate Tony Stark's reality, or another universe entirely? Even a post-credits appearance could clarify his role and motivations.

Regardless of his role, Doom won't be the central focus. The Fantastic Four face a much larger, literal threat.

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. Galactus, a classic Marvel character created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, debuted in 1966's Fantastic Four #48, initiating the "Galactus Trilogy."

Marvel's expanded lore depicts Galactus's origins and cosmic role. Once Galan of Taa, a survivor of a pre-Big Bang universe, he evolved into Galactus after bonding with the Sentience of the Universe. He consumes worlds as part of a cosmic cycle, though this offers little comfort to his victims.

First Steps draws inspiration from the Galactus Trilogy, showcasing an established Fantastic Four facing their ultimate challenge. The film explores the lengths Reed and his family will go to save Earth, possibly including the Ultimate Nullifier, a powerful weapon capable of destroying and recreating the multiverse. This could connect to the Multiverse Saga and Incursions.

This Galactus differs from Rise of the Silver Surfer's depiction. Here, he's a humanoid figure, a character rather than a force of nature, justifying Ineson's casting.

While Galactus is shown, his herald, Silver Surfer (played by Julia Garner), is not. Silver Surfer's origin mirrors the comics: initially Galactus's scout, she'll likely rebel after encountering Earth and remembering her mortal life on Zenn-La, echoing Laurence Fishburne's portrayal in the 2007 film.

Who Is John Malkovich Playing?

Beyond Galactus and Silver Surfer, the teaser shows John Malkovich, raising the question of his character. Rumors suggest Ivan Kragoff (Red Ghost), a Soviet scientist with three super-powered apes, or Mole Man, a subterranean villain obsessed with conquering the surface world. Malkovich's appearance hints at a cave-dwelling character.

Malkovich likely portrays 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 focuses on 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 and the accompanying love and conflict.

The film depicts the Fantastic Four as established heroes, though flashbacks to their origins and Ben's transformation are shown. The costumes differ from previous films, resembling John Byrne's classic comics, reflecting their scientist-adventurer identities.

Marketing highlights the Future Foundation, suggesting the presence of younger heroes, possibly including Reed and Sue's children, Franklin and Valeria. Franklin's immense power raises questions about his connection to Galactus's attack.

Fantastic Four: First Steps arrives in theaters on July 25, 2025.

Will Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom appear? Vote in our poll and share your theories!

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