2025 is 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 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
20 Images
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 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 compared to previous Fantastic Four films. Julian McMahon's and Toby Kebbell's portrayals of Doom were central to their respective films, but this iteration downplays Doom in favor of Galactus, Silver Surfer, and John Malkovich's enigmatic character.
First Steps must play a role in establishing Doom, given his connection to the Fantastic Four and the film's release before Avengers: Doomsday in May 2026. A key question is Doom's origin. He's clearly not from Earth-616, but is he from the First Steps universe? Is this a world where Tony Stark's life took a darker turn? Or is he from another universe entirely? Even a post-credits appearance could clarify his role and motivations.
Regardless, 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. Drawing inspiration from the classic "Galactus Trilogy," the film presents an established Fantastic Four facing their greatest challenge.
Galactus's backstory, as Galan of Taa, a survivor of a previous universe, and his cosmic role are touched upon. While not a typical supervillain, his world-devouring actions are part of the Marvel universe's cycle of death and rebirth.
First Steps seems to draw heavily from the Galactus Trilogy, showcasing a well-established team facing a cosmic threat. The film will explore the lengths Reed and his family will go to save Earth, potentially involving the Ultimate Nullifier.
This Galactus differs from Rise of the Silver Surfer's depiction, presenting a more humanoid form, reflecting Ineson's casting choice.
While Galactus is shown, his herald, Silver Surfer (played by Julia Garner), is not. Expect a similar character arc to Laurence Fishburne's portrayal in 2007, starting as Galactus's herald before rebelling.
Who Is John Malkovich Playing?
Beyond Galactus and Silver Surfer, John Malkovich's character remains a mystery. Rumors suggest he may be Ivan Kragoff (The Red Ghost) or Mole Man, both iconic Fantastic Four villains. His appearance suggests a secondary villain who clashes with the team early in the film.
Several actors' roles remain unconfirmed, including 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.
The film depicts a well-established team, though flashbacks to their origin are included. The costumes differ from previous films, reflecting a more scientific and adventurous aesthetic.
The Future Foundation's prominence in marketing suggests the appearance of younger heroes, potentially including Franklin Richards, whose powers might be connected to Galactus's targeting of Earth.
Fantastic Four: First Steps arrives in theaters July 25, 2025.
AnswerSee Results For more on the future of the Marvel Universe, find out what to expect from Marvel in 2025 and see every Marvel movie and series in development.
