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 iconic 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 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?
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Where Is Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom?
Marvel's San Diego Comic-Con announcement that Avengers 5, retitled Avengers: Doomsday, would feature Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom was unexpected. Fans are now eager to understand the Fantastic Four's role in establishing 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 portrayals of Doom were central to their respective films, but here, Marvel prioritizes 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. The key question is Doom's origin. Given the casting choice, he's unlikely from Earth-616. Is he from the First Steps universe, a darker version of Tony Stark's reality, or another world entirely? Even a post-credits appearance could clarify his role and motives.
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 depicts the Fantastic Four as established heroes facing their greatest challenge.
The film explores the lengths Reed and his family will go to save Earth. Will the Ultimate Nullifier appear, connecting to the Multiverse Saga and Incursions? This Galactus is a more character-driven portrayal than in Rise of the Silver Surfer, a humanoid figure towering over the Statue of Liberty, rather than a mere force of nature.
While Galactus is shown, his herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner), is not. We can anticipate a similar character arc to Laurence Fishburne's portrayal, starting as Galactus' herald but rebelling after encountering Earth and recalling her past life on Zenn-La.
Who Is John Malkovich Playing?
Beyond Galactus and Silver Surfer, John Malkovich's character remains a mystery. One theory suggests he plays Ivan Kragoff (The Red Ghost), given Malkovich's history with Russian roles. The film might incorporate the campy origins of Red Ghost and his super-powered apes, or it might not. Another possibility is Mole Man, another classic Fantastic Four villain.
Malkovich likely portrays 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 also remain unconfirmed.
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, exploring Ben's struggle with his transformation and Reed's guilt.
The Fantastic Four are established heroes, not originating in this film. However, flashbacks to their origins and the accident that gave them their powers are expected. Their costumes are a departure from previous films, reflecting a more scientific and adventurous aesthetic, reminiscent of John Byrne's classic comics.
The Future Foundation, central to Marvel's marketing, might feature in the film, potentially introducing younger heroes, including Franklin and Valeria Richards. Franklin's immense power raises questions about his connection to Galactus' attack on Earth.
Fantastic Four: First Steps arrives in theaters July 25, 2025.
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