2025 marks a monumental year for Marvel across various media platforms, but none more eagerly anticipated than the launch of *The Fantastic Four: First Steps*. This film not only heralds the beginning of Phase 6 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) but also introduces fans to Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards and his superhero family. The anticipation for a truly remarkable Fantastic Four movie has been building for decades, and it seems that our wait might finally be over.
The recently released teaser trailer for *First Steps* has heightened excitement, offering a closer look at the main quartet and introducing antagonists such as Ralph Ineson’s Galactus and John Malkovich’s enigmatic character. Yet, the burning question on many fans' minds remains: where is Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom? Let's delve into what we can see—and what remains unseen—in this teaser.
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Where Is Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom?
The announcement at last year’s San Diego Comic-Con that *The Avengers 5* has been renamed *The Avengers: Doomsday* and that Robert Downey Jr. would portray Doctor Doom sent shockwaves through the fandom. Given the rich history between Doom and Iron Man in the comics, this casting choice was both thrilling and unexpected. With *The Fantastic Four: First Steps* serving as a precursor to *The Avengers: Doomsday*, set for May 2026, the question of Doom's role in the Fantastic Four's narrative is crucial.
Marvel Studios is keeping the details close to the chest. The teaser trailer offers no overt hints about Doom's involvement, instead emphasizing a different approach from its predecessors. While Julian McMahon and Toby Kebbell's portrayals of Doom were central to their respective Fantastic Four films, *First Steps* seems to downplay Doom's presence, focusing instead on Galactus, the Silver Surfer, and John Malkovich's mystery character.
Nevertheless, *First Steps* is likely to lay some groundwork for Doom. As a quintessential Fantastic Four adversary, his presence is expected, especially with *The Avengers: Doomsday* looming. Fans are eager to learn from which universe Downey's Doom originates, and whether he shares the same world as *First Steps* or hails from another realm entirely. Even a brief appearance in a post-credits scene could set the stage for his larger role in the MCU.
Yet, regardless of Doom's role, be it a supporting villain or a cameo, the Fantastic Four have other pressing matters at hand.
The Fantastic Four vs. Galactus
The teaser trailer leaves no doubt about the primary antagonist of *First Steps*: Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds, voiced by Ralph Ineson. This classic Marvel character, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, first appeared in *Fantastic Four #48*, kicking off the iconic "Galactus Trilogy." In this narrative, Galactus, with his herald the Silver Surfer, arrives to consume Earth, prompting desperate measures from the Fantastic Four.
Galactus, once a mortal named Galan of Taa, survived the pre-Big Bang universe and bonded with the Sentience of the Universe, evolving into the cosmic entity known as Galactus. His role in the Marvel Universe is less about villainy and more about fulfilling a cosmic necessity—devouring planets to sustain himself. However, this offers little solace to the inhabitants of targeted worlds.
*First Steps* appears to draw heavily from the Galactus Trilogy, presenting the Fantastic Four as established heroes facing their most formidable challenge yet. The question arises: to what extremes will Reed Richards and his family go to protect Earth? In the comics, Reed threatens Galactus with the Ultimate Nullifier, a weapon capable of destroying and remaking the multiverse. Will this weapon feature in the film, and how might it tie into the larger Multiverse Saga and Incursions?
Unlike the cloud-like depiction in *Rise of the Silver Surfer*, *First Steps* portrays Galactus in his humanoid form, towering over iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty. This approach promises a more character-driven portrayal, justifying the casting of Ineson.
Although the teaser showcases Galactus, it omits his herald, the Silver Surfer, played by Julia Garner. This gender-swapped version of the character will likely follow a similar arc to her comic counterpart, initially serving Galactus before rebelling upon encountering Earth and recalling her past on Zenn-La.
Who Is John Malkovich Playing?
While Galactus and the Silver Surfer are the main antagonists, the teaser hints at additional foes, including a brief shot of John Malkovich. Speculation abounds about his role, with one theory suggesting he could be Ivan Kragoff, aka the Red Ghost. In the comics, Kragoff, a Soviet scientist, gains powers similar to the Fantastic Four and forms a team called Red Ghost and the Super-Apes. Given Malkovich's history of portraying Russian characters, this seems plausible.
Another possibility is that Malkovich plays Mole Man, a classic Fantastic Four villain rumored to appear in *First Steps*. Known for his subterranean kingdom and ambitions to conquer the surface world, Mole Man's appearance fits Malkovich's character in the teaser.
Whatever role Malkovich assumes, he is likely to be a secondary antagonist, adding depth to the Fantastic Four's well-established rogues' gallery. Other unconfirmed cast members include Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles, and Paul Walter Hauser, sparking further speculation about their roles in the Marvel Universe.
Meet the Fantastic Four
The teaser trailer primarily showcases the Fantastic Four: Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Susan Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm. We also get a glimpse of their robotic assistant, H.E.R.B.I.E.
The film emphasizes the familial dynamics of the team, highlighting the love and dysfunction that define them. Ben's struggle with his monstrous form and Reed's guilt over causing it are central themes. The trailer suggests that *First Steps* takes place in a world where the Fantastic Four are already established celebrities, rather than an origin story like previous films. However, flashbacks to the team's origins are included, providing context without retelling the entire story.
The costumes in *First Steps* mark a departure from past iterations, adopting a blue and white color scheme reminiscent of John Byrne’s 1980s comics. These functional Space Age uniforms reflect the team's scientific and adventurous nature.
Marvel's marketing has also highlighted the Future Foundation, a comic book institution founded by Reed Richards to foster the next generation of super-geniuses. This raises questions about the inclusion of younger heroes, possibly Reed and Sue's children, Franklin and Valeria, aligning with the film's title hinting at themes of parenthood and raising children.
There's a strong possibility that young Franklin Richards will appear, and his immense power could be a reason for Galactus targeting Earth. *The Fantastic Four: First Steps* is set to hit theaters on July 25, 2025, promising to answer these questions and more.
For further insights into the Marvel Universe's future, explore what Marvel has planned for 2025 and discover all the Marvel movies and series in development.
