Marvel's Fantastic Four Tease Unveiled: Doctor Doom's Absence Raises Questions

Marvel's 2025: The Fantastic Four's First Steps and the Enigma of Doctor Doom

2025 marks a pivotal year for Marvel, with The Fantastic Four: First Steps standing as a highly anticipated cornerstone of Phase 6. This film not only launches Phase 6 but also introduces Pedro Pascal's Reed Richards and his family to the MCU. The long wait for a truly exceptional Fantastic Four film may finally be over.

The recently released teaser trailer offers a closer look at the Fantastic Four and provides our first glimpse of antagonists like Ralph Ineson's Galactus and John Malkovich's mysterious character. However, a burning question remains: Where is Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom?

The Fantastic Four: First Steps - Trailer 1 Images

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The Doctor Doom Question

Last year's San Diego Comic-Con surprised many with the announcement that The Avengers 5 was renamed The Avengers: Doomsday, and Robert Downey Jr. would portray Doctor Doom. This unexpected casting choice, despite the rich history between Doom and Iron Man in the comics, leaves fans curious about Doom's role in setting up the next major Avengers threat.

Marvel Studios remains tight-lipped. The teaser offers no clear indication of Doom's presence, highlighting a departure from previous Fantastic Four films. Unlike the prominent villain roles of Julian McMahon and Toby Kebbell in earlier adaptations, this iteration prioritizes Galactus, Silver Surfer, and John Malkovich's undisclosed character.

It's reasonable to assume First Steps will establish Doom's presence, given his connection to the Fantastic Four and the film's proximity to Avengers: Doomsday. The key question is Doom's origin. Given the casting, he's unlikely from Earth-616. Is he from the First Steps universe, a darker alternate Tony Stark, or from another universe entirely? Even a post-credits appearance would 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, as the primary antagonist. Inspired by the classic "Galactus Trilogy," the film portrays an established Fantastic Four facing their greatest challenge. The extent of their efforts to save Earth remains to be seen, including the potential use of the Ultimate Nullifier. This adaptation presents a more character-driven Galactus, unlike the depiction in Rise of the Silver Surfer.

While Galactus is shown, his herald, the gender-swapped Silver Surfer (Julia Garner), is absent from the teaser. Her arc is expected to mirror previous iterations, starting as Galactus' herald before rebelling.

John Malkovich's Role

Beyond Galactus and Silver Surfer, John Malkovich's character adds another layer of intrigue. Speculation points towards Ivan Kragoff (The Red Ghost) or Mole Man. Malkovich's character's appearance suggests a potential secondary villain clashing with the Fantastic Four. The roles of Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles, and Paul Walter Hauser remain unconfirmed.

Introducing the Fantastic Four

The teaser focuses heavily 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 familial bond and the struggles within. Ben's transformation and Reed's guilt are highlighted.

The film depicts an established team, though flashbacks to their origins are included. The costumes are distinct, inspired by John Byrne's classic comics, reflecting their scientific and adventurous nature. The Future Foundation's prominence in marketing raises questions about the potential appearance of younger heroes, particularly Franklin Richards.

The film's release on July 25, 2025, will reveal the answers to these questions. A poll asks viewers to predict Doctor Doom's appearance.

Will Robert Downey, Jr.'s Doctor Doom appear in The Fantastic Four: First Steps?

Yes, he'll be a supporting character.Yes, but only in a post-credits scene.No, he won't show up.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.