2025 marks a monumental year for Marvel across various media platforms, but no project is more eagerly anticipated than "The Fantastic Four: First Steps." This film not only initiates Phase 6 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) but also introduces Pedro Pascal's Reed Richards along with his iconic superhero family. Fans have been yearning for a truly great Fantastic Four movie, and with this release, their wait might finally end.

The excitement is palpable, especially after the release of the teaser trailer for "First Steps." It provides an in-depth look at the main quartet and introduces antagonists such as Ralph Ineson's Galactus and John Malkovich's mysterious character. However, the burning question on many fans' minds remains: where is Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom?

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Where Is Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom?

Marvel stunned fans at last year's San Diego Comic-Con by announcing that "The Avengers 5" had been renamed "The Avengers: Doomsday" and that Robert Downey Jr. would portray Doctor Doom. This unexpected casting, given the history between Doom and Iron Man in the comics, has left fans curious about how "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" will set the stage for Doom as a formidable Avengers-level threat.

Marvel Studios is keeping details under wraps, and the teaser trailer doesn't explicitly hint at Doom's presence. It underscores a fresh approach, unlike its predecessors where Julian McMahon's Doom was central in the 2005 and 2007 films, and Toby Kebbell's Doom played a significant role in the 2015 reboot. This time, the focus shifts to Galactus, the Silver Surfer, and John Malkovich's character.

Given Doom's foundational role as a Fantastic Four villain, it's reasonable to assume "First Steps" will lay some groundwork for his introduction. With "Avengers: Doomsday" slated for May 2026, a teaser or hint in "First Steps" seems likely. Fans are particularly intrigued about the origin of Downey's Doom, questioning whether he hails from the same universe as the Fantastic Four or another, darker realm. Even a brief appearance in a post-credits scene could shed light on his motives and connection to the MCU's Avengers.

Regardless of his role, Doom won't be the main focus in "First Steps," as the Fantastic Four confront more immediate and colossal threats.

The Fantastic Four vs. Galactus

The teaser trailer clearly indicates that the Fantastic Four will primarily battle Galactus, the self-proclaimed Devourer of Worlds, voiced by Ralph Ineson. A classic character from the minds of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, Galactus first appeared in 1966's "Fantastic Four #48," initiating the renowned "Galactus Trilogy." In this narrative, he and his herald, the Silver Surfer, target Earth, prompting the Fantastic Four to take drastic measures to protect their planet.

Galactus' backstory, fleshed out in subsequent Marvel stories, reveals him as Galan of Taa, a survivor of the pre-Big Bang universe who evolved into Galactus after bonding with the Sentience of the Universe. His cosmic role involves consuming life-rich worlds, a necessity within the Marvel Universe's cycle of death and rebirth, though it brings dire consequences for those planets.

"First Steps" draws heavily from the Galactus Trilogy, portraying a well-established Fantastic Four facing their most significant challenge yet. The film teases how far Reed Richards and his family will go to save Earth, potentially involving the Ultimate Nullifier—a weapon capable of destroying and remaking the multiverse. This aligns with the larger Multiverse Saga and the concept of Incursions.

Unlike the abstract representation in "Rise of the Silver Surfer," "First Steps" presents Galactus as a humanoid figure, emphasizing his character over a mere force of nature. Julia Garner plays the gender-swapped Silver Surfer, expected to follow a similar arc of rebellion against her master after encountering Earth and remembering her life on Zenn-La.

Who Is John Malkovich Playing?

While Galactus and the Silver Surfer are the primary antagonists, John Malkovich's character adds another layer of intrigue. Rumors suggest he could be Ivan Kragoff, aka the Red Ghost, a Soviet scientist who gained powers alongside his three apes. Malkovich's history of playing Russian characters supports this theory, though the extent to which the film will embrace the character's campy origins remains to be seen.

Another possibility is that Malkovich portrays Mole Man, another iconic FF villain rumored to appear. His appearance suggests a life spent underground, fitting Mole Man's backstory as the ruler of the subterranean Moloids, obsessed with conquering the surface world.

Malkovich likely plays a secondary villain, providing early challenges for the Fantastic Four. The film also features Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles, and Paul Walter Hauser in undisclosed roles, adding to the excitement and speculation among fans.

Meet the Fantastic Four

The teaser primarily showcases the Fantastic Four themselves, including Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Susan Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm, along with their helper robot, H.E.R.B.I.E. The film emphasizes the family dynamics and the challenges they face, particularly Ben's struggle with his monstrous form and Reed's guilt over causing it.

Unlike previous films, "First Steps" does not serve as an origin story but rather portrays a well-established Fantastic Four who are already celebrity heroes. However, it includes flashbacks to their origins, such as Ben Grimm before becoming the Thing and the aftermath of the accident that granted their powers.

The costumes in "First Steps" differ significantly from past iterations, adopting a blue and white color scheme reminiscent of John Byrne's classic '80s comics. These outfits reflect the team's identity as scientists and adventurers rather than traditional superheroes.

Marvel's marketing highlights the Future Foundation, which Reed establishes to nurture young super-geniuses. This could suggest the inclusion of younger heroes, like Reed and Sue's children, Franklin and Valeria, aligning with the film's title hinting at themes of parenthood and family.

The presence of young Franklin Richards might explain Galactus' interest in Earth, given Franklin's immense power within the Marvel Universe. Fans eagerly await the film's release on July 25, 2025, to uncover these mysteries and more.

Do you think Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom will appear in the movie? Share your thoughts and theories in the comments below.