2025 marks a monumental year for Marvel across various media, but none more eagerly awaited than "The Fantastic Four: First Steps." This film not only launches Phase 6 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) but also introduces Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, alongside his superhero family. With this movie, fans are hopeful that the long wait for a truly exceptional Fantastic Four film will finally come to an end.
The newly released teaser trailer for "First Steps" showcases the main quartet and offers our first look at antagonists such as Ralph Ineson's Galactus and John Malkovich's mysterious character. Yet, the burning question on fans' minds remains: Where is Robert Downey, Jr.'s Doctor Doom? Let's delve into what the trailer reveals and what it leaves out.
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Where Is Robert Downey, Jr.’s Doctor Doom?
Marvel made waves at last year's San Diego Comic-Con by announcing that "The Avengers 5" has been retitled "The Avengers: Doomsday," with Robert Downey, Jr. taking on the role of Doctor Doom. Given the rich history between Doom and Iron Man in the comics, this was a surprising yet intriguing choice. Fans are eager to understand how "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" will set the stage for Doom as the next major Avengers-level threat.
Marvel Studios is keeping details under wraps, and the teaser doesn't overtly hint at Doom's presence. Instead, it emphasizes a different direction from previous Fantastic Four films, focusing on Galactus, the Silver Surfer, and the mysterious John Malkovich character. Unlike the prominent roles of Julian McMahon and Toby Kebbell as Doom in past movies, this film downplays Doom in favor of other villains.
Nevertheless, it's reasonable to expect "First Steps" to lay some groundwork for Doom, a quintessential Fantastic Four villain. With "Avengers: Doomsday" slated for May 2026, "First Steps" could tease the emergence of this significant antagonist. A key question is from which universe Downey's Doom originates. Given the casting, it's clear he's not from Earth-616, but is he from the same universe as "First Steps," or another altogether? Even a brief post-credits scene could offer insight into Doom's character and his motivations against the MCU's Avengers.
Despite Doom's potential role, he won't be the central focus. The Fantastic Four have more immediate, monumental challenges ahead.
The Fantastic Four vs. Galactus -------------------------------The teaser clearly indicates that Galactus, voiced by Ralph Ineson, will be the primary adversary for the Fantastic Four. Known as the Devourer of Worlds, Galactus is a classic character created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, debuting in 1966's "Fantastic Four #48" as part of the "Galactus Trilogy."
Galactus, once a mortal named Galan of Taa, evolved into a cosmic entity after bonding with the Sentience of the Universe. He travels the cosmos, consuming planets to sustain his existence, playing a crucial role in the Marvel Universe's cycle of death and rebirth. "First Steps" draws inspiration from the Galactus Trilogy, presenting an established Fantastic Four facing their greatest challenge yet.
The film will explore how far Reed Richards and his family will go to protect Earth. In the comics, Reed uses the Ultimate Nullifier against Galactus, a weapon capable of destroying and remaking the multiverse. It remains to be seen if the film will include this device and how it might tie into the broader Multiverse Saga and the concept of Incursions.
Unlike the abstract portrayal of Galactus in "Rise of the Silver Surfer," "First Steps" presents him in his iconic humanoid form, towering over landmarks like the Statue of Liberty. This approach promises a more character-driven Galactus, justifying the casting of Ineson.
While Galactus is prominent, his herald, the Silver Surfer, played by Julia Garner, is absent from the teaser. The Silver Surfer, also introduced in "Fantastic Four #48," traditionally scouts planets for Galactus but rebels upon encountering Earth. Despite the gender swap, we anticipate a similar arc, with the Surfer's memories of Zenn-La prompting her to defy her master.
Who Is John Malkovich Playing? ------------------------------While Galactus and the Silver Surfer are the main antagonists, John Malkovich's role remains a mystery. A brief shot in the teaser shows him bearded, fueling speculation about his character. Rumors suggest he could be Ivan Kragoff, aka the Red Ghost, a Soviet scientist who gains powers similar to the Fantastic Four after a space flight with three apes. Given Malkovich's history with Russian roles, this seems plausible, though it's uncertain how the film will handle the character's campy origins.
Another possibility is that Malkovich plays Mole Man, another iconic FF villain rumored to appear. As a subterranean ruler obsessed with conquering the surface world, Mole Man's appearance would fit Malkovich's look. Regardless, it's likely Malkovich's character will serve as a secondary villain, challenging the established Fantastic Four early in the film.
Other unconfirmed cast members include Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles, and Paul Walter Hauser, leaving room for further speculation about their roles in the Marvel Universe.
Meet the Fantastic Four -----------------------The teaser primarily focuses on the Fantastic Four themselves, showcasing 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, highlighting Ben's struggle with his monstrous transformation and Reed's guilt over causing it.
Unlike previous origin-focused films, "First Steps" portrays the Fantastic Four as already established heroes with celebrity status. However, the trailer includes flashbacks to their origins, suggesting some historical context without being an origin story. The costumes, with a blue and white color scheme reminiscent of John Byrne's '80s comics, emphasize their roles as scientists and adventurers rather than traditional superheroes.
Marketing for the film has highlighted the Future Foundation, a Reed Richards initiative in the comics to nurture future super-geniuses. This raises questions about the inclusion of younger heroes, such as Reed and Sue's children, Franklin and Valeria, aligning with the "First Steps" title's suggestion of themes related to parenthood.
There's a strong possibility that young Franklin Richards will appear, and his immense power might be a reason for Galactus's interest in Earth. "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" hits theaters on July 25, 2025, promising to answer these questions and more.
What are your thoughts on Robert Downey, Jr.'s Doctor Doom potentially appearing in the film? Share your theories in the comments below.
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.
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