The highly anticipated Marvel film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, is set to launch Phase 6 of the MCU and introduce Pedro Pascal's Reed Richards and his family. The newly released teaser trailer offers a closer look at the Fantastic Four and their adversaries, including Ralph Ineson's Galactus and a mysterious character played by John Malkovich. However, one burning question remains: where is Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom?
The trailer provides no direct clues to Doom's presence, suggesting a departure from previous Fantastic Four films where Doctor Doom was a central antagonist. This time, the focus is on Galactus and Silver Surfer (played by Julia Garner). While Doom's absence is notable, his inclusion in Avengers: Doomsday necessitates some form of introduction in First Steps, potentially as a post-credits scene or a supporting villain. The film's narrative could explore the origin of Downey Jr.'s Doom, clarifying his universe of origin and motivations.
The trailer prominently features Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds, whose design seems inspired by the classic "Galactus Trilogy" comic arc. This version of Galactus is a towering humanoid figure, a significant departure from previous film iterations. The film also hints at the inclusion of Silver Surfer, likely following a similar character arc to past portrayals, beginning as Galactus's herald before rebelling.
John Malkovich's role remains shrouded in mystery. Speculation points towards either Ivan Kragoff (The Red Ghost) or Mole Man, both established Fantastic Four villains. His character's appearance suggests a possible connection to the subterranean world.
The teaser showcases the Fantastic Four as a family unit, highlighting the emotional complexities of their relationships. The film appears to present the team as established heroes, with flashbacks hinting at their origin story. The costumes are distinctly different from previous adaptations, reflecting a more scientific and adventurous aesthetic, possibly inspired by John Byrne's classic comics. The inclusion of the Future Foundation in the marketing suggests the potential appearance of younger heroes, particularly Franklin Richards, whose powers might be connected to Galactus's targeting of Earth.
Ultimately, The Fantastic Four: First Steps promises a fresh take on the beloved team, confronting them with a cosmic threat while exploring the dynamics of family and heroism. The mystery surrounding Doctor Doom's role adds an intriguing layer to the anticipation surrounding the film's July 25, 2025 release. A poll included in the original article asks viewers to speculate on whether Doctor Doom will appear in the film.
