The Fantastic Four: First Steps - Where Is Doctor Doom In the New Teaser Trailer?

2025 is a momentous year for Marvel, but arguably the most anticipated project is The Fantastic Four: First Steps. This Phase 6 MCU kickoff finally introduces Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards and his family. Could this be the Fantastic Four film we've waited decades for?

The recently released teaser trailer offers a closer look at the foursome and our first glimpse of antagonists like Ralph Ineson's Galactus and John Malkovich's mysterious character. However, one question dominates fan discussions: where is Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom?

The Fantastic Four: First Steps - Trailer 1 Stills

Where Is Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom?

Last year's San Diego Comic-Con surprised many with the announcement that The Avengers 5, retitled The Avengers: Doomsday, would feature Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom. This unexpected casting choice has sparked intense speculation about Doom's role in First Steps and his path to becoming a major Avengers threat.

Marvel Studios remains tight-lipped. The teaser offers no overt clues to Doom's presence, highlighting a different approach than previous Fantastic Four films. Unlike the prominent roles of Doom in earlier adaptations, First Steps emphasizes Galactus, Silver Surfer, and John Malkovich's enigmatic character.

First Steps must play a role in establishing Doom, given his connection to the Fantastic Four and the film's release before Avengers: Doomsday. The film likely needs to tease the next major Avengers villain.

A key question is Doom's origin. Given the casting, he's unlikely from Earth-616. Is he from the First Steps universe, perhaps a darker alternate Tony Stark? Or another universe entirely? Even a post-credits appearance could establish his identity and motives against the MCU Avengers. Regardless, Doom won't be the central focus; the Fantastic Four face far greater, literal, threats.

The Fantastic Four vs. Galactus

The teaser clearly showcases Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds, voiced by Ralph Ineson (Game of Thrones). Galactus, a classic Marvel character co-created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, debuted in 1966's Fantastic Four #48, launching the "Galactus Trilogy." This storyline depicted Galactus and his herald, Silver Surfer, attempting to consume Earth, forcing the Fantastic Four to desperate measures.

Later Marvel stories expanded on Galactus's backstory and cosmic role. Once Galan of Taa, a survivor of a pre-Big Bang universe, he evolved into Galactus after bonding with the Sentience of the Universe. He now traverses the cosmos, seeking life-sustaining worlds.

Galactus isn't simply a supervillain but a cosmic entity fulfilling a cyclical function of death and rebirth. This offers little comfort to those whose worlds he targets.

First Steps draws inspiration from the Galactus Trilogy, portraying an established Fantastic Four facing their ultimate challenge. The film explores the lengths Reed and his family will go to save Earth. Will the Ultimate Nullifier, capable of destroying and remaking the multiverse, appear and connect to the Multiverse Saga and Incursions?

This Galactus differs from Rise of the Silver Surfer's depiction as a hurricane-like cloud. Here, Galactus is humanoid, towering over the Statue of Liberty, presented as a character rather than a force of nature.

While Galactus is shown, his herald, Silver Surfer (played by Julia Garner), is absent from the teaser. Silver Surfer's debut in Fantastic Four #48 portrayed him as a scout for Galactus. He later showed compassion for Earth, rebelling against his master and becoming a Marvel hero. Expect a similar arc to Laurence Fishburne's portrayal in the 2007 film, though with a gender swap.

Who Is John Malkovich Playing?

While Galactus and Silver Surfer are the main antagonists, John Malkovich's character adds another layer of intrigue. One theory suggests he plays Ivan Kragoff (The Red Ghost), a Soviet scientist who gains powers and leads a team of super-powered apes. Given Malkovich's history of playing Russian characters, this is plausible, though the film's approach to the character's campy origins remains uncertain.

Another possibility is Mole Man, an iconic Fantastic Four villain. Shunned for his appearance and personality, he rules the Moloids underground and seeks to conquer the surface world. Malkovich's appearance suggests a cave-dwelling existence.

Malkovich likely plays a secondary villain clashing with the Fantastic Four early in the film, fitting for an established team with a rogues' gallery. The roles of Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles, and Paul Walter Hauser remain unconfirmed, adding to the mystery.

Meet the Fantastic Four

The teaser primarily showcases 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 family dynamic, including Ben's struggle with his transformation and Reed's guilt.

First Steps depicts a well-established Fantastic Four, not an origin story. However, flashbacks to Ben's pre-Thing days and the accident granting them powers are included.

The costumes differ from previous films, resembling John Byrne's classic 1980s comics. They are functional, reflecting their scientist-adventurer identities.

Marketing emphasizes the Future Foundation, established by Reed to mentor young geniuses. This raises the possibility of younger heroes, including Reed and Sue's children, Franklin and Valeria, appearing. The title "First Steps" hints at parenthood themes. Franklin's immense power might connect to Galactus's targeting of Earth.

Fantastic Four: First Steps releases July 25, 2025.

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