2025 marks a monumental year for Marvel across various media, but none more significant than the eagerly awaited release of *The Fantastic Four: First Steps*. As the film that initiates Phase 6 of the MCU, it introduces Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards and his superhero family, sparking hope that the long-standing quest for an exceptional Fantastic Four movie is nearing its end.
The recently unveiled teaser trailer for *First Steps* has set high expectations. It offers an intimate look at the iconic quartet and introduces antagonists like Ralph Ineson's Galactus and John Malkovich's mysterious character. Yet, the burning question on many fans' minds remains: Where is Robert Downey, Jr.'s Doctor Doom? Let's delve into what the trailer reveals and conceals.
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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 renamed *The Avengers: Doomsday* and that Doctor Doom will be portrayed by Robert Downey, Jr. This unexpected casting choice, given the historical rivalry between Doom and Iron Man in the comics, has left fans curious about how *The Fantastic Four: First Steps* will lay the groundwork for Doom's emergence as a formidable threat to the Avengers.
Marvel Studios is keeping its cards close to the chest, as the teaser trailer does not overtly hint at Doom's presence. Instead, it emphasizes a fresh approach, focusing on Galactus, Silver Surfer, and John Malkovich's enigmatic role. In previous Fantastic Four films, Julian McMahon and Toby Kebbell played significant roles as Doom, but *First Steps* seems to be taking a different route by downplaying his involvement.
Given Doom's intrinsic connection to the Fantastic Four, it's reasonable to assume that *First Steps* will play a part in setting him up. As one of the final MCU films before *Avengers: Doomsday* in May 2026, it's crucial for the movie to tease the next major antagonist. A key question fans hope to have answered is from which universe Downey's Doom originates. Is he from the same universe as *The Fantastic Four: First Steps*, or does he hail from another reality where Tony Stark's life took a darker turn? Even a brief appearance in a post-credits scene could provide crucial context for Doom's motivations and his targeting of the MCU's Avengers.
Regardless of Doom's role in *First Steps*, whether as a supporting villain or a fleeting cameo, he won't overshadow the main focus: the Fantastic Four's confrontation with more immediate threats.
The Fantastic Four vs. Galactus
The teaser trailer clearly positions Galactus, voiced by Ralph Ineson, as the primary antagonist. Known as the Devourer of Worlds, Galactus is a classic Marvel character created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. He first appeared in 1966's *Fantastic Four #48*, initiating the renowned "Galactus Trilogy." In this storyline, Galactus, accompanied by his herald, the Silver Surfer, arrives to consume Earth, compelling the Fantastic Four to take extreme measures to thwart him.
Galactus' backstory has been enriched over time, revealing his origins as Galan of Taa, a mortal who survived the previous universe and merged with the Sentience of the Universe to become Galactus. His cosmic journey involves seeking out life-rich planets to satisfy his hunger, playing a critical role in the Marvel Universe's cycle of death and rebirth.
*First Steps* draws heavily from the Galactus Trilogy, portraying a well-established Fantastic Four facing their most daunting challenge yet. The film will likely explore the lengths to which Reed Richards and his family will go to protect Earth, possibly involving the Ultimate Nullifier, a weapon capable of reshaping the multiverse. This could tie into the broader Multiverse Saga and the concept of Incursions.
Unlike the 2007 film *Rise of the Silver Surfer*, which depicted Galactus as a cloud-like entity, *First Steps* presents him in a more traditional humanoid form, towering over landmarks like the Statue of Liberty. This choice emphasizes Galactus as a character with depth, rather than a mere force of nature.
While Galactus is prominently featured, his herald, the Silver Surfer, played by Julia Garner, is absent from the teaser. Traditionally, the Silver Surfer seeks out planets for Galactus to consume but often rebels against him upon encountering Earth. Expect a similar arc with Garner's gender-swapped version, reflecting her character's journey from herald to hero.
Who Is John Malkovich Playing?
While Galactus and Silver Surfer are central to the plot, John Malkovich's brief appearance in the teaser has sparked speculation about his role. Rumors suggest he could be playing Ivan Kragoff, aka The Red Ghost, a Soviet scientist who, along with his super-powered apes, becomes a formidable adversary. Given Malkovich's history with Russian roles, this casting seems plausible.
Another possibility is that Malkovich portrays Mole Man, another iconic Fantastic Four villain rumored to appear in *First Steps*. As a self-proclaimed king of the subterranean Moloids, Mole Man's ambitions to conquer the surface world could set the stage for early conflicts with the team.
Regardless of which character Malkovich plays, he is likely to be a secondary villain, adding depth to the Fantastic Four's established rogues' gallery. The film also stars Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles, and Paul Walter Houser in yet-to-be-confirmed roles, adding more intrigue to the cast.
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-Bacharach as Ben Grimm. The trailer emphasizes their family dynamics, highlighting Ben's struggle with his transformation into the Thing and Reed's guilt over the incident that led to their powers.
*First Steps* appears to be set in a time when the Fantastic Four are already established heroes, rather than retelling their origin story. However, flashbacks to the team's beginnings are hinted at, providing context to their current status as celebrity heroes. The costumes, inspired by John Byrne's classic '80s designs, reflect the team's identity as scientists and adventurers rather than traditional superheroes.
Marketing for the film has also highlighted the Future Foundation, a group led by Reed Richards in the comics to mentor the next generation of geniuses. This raises the possibility of seeing younger heroes, including Reed and Sue's children, Franklin and Valeria, in the movie. The title "First Steps" suggests themes of parenthood and the challenges of raising children, which may tie into Galactus' interest in Earth.
*The Fantastic Four: First Steps* is set to hit theaters on July 25, 2025, promising to deliver a thrilling addition to the MCU and potentially setting the stage for the emergence of Robert Downey, Jr.'s Doctor Doom.
