2025 marks a pivotal year for Marvel across various media, with no project more eagerly awaited than The Fantastic Four: First Steps. This film not only initiates Phase 6 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) but also introduces Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, alongside his superhero family. Fans have long awaited a truly remarkable Fantastic Four movie, and with the release of the teaser trailer, it seems their patience might soon be rewarded.

The teaser offers an intimate look at the core quartet and our first glimpse of antagonists like Ralph Ineson as Galactus and John Malkovich in a mysterious role. 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 what it leaves unanswered.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps - Trailer 1 Stills

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Where Is Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom?

The announcement at last year's San Diego Comic-Con that The Avengers 5 would be renamed The Avengers: Doomsday and that Robert Downey Jr. would portray Doctor Doom sent shockwaves through the Marvel community. Given the rich history between Doom and Iron Man in the comics, this casting choice was both surprising and intriguing. Fans are eager to understand how The Fantastic Four: First Steps will set the stage for Doom's emergence as a formidable Avengers-level threat.

Marvel Studios is keeping details close to the chest, and the teaser trailer provides no overt hints about Doom's involvement. Instead, it highlights a fresh approach, focusing on Galactus, Silver Surfer, and the enigmatic John Malkovich character, rather than following the traditional path of spotlighting Doom, as seen in previous Fantastic Four films. While Doom is intrinsically linked to the Fantastic Four, his absence from the teaser suggests a strategic delay, possibly to tease his role in the MCU's larger narrative arc leading to Avengers: Doomsday in May 2026.

A key question remains: from which universe does Downey's Doom originate? Considering the casting, it's clear he isn't from Earth-616. Could he be from the same universe as The Fantastic Four: First Steps, or perhaps a darker alternate reality where Tony Stark's path diverges dramatically? Even a brief appearance in a post-credits scene could provide crucial context about this character's motivations and his plans against the MCU's Avengers.

Regardless of Doom's eventual role in First Steps, whether as a supporting villain or a cameo, he won't overshadow the film's main focus: the Fantastic Four's battle against an even greater threat.

The Fantastic Four vs. Galactus

The teaser makes it abundantly clear that Galactus, voiced by Ralph Ineson, will be the central antagonist in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Known as the Devourer of Worlds, Galactus was first introduced by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in 1966's Fantastic Four #48, marking the beginning of the iconic "Galactus Trilogy." This storyline sees Galactus and his herald, the Silver Surfer, arriving to consume Earth, forcing the Fantastic Four to take drastic action to protect their planet.

Galactus's backstory, as fleshed out in subsequent Marvel tales, reveals him as Galan of Taa, a mortal who survived the pre-Big Bang universe and transformed into the cosmic entity known as Galactus. His role is less that of a traditional supervillain and more of a necessary force in the cosmic balance, consuming life-rich worlds to sustain himself. Yet, for those living on targeted planets, his arrival spells doom.

First Steps draws heavily from the Galactus Trilogy, portraying a well-established Fantastic Four facing their greatest challenge. The question looms: how far will Reed and his family go to save Earth? In the comics, Reed uses the Ultimate Nullifier against Galactus. Will this weapon feature in the film, and could it tie into the broader narrative of the 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 comic-accurate humanoid form. This choice to cast Ineson suggests a more character-driven portrayal of Galactus. While the teaser showcases Galactus, it does not feature his herald, the Silver Surfer, portrayed by Julia Garner in the film. Expect a familiar arc where the Silver Surfer, initially serving Galactus, rebels upon encountering Earth and reconnecting with her past on Zenn-La.

Who Is John Malkovich Playing?

While Galactus and Silver Surfer are the primary antagonists, the teaser hints at additional threats, including a brief appearance by John Malkovich. Speculation abounds about his character, with rumors suggesting he could be Ivan Kragoff, aka The Red Ghost, a Soviet scientist who gains powers similar to the Fantastic Four. Another possibility is Mole Man, a classic FF villain who rules the subterranean Moloids and seeks to conquer the surface world.

Malkovich's role, along with other unconfirmed cast members like Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles, and Paul Walter Hauser, adds layers of intrigue to the film's narrative. As a secondary villain, Malkovich's character is likely to clash with the Fantastic Four early in the movie, emphasizing their established status and extensive rogues' gallery.

Meet the Fantastic Four

The teaser predominantly showcases the Fantastic Four themselves: Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Susan Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm, alongside their helper robot, H.E.R.B.I.E. The film emphasizes the family dynamic, highlighting Ben's struggle with his monstrous form and Reed's guilt over the team's transformation.

Unlike previous films, First Steps is set in a time when the Fantastic Four are already celebrated heroes, though flashbacks to their origins are included. The costumes, featuring a blue and white color scheme reminiscent of John Byrne's classic comics, underscore the team's identity as scientists and adventurers rather than traditional superheroes.

Marvel's marketing has also hinted at the involvement of the Future Foundation, suggesting a focus on nurturing the next generation of super-geniuses, possibly including Reed and Sue's children, Franklin and Valeria. The title "First Steps" itself implies themes of parenthood and the challenges of raising children. Franklin Richards, known for his immense power, may play a pivotal role in attracting Galactus to Earth.

As anticipation builds for The Fantastic Four: First Steps, set to premiere on July 25, 2025, fans are left to speculate on the appearance of Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom and the broader implications for the MCU's future.