2025 is set to be a monumental year for Marvel across various media, but no project is more eagerly awaited than *The Fantastic Four: First Steps*. This film not only marks the beginning of Phase 6 in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) but also introduces Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, bringing the superhero family to the big screen. After decades of anticipation, fans are hopeful that this will be the definitive Fantastic Four movie they've been waiting for.
The excitement has been further fueled by the newly released teaser trailer for *First Steps*. It provides a detailed look at the main quartet and introduces us to antagonists such as Ralph Ineson’s Galactus and the enigmatic character portrayed by John Malkovich. However, the burning question on many fans' minds remains: Where is Robert Downey, Jr.'s Doctor Doom?
The Fantastic Four: First Steps - Trailer 1 Stills
20 Images
Where Is Robert Downey, Jr.'s Doctor Doom?
The announcement at last year's San Diego Comic-Con that *The Avengers 5* had been renamed *The Avengers: Doomsday* and that Robert Downey, Jr. would play Doctor Doom was a major surprise. Given the rich history between Doom and Iron Man in the comics, this casting choice was unexpected yet intriguing. Fans are now curious about 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 fresh approach for *First Steps*, distinct from previous Fantastic Four films. While Julian McMahon and Toby Kebbell portrayed Doom prominently in earlier movies, this time, the focus is on Galactus, Silver Surfer, and John Malkovich's mysterious role.
Given Doom's integral connection to the Fantastic Four, it's likely that *First Steps* will lay some groundwork for his character. As one of the last MCU films before *Avengers: Doomsday* in May 2026, it's crucial for *First Steps* to tease the emergence of this new villain. A significant question is from which universe Downey's Doom originates. Since he's not from Earth-616, could he be from the same universe as *The Fantastic Four: First Steps*? Or does he come from an entirely different world, perhaps one where Tony Stark's life took a darker turn?
Even if Doom appears only briefly in a post-credits scene, *First Steps* has the opportunity to establish his identity and motivations, particularly his targeting of the MCU's Avengers. However, regardless of his role, Doom will not be the main focus. The Fantastic Four have more immediate and colossal challenges to face.
The Fantastic Four vs. Galactus
The teaser trailer clearly positions Galactus, voiced by Ralph Ineson of *Game of Thrones* fame, as the primary antagonist. Known as the Devourer of Worlds, Galactus is a classic Marvel character created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, first appearing in 1966's *Fantastic Four #48*. This issue kicked off the "Galactus Trilogy," where Galactus, accompanied by his herald, the Silver Surfer, threatens to consume Earth.
Galactus's origins are deeply rooted in the Marvel Universe. Originally a mortal named Galan of Taa, he survived the pre-Big Bang universe and merged with the Sentience of the Universe to become the cosmic entity known as Galactus. His role is not that of a traditional supervillain but rather a being fulfilling a necessary cosmic function, consuming worlds to maintain the cycle of life and death within the universe.
In *First Steps*, the Fantastic Four are depicted as established heroes facing their greatest challenge yet. The film draws inspiration from the Galactus Trilogy, presenting a scenario where Reed Richards and his family must go to extreme lengths to protect Earth. In the comics, Reed uses the Ultimate Nullifier, a weapon capable of destroying and remaking the multiverse, to threaten Galactus. Will this powerful artifact play a role in the film, possibly connecting to the broader Multiverse Saga and the concept of Incursions?
Unlike the 2007 film *Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer*, which depicted Galactus as a cloud-like entity, *First Steps* presents him in his classic humanoid form, towering over iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty. This portrayal suggests a more character-driven approach, justified by the casting of Ralph Ineson.
While Galactus is prominently featured, his herald, the Silver Surfer, played by Julia Garner, is notably absent from the teaser. The Silver Surfer, introduced alongside Galactus in *Fantastic Four #48*, eventually turns against his master after being moved by the plight of Earth. With a gender-swapped Silver Surfer, we expect a similar journey from herald to hero, echoing the character arc seen in the 2007 film.
Who Is John Malkovich Playing?
While Galactus and Silver Surfer are the main threats, the teaser hints at additional antagonists, including a brief shot of John Malkovich. Speculation suggests Malkovich might be playing Ivan Kragoff, aka The Red Ghost, a Soviet scientist who gains powers similar to the Fantastic Four and leads a team called Red Ghost and the Super-Apes. Given Malkovich's history with Russian roles, this casting seems plausible.
Another possibility is that Malkovich portrays Mole Man, an iconic Fantastic Four villain rumored to appear in *First Steps*. Known for his subterranean kingdom and desire to conquer the surface world, Mole Man's appearance matches the cave-dwelling look of Malkovich's character in the teaser. Regardless of the specific role, Malkovich is likely playing a secondary villain, adding to the Fantastic Four's rogues' gallery.
Other actors in the film, including Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles, and Paul Walter Hauser, have yet to have their roles confirmed, sparking further speculation about their characters.
Meet the Fantastic Four
The teaser primarily 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. The trailer also highlights the family's robot assistant, H.E.R.B.I.E.
The emphasis is on the familial dynamics of the team, showcasing both the love and the challenges they face. Ben's struggle with his transformation into the Thing and Reed's guilt over causing it are central themes. The film appears to be set in a time when the Fantastic Four are already celebrated heroes, rather than an origin story, although flashbacks to their beginnings are included.
The costumes in *First Steps* are notably different, featuring a blue and white color scheme reminiscent of John Byrne's classic Fantastic Four comics from the 1980s. These outfits suggest a focus on the team's role as scientists and explorers rather than traditional superheroes.
Marvel's marketing has also hinted at the Future Foundation, a concept from the comics where Reed nurtures the next generation of super-geniuses. This raises questions about whether younger heroes, including Reed and Sue's children, Franklin and Valeria, will appear. The title "First Steps" suggests themes of parenthood and raising the next generation, possibly linked to Galactus's interest in Earth due to Franklin's immense power.
*The Fantastic Four: First Steps* is set to hit theaters on July 25, 2025. Fans are eager to see how Robert Downey, Jr.'s Doctor Doom fits into the narrative, whether as a supporting character, a post-credits cameo, or not at all.
