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

2025 is a monumental year for Marvel, but no project looms larger than The Fantastic Four: First Steps. This Phase 6 MCU kickoff finally introduces Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards and his iconic family, promising to end our decades-long wait for a truly great Fantastic Four film.

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

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Where Is Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom?

Marvel's San Diego Comic-Con announcement that Avengers 5 (renamed Avengers: Doomsday) would feature Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom was unexpected. Fans are now eager to see how The Fantastic Four: First Steps sets up Doom as the next major Avengers-level threat.

The teaser offers no overt hints of Doom's presence, highlighting a different approach compared to previous Fantastic Four films. While Julian McMahon and Toby Kebbell's Dooms were central villains, First Steps prioritizes Galactus, Silver Surfer, and John Malkovich's enigmatic character.

We assume First Steps will establish Doom's role, given his connection to the Fantastic Four and the film's proximity to Avengers: Doomsday. A crucial question is Doom's origin universe. He's clearly not from Earth-616, but is he from the First Steps universe, an alternate Tony Stark timeline, or another reality entirely? Even a post-credits appearance would clarify his motives and targets within the MCU.

Regardless of his role, Doom won't be the central antagonist. The Fantastic Four face a far greater, and literal, threat.

The Fantastic Four vs. Galactus

The teaser clearly establishes Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds (voiced by Ralph Ineson), as the primary antagonist. Inspired by the classic "Galactus Trilogy," the film depicts a well-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 appear, connecting to the Multiverse Saga and Incursions? This Galactus is a more character-driven portrayal than in Rise of the Silver Surfer, a humanoid figure towering over the Statue of Liberty, rather than a mere force of nature.

While Galactus is shown, his herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner), is absent from the teaser. We anticipate a similar character arc to Laurence Fishburne's portrayal in 2007, beginning as Galactus' herald but rebelling after encountering Earth and awakening memories of her mortal life.

Who Is John Malkovich Playing?

Galactus and Silver Surfer aren't the only antagonists. John Malkovich's brief appearance raises the question of his character. Rumors suggest Ivan Kragoff (The Red Ghost), known for his three super-powered apes, or Mole Man, a subterranean villain obsessed with conquering the surface world.

Malkovich likely plays a secondary villain clashing with the Fantastic Four. Their established status suggests a pre-existing rogues' gallery. The roles of Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles, and Paul Walter Hauser remain unconfirmed.

Meet the Fantastic Four

The teaser 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.

The Fantastic Four are established heroes, not undergoing an origin story. However, flashbacks to Ben Grimm's pre-Thing days and the accident granting them powers are included. The costumes are distinct, evoking John Byrne's classic comics, reflecting their scientific and adventurous nature.

Marketing emphasizes the Future Foundation, raising the possibility of younger heroes, including Franklin and Valeria Richards. Franklin's immense power might be connected to Galactus' targeting of Earth.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps arrives in theaters on July 25, 2025.

Will Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom appear? Vote in our poll and share your theories below.

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