Doctor Doom's Absence in Fantastic Four's First Steps Teaser Trailer

2025 marks a monumental year for Marvel across various media, but none more so than the eagerly awaited release of "The Fantastic Four: First Steps." This film not only launches Phase 6 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) but also introduces Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, alongside his iconic superhero family. Fans have been longing for a truly remarkable Fantastic Four movie, and it seems their wait might soon be over.

The excitement is palpable with the release of the teaser trailer for "First Steps." It offers an intimate look at the main quartet and introduces us to antagonists like Ralph Ineson's Galactus and John Malkovich's mysterious character. However, the burning question on many fans' minds remains—where is Robert Downey, Jr.'s Doctor Doom? Let's delve into what we see and don't see in this intriguing trailer.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps - Trailer 1 Stills

20 ImagesWhere Is Robert Downey, Jr.’s Doctor Doom?

Marvel sent shockwaves through the fan community at last year's San Diego Comic-Con by announcing that "The Avengers 5" has been retitled "The Avengers: Doomsday" and that Robert Downey, Jr. would portray Doctor Doom. Given the storied rivalry between Doom and Iron Man in the comics, this casting choice was both unexpected and thrilling. Now, fans are eager to understand how "First Steps" will lay the groundwork for Doom's emergence as a formidable Avengers-level threat.

Marvel Studios is keeping their cards close to the chest, as the teaser offers no direct hints about Doom's involvement. Instead, it emphasizes a fresh approach for "First Steps," distancing itself from previous iterations. While Julian McMahon's Doom was central to the 2005 and 2007 films, and Toby Kebbell's Doom was pivotal in the 2015 reboot, this time Marvel is shifting focus to Galactus, Silver Surfer, and the enigmatic John Malkovich. Yet, we can't help but anticipate some role for Doom in "First Steps." As a quintessential Fantastic Four adversary and with "Avengers: Doomsday" looming in May 2026, a teaser of Doom's menace feels inevitable.

The big question is the origin of Downey's Doom. Clearly not from Earth-616, could he be from the universe of "First Steps"? Is this a reality where Tony Stark's life veered into darker territory? Or does he hail from another dimension entirely? Even if Doom's appearance is limited to a post-credits scene, we hope "First Steps" will shed light on his character and his motives for targeting the MCU's Avengers.

Regardless of Doom's role in "First Steps," whether as a supporting villain or a fleeting cameo, the Fantastic Four have their hands full with more immediate threats.

The teaser clearly indicates that Galactus, the self-proclaimed Devourer of Worlds, will be the primary antagonist in "First Steps." Voiced by Ralph Ineson of "Game of Thrones" fame, Galactus is a monumental threat. A creation of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, he first appeared in 1966's "Fantastic Four #48," launching the iconic "Galactus Trilogy." In that story, Galactus and his herald, the Silver Surfer, arrive to consume Earth, pushing the Fantastic Four to their limits.

Galactus's backstory has been richly developed in subsequent Marvel tales. Once a mortal named Galan of Taa, he survived the pre-Big Bang universe and bonded with the Sentience of the Universe to become Galactus. His role is integral to the cosmic order, consuming worlds to sustain the cycle of death and rebirth. Yet, for those on a planet targeted by Galactus, this cosmic necessity offers little solace.

"First Steps" appears to draw heavily from the Galactus Trilogy, portraying a well-established Fantastic Four with a devoted following. They now confront their greatest challenge—saving their world from Galactus's hunger. How far will Reed and his family go to protect Earth? In the comics, Reed wielded the Ultimate Nullifier against Galactus. Will this weapon, capable of destroying and remaking the multiverse, feature in the film and tie into the broader Multiverse Saga and the threat of Incursions?

Unlike the 2007 film's depiction of Galactus as a cloud-like force, "First Steps" presents him in his traditional humanoid form, looming over landmarks like the Statue of Liberty. Casting Ineson suggests a more character-driven portrayal of Galactus. While the teaser offers glimpses of Galactus, we don't see his herald, Silver Surfer. Julia Garner plays this role, and though the character is gender-swapped, the core narrative is expected to remain similar—Silver Surfer will start as Galactus's scout but rebel after rediscovering her humanity on Earth, echoing the arc seen in the 2007 film.

While Galactus and Silver Surfer are the main adversaries, the teaser hints at additional threats, notably featuring John Malkovich. Rumors suggest he might portray Ivan Kragoff, aka The Red Ghost, a Soviet scientist who gains powers akin to the Fantastic Four. His team, Red Ghost and the Super-Apes, adds a quirky element to the film. Given Malkovich's history with Russian roles, this casting seems plausible. Alternatively, he could be playing Mole Man, a classic Fantastic Four villain rumored to appear in "First Steps." Malkovich's rugged appearance suggests a character accustomed to underground life.

We suspect Malkovich's role will be that of a secondary villain, engaging the Fantastic Four early in the film. With the team already established, facing a diverse rogues' gallery makes sense. Other actors like Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles, and Paul Walter Hauser also have unconfirmed roles, sparking fan theories and anticipation.

The teaser primarily showcases the Fantastic Four, highlighting Pedro Pascal's Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby's Susan Storm, Joseph Quinn's Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bacharach's Ben Grimm. We also catch a glimpse of their helper robot, H.E.R.B.I.E. The emphasis is on the family dynamic, with Ben's struggle to accept his monstrous form and Reed's guilt over causing it taking center stage.

Unlike previous films, "First Steps" isn't an origin story but portrays the team as established celebrity heroes. Flashbacks hint at their origins, including pre-Thing Ben Grimm and the aftermath of their power-granting accident. The new costumes, with a blue and white color scheme reminiscent of John Byrne's '80s comics, reflect the team's identity as scientists and adventurers rather than traditional superheroes.

Marvel's marketing has spotlighted the Future Foundation, Reed's initiative to nurture the next generation of super-geniuses. This raises questions about the inclusion of younger heroes, perhaps even Reed and Sue's children, Franklin and Valeria. The "First Steps" title suggests themes of parenthood and the challenges of raising children. Franklin, one of the most powerful beings in the Marvel Universe, might explain Galactus's interest in Earth.

"The Fantastic Four: First Steps" promises to be a thrilling addition to the MCU, set to hit theaters on July 25, 2025. Fans are invited to share their theories and vote on whether Robert Downey, Jr.'s Doctor Doom will make an appearance in the film.