The highly anticipated Marvel film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, is set to launch Phase 6 of the MCU, finally introducing Pedro Pascal's Reed Richards and his family. The newly released teaser trailer offers a closer look at the Fantastic Four, along with antagonists Galactus (voiced by Ralph Ineson) and a mysterious character played by John Malkovich. However, the absence of Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom, announced last year at San Diego Comic-Con as the villain in Avengers: Doomsday, leaves fans questioning his role.
The trailer notably downplays Doom, unlike previous Fantastic Four films which featured him prominently. This suggests a different approach, prioritizing Galactus and Silver Surfer (played by Julia Garner). While Doom's inclusion is almost certain given his connection to the Fantastic Four and the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, his origin and relationship to the film's universe remain unclear. Is he from Earth-616, or an alternate reality perhaps linked to a darker version of Tony Stark's life? His appearance, even if only a post-credits scene, is crucial for establishing his motivations and connection to the Avengers.
The trailer heavily features Galactus, drawing inspiration from the classic "Galactus Trilogy" comic arc. This version depicts Galactus in a humanoid form, a departure from previous cinematic portrayals. The film appears to showcase a well-established Fantastic Four facing their most significant challenge yet. The potential use of the Ultimate Nullifier and its connection to the Multiverse Saga remains a compelling question. Silver Surfer's role, though gender-swapped, is anticipated to follow a similar arc to previous iterations.
John Malkovich's character remains a mystery, with speculation pointing towards either Ivan Kragoff (The Red Ghost) or Mole Man. His appearance suggests a secondary villain who will clash with the Fantastic Four early in the film. The roles of other actors, including Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles, and Paul Walter Hauser, also remain unconfirmed.
The teaser highlights the Fantastic Four's familial dynamic, emphasizing their bond and internal conflicts. The film appears to be set after their origin, though flashbacks are expected. The costumes are a significant departure from previous adaptations, reflecting a more scientific and adventurous aesthetic, drawing inspiration from John Byrne's classic comics. The Future Foundation's prominence in marketing suggests the potential appearance of younger heroes, possibly including Franklin Richards, whose powers might be linked to Galactus's attack on Earth.
The film's release on July 25, 2025, promises to answer many questions surrounding Doctor Doom's role and the overall narrative. A poll included in the original article gauges audience expectations regarding Doctor Doom's appearance in The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
