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

2025 marks a pivotal year for Marvel across various media, but no project is more eagerly awaited than "The Fantastic Four: First Steps." This film not only heralds the beginning of Phase 6 of the MCU but also introduces Pedro Pascal's Reed Richards and his iconic superhero family. After decades of anticipation, fans are hopeful that this will finally deliver the definitive Fantastic Four movie they've been longing for.

The excitement is palpable with the release of the teaser trailer for "First Steps," offering a closer look at the main foursome and introducing us to antagonists like Ralph Ineson's Galactus and John Malkovich's enigmatic character. Yet, the burning question on every fan's mind remains: where is Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom? Let's dive into what the trailer reveals and what it keeps under wraps.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps - Trailer 1 Stills

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Where Is Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom?

Marvel made waves at last year's San Diego Comic-Con by announcing that "The Avengers 5" has been renamed "The Avengers: Doomsday" and that Doctor Doom would be portrayed by Robert Downey Jr. This unexpected casting, given the history between Doom and Iron Man in the comics, has left fans buzzing with anticipation. They're eager to see how "First Steps" sets the stage for Doom as the next major Avengers-level threat.

True to form, Marvel Studios is keeping their cards close to the chest. The teaser trailer doesn't overtly hint at Doom's presence, instead emphasizing a fresh approach different from previous Fantastic Four films. While Julian McMahon and Toby Kebbell's versions of Doom were central to past movies, "First Steps" shifts focus to Galactus, Silver Surfer, and John Malkovich's mysterious character.

Given Doom's primary connection to the Fantastic Four, it's reasonable to expect "First Steps" to lay some groundwork for his introduction. With "The Avengers: Doomsday" slated for May 2026, this film is one of the last opportunities to tease the next big Avengers villain. The key question fans hope to have answered is the origin of Downey's Doom. Is he from the same universe as "First Steps," or does he hail from a different, darker reality? Even a brief appearance in a post-credits scene could set the stage for his character and his motivations against the MCU's Avengers.

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

The Fantastic Four vs. Galactus

The teaser trailer clearly establishes Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds, as the primary antagonist the Fantastic Four will face. Voiced by Ralph Ineson, known from "Game of Thrones," Galactus is a classic Marvel character created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, first appearing in 1966's Fantastic Four #48. In this iconic "Galactus Trilogy," he and his herald, the Silver Surfer, arrive to consume Earth, prompting desperate action from the Fantastic Four.

Galactus' backstory has been expanded over time, revealing him as Galan of Taa, a mortal who survived the pre-Big Bang universe and evolved into the cosmic entity known as Galactus. His role in the universe is to consume life-rich worlds, a necessary part of the cosmic cycle of death and rebirth, though this offers little solace to those on his targeted planets.

"First Steps" appears to draw heavily from the Galactus Trilogy, portraying a well-established Fantastic Four facing their most daunting challenge yet. The question remains how far Reed and his family will go to protect Earth, perhaps even using the Ultimate Nullifier, a weapon capable of reshaping the multiverse, which could tie into the broader Multiverse Saga and the issue of Incursions.

Unlike the 2007 film "Rise of the Silver Surfer," where Galactus was depicted as a cloud, "First Steps" presents him in his humanoid form, towering over landmarks like the Statue of Liberty. This approach suggests a more character-driven portrayal, enhanced by Ineson's casting.

While Galactus features prominently, his herald, Silver Surfer, played by Julia Garner, is notably absent from the teaser. In the comics, Silver Surfer scouts planets for Galactus but eventually rebels after bonding with Earth. Despite the gender swap, expect a similar arc for Garner's character, reflecting her journey from loyal herald to defiant hero.

Who Is John Malkovich Playing?

While Galactus and Silver Surfer are central to the film, John Malkovich's brief appearance in the teaser has sparked speculation about his role. Rumors suggest he might be playing Ivan Kragoff, aka The Red Ghost, a Soviet scientist who gains powers similar to the Fantastic Four, alongside his team of super-powered apes. Given Malkovich's history with Russian roles, this seems plausible, though it's unclear how much the film will lean into the character's comic origins.

Another theory posits Malkovich as Mole Man, another iconic FF villain rumored to appear. Known for his subterranean kingdom and obsession with conquering the surface world, Mole Man's appearance could fit with Malkovich's rugged look in the teaser. Either way, Malkovich's character is likely to be a secondary villain, providing early challenges for the well-established Fantastic Four.

Other actors, including Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles, and Paul Walter Hauser, also have unconfirmed roles, adding to the intrigue and anticipation surrounding the film.

Meet the Fantastic Four

The teaser prominently features the Fantastic Four themselves: Pedro Pascal as the brilliant Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as the fearless Susan Storm, Joseph Quinn as the fiery Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as the steadfast Ben Grimm. We also see glimpses of their robot assistant, H.E.R.B.I.E.

The film emphasizes the family dynamic, showcasing the love and tensions within the group. Ben's struggle with his monstrous form and Reed's guilt over causing it are highlighted, suggesting a deep dive into their relationships and personal challenges.

Unlike previous films, "First Steps" is not an origin story but portrays the FF as established celebrity heroes. Flashbacks hint at their origins, but the focus is on their current status and adventures. The costumes, with a blue and white color scheme reminiscent of John Byrne's classic comics, reflect their identities as scientists and explorers rather than traditional superheroes.

Marvel's marketing has emphasized the Future Foundation, a concept from the comics where Reed nurtures young geniuses. This could hint at the inclusion of younger heroes, like Reed and Sue's children, Franklin and Valeria, and raise questions about their role in the story, particularly with Galactus targeting Earth.

Fans are eager to see how "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" unfolds, especially with the looming presence of Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom. As the film hits theaters on July 25, 2025, anticipation continues to build for this pivotal addition to the MCU.