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

The recently released teaser trailer offers a closer look at the foursome and first glimpses 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?

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Where Is Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom?

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

Marvel is keeping details close to the chest. The teaser offers no overt hints of Doom's presence, highlighting a different approach than previous films. Unlike the significant villain roles of Julian McMahon and Toby Kebbell in earlier adaptations, First Steps prioritizes Galactus, Silver Surfer, and John Malkovich's character.

We assume First Steps will establish Doom's role, given his connection to the Fantastic Four and the film's release before Avengers: Doomsday. The key question is Doom's origin. He's clearly not from Earth-616, but is he from the First Steps universe, an alternate Tony Stark reality, or another universe entirely? Even a post-credits appearance could reveal his motives and target.

Regardless, Doom won't be the central antagonist; the Fantastic Four face much larger, literal problems.

The Fantastic Four vs. Galactus

The teaser clearly establishes Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds, voiced by Ralph Ineson (Game of Thrones), as the primary antagonist. Inspired by the classic "Galactus Trilogy," the film depicts the established Fantastic Four facing their greatest challenge yet.

The film explores the lengths Reed and his family will go to save Earth. Will the Ultimate Nullifier, capable of destroying and remaking the multiverse, appear, connecting to the Multiverse Saga and Incursions? This Galactus is more character-driven than the force of nature depicted in Rise of the Silver Surfer, reflecting Ineson's casting.

While Galactus is shown, his herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner), is not. We anticipate a similar character arc to Laurence Fishburne's portrayal in 2007, starting as Galactus' herald before rebelling.

Who Is John Malkovich Playing?

Beyond Galactus and Silver Surfer, John Malkovich's character is a mystery. Rumors suggest Ivan Kragoff (Red Ghost) or Mole Man. Malkovich's casting as Red Ghost, given his history with Russian roles, is plausible, though the extent of his campy origins and the inclusion of super-powered apes remains uncertain.

Alternatively, Malkovich could be Mole Man, fitting his appearance. Regardless, he's likely a secondary villain clashing with the Fantastic Four early in the film.

The roles of Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles, and Paul Walter Hauser remain unconfirmed.

Meet the Fantastic Four

The teaser focuses on the Fantastic Four: Pedro Pascal's Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby's Susan 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 familial bond and dysfunction.

The film showcases the established Fantastic Four, not their origin story. However, flashbacks to Ben Grimm's pre-Thing days and the accident's aftermath are expected. The costumes are distinct, resembling John Byrne's classic comics, reflecting their scientific and adventurous nature.

Marketing focuses on the Future Foundation, hinting at the potential appearance of younger heroes, including Franklin and Valeria Richards. Franklin's immense power may be connected to Galactus's targeting of Earth.

Fantastic Four: First Steps releases July 25, 2025.

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