2025 is shaping up to be a monumental year for Marvel across all media, but no project is more eagerly awaited than *The Fantastic Four: First Steps*. This film not only marks the beginning of Phase 6 in the MCU, but it also finally introduces Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards alongside his iconic superhero family. Fans have been waiting for decades for a truly exceptional Fantastic Four movie, and it seems that anticipation may soon be rewarded.

The newly released teaser trailer for *First Steps* offers an exciting glimpse into what's in store. We get a closer look at the main foursome and our first introduction to antagonists such as 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 the trailer reveals and what it leaves us wondering about.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps - Trailer 1 Stills

20 ImagesWhere Is Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom?

Last year's San Diego Comic-Con announcement that *The Avengers 5* was renamed *The Avengers: Doomsday* and that Robert Downey Jr. would be playing Doctor Doom was a shock to fans. Given the rich history between Doom and Iron Man in the comics, this casting choice was both surprising and intriguing. Naturally, fans are curious about how *The Fantastic Four: First Steps* will set the stage for Doom's role as a major Avengers-level threat.

Marvel Studios is keeping details close to the chest, and the teaser trailer offers no overt hints about Doom's presence. Instead, it highlights a different approach from previous Fantastic Four films. Julian McMahon's Doom was a central antagonist in both the 2005 and 2007 films, while Toby Kebbell's Doom played a key role in the 2015 reboot. This time, however, the focus shifts to Galactus, Silver Surfer, and the enigmatic character played by John Malkovich.

Despite the lack of Doom in the trailer, we can assume that *First Steps* will lay some groundwork for his character. As a primary Fantastic Four villain, Doom's introduction is crucial, especially with *Avengers: Doomsday* slated for release in May 2026. A key question we hope *First Steps* addresses is from which universe Downey's Doom originates. Given the casting, it's clear he's not from Earth-616. Is he from the same universe as *The Fantastic Four: First Steps*, or perhaps a world where Tony Stark's life took a darker turn? Even a post-credits scene could provide some insight into this character and his motives against the MCU's Avengers.

Whatever role Doom plays in *First Steps*, whether as a supporting villain or a brief cameo, he won't be the main focus. The Fantastic Four have bigger challenges to tackle—literally.

The teaser trailer clearly sets the stage for the Fantastic Four's confrontation with Galactus, the self-proclaimed Devourer of Worlds, voiced by Ralph Ineson of *Game of Thrones* fame. Galactus, a classic Marvel character created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, debuted in 1966's *Fantastic Four #48*, marking the beginning of the iconic "Galactus Trilogy." In that storyline, Galactus and his herald, the Silver Surfer, arrive to consume the planet, forcing the Fantastic Four to take desperate measures against their colossal foe.

Subsequent Marvel stories have further explored Galactus' origins and his role in the cosmic hierarchy. Once a mortal named Galan of Taa, he survived the pre-Big Bang universe and bonded with the Sentience of the Universe, evolving into Galactus. Since then, he has roamed the cosmos, seeking life-rich planets to satisfy his endless hunger.

Galactus is less a traditional supervillain and more a cosmic entity serving a necessary function within the Marvel Universe. His consumption of planets is part of the larger cycle of death and rebirth. Yet, for those on targeted worlds, this cosmic necessity offers little solace.

First Steps draws inspiration from the classic Galactus Trilogy, presenting a well-established Fantastic Four with a devoted following now facing their greatest challenge. The question remains: how far will Reed and his family go to save Earth from destruction? In the comics, Reed uses the Ultimate Nullifier against Galactus, a device capable of destroying and remaking the multiverse. Will we see this weapon in the film, and could it tie into the broader Multiverse Saga and Incursions?

Unlike the 2007 film *Rise of the Silver Surfer*, where Galactus was depicted as a cloud, *First Steps* presents him in a more traditional humanoid form, towering over landmarks like the Statue of Liberty. This choice suggests a more character-driven portrayal, emphasizing his presence rather than just his destructive power.

While Galactus appears in the teaser, his herald, the Silver Surfer, does not. Julia Garner has been cast as a gender-swapped Silver Surfer, who originally debuted alongside Galactus in *Fantastic Four #48*. Traditionally, the Silver Surfer scouts planets for Galactus but ultimately turns against him after being moved by Earth's plight. Expect a similar arc in *First Steps*, with the Surfer's encounter with Earth reawakening memories of her life on Zenn-La, prompting her rebellion.

Although Galactus and Silver Surfer are the primary antagonists, the teaser also hints at additional foes. A brief shot of a bearded John Malkovich raises questions about his character. Rumors suggest he may be playing Ivan Kragoff, aka The Red Ghost, a Soviet scientist who gains powers similar to the Fantastic Four after recreating their fateful space flight, but with apes. Given Malkovich's history with Russian roles, this casting seems plausible. However, it remains to be seen how much the film will embrace the character's campy origins and whether he'll be joined by super-powered apes.

Another possibility is that Malkovich is portraying Mole Man, another classic FF villain rumored to appear in *First Steps*. As a ruler of the subterranean Moloids, Mole Man seeks to conquer the surface world. Malkovich's appearance suggests a character accustomed to underground living.

Regardless of which villain Malkovich plays, it's likely he'll serve as a secondary antagonist, clashing with the Fantastic Four early in the film. Given the team's established status, it's fitting that they'd have a rogues' gallery of their own.

Malkovich's role is one of several yet to be confirmed, with actors like Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles, and Paul Walter Hauser also starring in the film. We invite you to share your theories about their potential characters in the comments.

The teaser primarily showcases the Fantastic Four themselves: Pedro Pascal's brilliant scientist and family patriarch Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby's intrepid Susan Storm, Joseph Quinn's hotheaded Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach's stubborn Ben Grimm. We also catch a glimpse of the family's robot helper, H.E.R.B.I.E.

The teaser emphasizes the Fantastic Four as a family unit as much as a superhero team, highlighting their love and dysfunction. It suggests a focus on Ben's struggle with his monstrous transformation and Reed's guilt over causing it.

Unlike previous FF films, *First Steps* is set in a time when the team is already well-established and celebrated as heroes. While it's not an origin story, the trailer includes flashbacks to the team's beginnings, such as pre-Thing Ben Grimm in archival footage and scenes depicting the aftermath of their power-granting accident.

The costumes in First Steps differ significantly from past films, adopting a blue and white color scheme reminiscent of John Byrne's '80s comics. These suits emphasize the team's identity as scientists and adventurers, with functional Space Age uniforms reflecting each character's personality.

Much of Marvel's marketing for the film has centered around the Future Foundation, a concept from the comics where Reed nurtures young super-geniuses. This raises the possibility of younger heroes, including Reed and Sue's children, Franklin and Valeria, appearing in the film. The "First Steps" title suggests themes of parenthood and raising children, hinting at their involvement.

There's a strong likelihood of seeing young Franklin Richards, whose immense powers could be a reason for Galactus' interest in Earth. We'll discover more when *The Fantastic Four: First Steps* premieres on July 25, 2025.

Share your thoughts and theories about Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom's potential appearance in the comments below.