The Fantastic Four: First Steps - Where Is Doctor Doom In the New Teaser Trailer?

Marvel's 2025: A Closer Look at The Fantastic Four: First Steps

2025 marks a pivotal year for Marvel, with The Fantastic Four: First Steps standing as a highly anticipated cornerstone of Phase 6. This film not only launches Phase 6 but also introduces Pedro Pascal's Reed Richards and the Fantastic Four to the MCU. The long wait for a truly exceptional Fantastic Four film may finally be over.

The recently released teaser trailer offers a detailed look at the core team and provides our first glimpse of antagonists like Ralph Ineson's Galactus and John Malkovich's enigmatic character. However, one question dominates fan discussions: where is Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom? Let's analyze the trailer's reveals and omissions.

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The Absence of Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom

Marvel's San Diego Comic-Con announcement last year, revealing Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom in The Avengers: Doomsday, was a surprising revelation. The connection between Doom and Iron Man in the comics adds intrigue, but fans are curious about Doom's role in setting up the next major Avengers threat.

Marvel Studios is maintaining secrecy. The teaser offers no direct hints of Doom's presence. Instead, it highlights a different approach compared to previous Fantastic Four films. Julian McMahon and Toby Kebbell's portrayals of Doom were central to their respective films, but this iteration prioritizes Galactus, Silver Surfer, and John Malkovich's character.

First Steps will likely play a role in establishing Doom, given his connection to the Fantastic Four and the film's proximity to Avengers: Doomsday. The key question is Doom's origin. Given the casting choice, he's unlikely to be from Earth-616. Is he from the First Steps universe? An alternate Tony Stark timeline? Or another universe entirely? Even a post-credits appearance could clarify his identity and motivations. Regardless, Doom won't be the central antagonist.

The Fantastic Four Confront Galactus

The teaser clearly establishes Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds (voiced by Ralph Ineson), as the primary antagonist. Galactus, a classic Marvel character, debuted in 1966's Fantastic Four #48, initiating the "Galactus Trilogy." This storyline depicts Galactus and Silver Surfer's attempt to consume Earth, forcing the Fantastic Four to take drastic measures.

Later stories expanded Galactus' backstory and cosmic role. Once Galan of Taa, a survivor of a pre-Big Bang universe, he transformed into Galactus after bonding with universal energy. He travels the cosmos, seeking life-sustaining worlds.

Galactus isn't simply a supervillain but a cosmic entity fulfilling a cyclical function of death and rebirth. However, this offers little comfort to those whose worlds he targets.

First Steps seems inspired by the Galactus Trilogy, portraying an established Fantastic Four facing their greatest challenge. The film will likely explore the lengths Reed and his family will go to save Earth. The use of the Ultimate Nullifier, a multiverse-altering weapon, from the comics remains a possibility.

This version of Galactus appears more character-driven than the depiction in Rise of the Silver Surfer, where he was a cloud-like entity. Ineson's casting suggests a more developed character.

While Galactus is shown, his herald, Silver Surfer (played by Julia Garner), is absent from the teaser. Silver Surfer's arc, similar to Laurence Fishburne's portrayal in 2007, is expected to involve a transition from Galactus' herald to a rebel against her master.

Unmasking John Malkovich's Character

Besides Galactus and Silver Surfer, the teaser features John Malkovich, raising questions about his role. Rumors suggest he plays Ivan Kragoff (The Red Ghost), a Soviet scientist with super-powered apes. Malkovich's past roles suggest this is plausible, but the extent of the character's campy origins and the inclusion of the apes remain uncertain.

Another possibility is Mole Man, a classic Fantastic Four villain. Malkovich's appearance hints at a character who has spent time underground.

Likely, Malkovich plays a secondary antagonist clashing with the Fantastic Four. Given their established status, a rogues' gallery is fitting. The roles of Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles, and Paul Walter Hauser also remain unconfirmed.

Introducing the Fantastic Four

The teaser focuses on the Fantastic Four: Pedro Pascal's Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby's Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn's Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bacharach's Ben Grimm, along with H.E.R.B.I.E.

The emphasis on family dynamics is evident, highlighting both love and conflict. Ben's struggle with his transformation and Reed's guilt are likely central themes.

The film depicts an established Fantastic Four, not an origin story. However, flashbacks to the team's origins are expected.

The costumes differ significantly from previous films, resembling John Byrne's classic 1980s designs. They reflect the team's scientific and adventurous nature.

Marketing emphasizes the Future Foundation, raising the possibility of younger heroes, including Franklin and Valeria Richards. Franklin's immense power might be connected to Galactus' targeting of Earth.

A final verdict on Doctor Doom's appearance will have to wait until the film's release on July 25, 2025.