The Fantastic Four: Where's Doctor Doom in New Trailer Drop?

Marvel's 2025 slate is packed, but The Fantastic Four: First Steps reigns supreme. This Phase 6 MCU opener introduces Pedro Pascal's Reed Richards and his family, promising a long-awaited, truly great Fantastic Four film.

The newly 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's Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom?

The Fantastic Four: First Steps - Trailer Stills

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Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom: A Mysterious Absence?

Last year's San Diego Comic-Con stunned audiences with the announcement of The Avengers: Doomsday, featuring Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom. This pairing, while unexpected, fuels speculation about Doom's role in First Steps and his ascension as a major Avengers threat.

Marvel's secrecy is palpable. The teaser offers no clear indication of Doom's involvement. Instead, it highlights a departure from previous Fantastic Four films. Unlike the prominent roles of Doom in earlier adaptations, First Steps prioritizes Galactus, Silver Surfer, and Malkovich's enigmatic character.

Given Doom's connection to the Fantastic Four and the film's proximity to Avengers: Doomsday, his appearance, even a brief one, seems likely. The key question revolves around his origin. Downey Jr.'s casting suggests a non-Earth-616 origin. Is he from the First Steps universe, a darker alternate Tony Stark, or from another reality entirely? Even a post-credits scene could shed light on his identity and motives. 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. This storyline draws inspiration from the classic "Galactus Trilogy," pitting the Fantastic Four against a cosmic entity threatening Earth's destruction.

Galactus's role in the cosmic Marvel hierarchy and his past as Galan of Taa are well-established. First Steps presents a well-established Fantastic Four facing their ultimate challenge. The film will explore the lengths Reed and his family will go to save Earth, possibly including the Ultimate Nullifier. This adaptation presents a more character-driven Galactus compared to previous portrayals.

While Galactus is featured, his herald, the gender-swapped Silver Surfer (Julia Garner), is absent from the teaser. Her arc will likely mirror previous iterations, starting as Galactus's herald before rebelling after encountering Earth.

Unmasking John Malkovich's Character

Beyond Galactus and Silver Surfer, John Malkovich's character remains a mystery. Speculation centers on Ivan Kragoff (The Red Ghost) or Mole Man. Malkovich's casting and past roles suggest Red Ghost, though the extent of his campy origins and the inclusion of super-powered apes remains uncertain. Alternatively, his appearance hints at Mole Man, another iconic villain. Regardless, he's likely a secondary antagonist. The teaser also features Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles, and Paul Walter Hauser, whose roles remain undisclosed.

Introducing the Fantastic Four

The teaser primarily showcases 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 film emphasizes their familial bond and the struggles within their dynamic, particularly Ben's transformation and Reed's guilt.

The Fantastic Four are established heroes, not newly formed, though flashbacks to their origin are hinted at. Their costumes differ significantly from previous adaptations, reflecting a more scientific and adventurous aesthetic. The Future Foundation, a key element in the comics, is also heavily promoted, suggesting the appearance of younger heroes, possibly Franklin Richards.

The film's release on July 25, 2025, promises to answer many questions, including the role of Doctor Doom and the connection between Franklin Richards and Galactus's attack.