2025 is a monumental year for Marvel, but no project looms larger than The Fantastic Four: First Steps. This Phase 6 MCU opener 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? Let's analyze the trailer.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps - Trailer 1 Stills
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Where Is Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom?
Marvel's San Diego Comic-Con announcement that The Avengers 5, retitled The Avengers: Doomsday, would feature Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom was a surprising revelation. Fans are eager to see how 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 Fantastic Four films. Julian McMahon's and Toby Kebbell's Dooms were central villains, but First Steps downplays Doom, focusing instead on Galactus, Silver Surfer, and John Malkovich's enigmatic character.
First Steps, preceding Avengers: Doomsday (May 2026), must tease the next Avengers villain. A key question is Doom's origin. Given the casting, he's not from Earth-616. Is he from the First Steps universe, a darker Tony Stark, or another world entirely? Even a post-credits appearance could establish his identity and motivations. Regardless, Doom won't be the central antagonist.
## The Fantastic Four vs. GalactusThe 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." The story depicts Galactus and his herald, Silver Surfer, attempting to consume Earth, forcing the Fantastic Four to desperate measures.
Later stories expand on Galactus's past and cosmic role. Once Galan of Taa, a survivor of a pre-Big Bang universe, he bonded with the Sentience of the Universe, becoming Galactus. He travels the cosmos, seeking life-sustaining worlds. Galactus isn't simply a villain; he's a cosmic entity involved in a cycle of death and rebirth.
First Steps draws inspiration from the Galactus Trilogy, portraying the established Fantastic Four facing their greatest challenge. The film explores the lengths Reed and his family will go to save Earth. Will the Ultimate Nullifier, a multiverse-altering weapon, appear, connecting to the Multiverse Saga and Incursions?
This Galactus is a more comic-book-accurate portrayal than in Rise of the Silver Surfer, depicted here in humanoid form, towering over the Statue of Liberty, rather than as a force of nature. Ineson's casting reinforces this character-driven approach.
While Galactus is shown, his herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner), is absent from the teaser. Silver Surfer, also introduced in Fantastic Four #48, initially served Galactus but later rebelled, becoming a Marvel hero. First Steps' gender-swapped Silver Surfer likely follows a similar arc to Laurence Fishburne's portrayal in the 2007 film.
## Who Is John Malkovich Playing?Galactus and Silver Surfer are the main antagonists, but not the only ones. The teaser shows John Malkovich, raising the question of his character.
One theory suggests he plays Ivan Kragoff (The Red Ghost), a Soviet scientist who gains powers and leads the Super-Apes. Malkovich's history of playing Russian characters makes this plausible, though the film's treatment of the character's campy origins is uncertain.
Another possibility is Mole Man, a classic Fantastic Four villain. Shunned for his appearance, Mole Man rules the Moloids and seeks to conquer the surface world. Malkovich's appearance suggests a subterranean existence.
Malkovich likely portrays a secondary villain clashing with the Fantastic Four. Their established status suggests a developed rogues' gallery. Other unconfirmed actors include Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles, and Paul Walter Hauser.
## Meet the Fantastic FourThe 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 emphasis is on their familial bond, highlighting both love and conflict. The film focuses on Ben's struggle with his transformation and Reed's guilt.
The Fantastic Four are established heroes, not origin stories like the 2005 and 2015 films. However, flashbacks to Ben Grimm before his transformation and the accident's aftermath are included.
The costumes differ from previous films, adopting a blue and white scheme reminiscent of John Byrne's 1980s comics, reflecting their scientific and adventurous nature.
Marvel's marketing emphasizes the Future Foundation, established by Reed to mentor young geniuses. This raises the possibility of younger heroes, including Franklin and Valeria Richards. The "First Steps" title hints at parenthood themes. Franklin's immense power might be connected to Galactus's targeting of Earth.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps arrives in theaters on July 25, 2025.
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