2025 marks a monumental year for Marvel, but no project looms larger than The Fantastic Four: First Steps. This Phase 6 MCU kickoff finally introduces Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards and his iconic 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?

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 (renamed The Avengers: Doomsday) would feature Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom was a surprise. 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 vest. 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 major villains, but this iteration downplays Doom, focusing instead on Galactus, Silver Surfer, and John Malkovich's enigmatic character.

First Steps must establish Doom's role, given his connection to the Fantastic Four and its release before Avengers: Doomsday in May 2026. A key question is Doom's origin universe. He's clearly not from Earth-616, but is he from the First Steps universe? Is this a world where Tony Stark's life took a darker turn? Or is he from another reality entirely? Even a post-credits appearance would clarify his role and motives.

Regardless of his role, Doom won't be the central focus. The Fantastic Four face far greater, literal, challenges.

The Fantastic Four vs. Galactus

The teaser showcases Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds, voiced by Ralph Ineson (Game of Thrones), as the primary antagonist. Drawing inspiration from the classic "Galactus Trilogy," the film depicts a well-established Fantastic Four facing their ultimate challenge.

The film explores the lengths Reed and his family will go to save Earth. Will the Ultimate Nullifier appear, connecting to the Multiverse Saga and Incursions? This Galactus is a more character-driven portrayal than in Rise of the Silver Surfer, a humanoid figure towering over the Statue of Liberty, rather than a mere force of nature.

While Galactus is shown, his herald, Silver Surfer (played by Julia Garner), is absent from the teaser. We can expect a similar character arc to Laurence Fishburne's portrayal in the 2007 film, beginning 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), a Soviet scientist with super-powered apes, or Mole Man, an underground king obsessed with conquering the surface world. Malkovich's appearance suggests a character who has lived underground.

He likely serves as a secondary villain, fitting with the established Fantastic Four facing established foes. The roles of Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles, and Paul Walter Hauser remain unconfirmed.

Meet the Fantastic Four

The teaser primarily 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 film emphasizes their familial bonds and the resulting dynamics.

The film appears to be set after the team's establishment, though flashbacks to their origin are hinted at. The costumes differ from previous iterations, reflecting a more scientific and adventurous aesthetic, inspired by John Byrne's classic comics.

The Future Foundation, a key element of Marvel's marketing, suggests the inclusion of younger heroes, potentially including Franklin and Valeria Richards. Franklin's immense power raises questions about Galactus' targeting of Earth.

Fantastic Four: First Steps hits theaters July 25, 2025.

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For more on the future of the Marvel Universe, see what to expect from Marvel in 2025 and every Marvel movie and series in development.