Fantastic Four: First Steps - Doctor Doom's Absence in New Teaser Trailer

2025 marks a pivotal year for Marvel across all media, with no project more anticipated than *The Fantastic Four: First Steps*. This film not only heralds the start of Phase 6 of the MCU but also introduces Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, bringing his superhero family into the spotlight. Fans have waited decades for a truly great Fantastic Four movie, and with the release of the teaser trailer for *First Steps*, excitement is at an all-time high.

The teaser offers a closer look at the main quartet and introduces antagonists such as Ralph Ineson's Galactus and a mysterious character portrayed by John Malkovich. However, the burning question on everyone's mind is: where is Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom?

The Fantastic Four: First Steps - Trailer 1 Stills

20 Images

Where Is Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom?

Marvel made waves at last year's San Diego Comic-Con by announcing that *The Avengers 5* had been renamed *The Avengers: Doomsday* and that Robert Downey Jr. would play Doctor Doom. This surprising casting decision, given the deep history between Doom and Iron Man in the comics, has left fans eager to see how *The Fantastic Four* movie will set up Doom as the next major Avengers-level threat.

Marvel Studios is keeping details under wraps, and the teaser doesn't overtly hint at Doom's presence. Instead, it emphasizes a different narrative focus from previous Fantastic Four films. While Julian McMahon's Doom was central to the 2005 and 2007 films, and Toby Kebbell's Doom played a crucial role in the 2015 reboot, *First Steps* shifts the spotlight to Galactus, Silver Surfer, and John Malkovich's enigmatic character.

Given Doom's integral role as a Fantastic Four villain and the proximity of *First Steps* to *Avengers: Doomsday*, it's likely that the film will lay some groundwork for Doom's introduction. A key question fans hope to have answered is which universe Downey's Doom originates from. Is he from the same universe as *The Fantastic Four: First Steps*, or does he come from a different world where Tony Stark's path diverged into darkness? Even a brief appearance in a post-credits scene could set the stage for understanding this new character and his motivations against the MCU's Avengers.

Regardless of Doom's role, whether as a supporting villain or a cameo, the Fantastic Four will have their hands full with other challenges.

The teaser clearly positions Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds, as the primary antagonist. Voiced by Ralph Ineson, Galactus is one of Marvel's classic characters, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. He first appeared in *Fantastic Four #48* in 1966, initiating the "Galactus Trilogy," where he and his herald, the Silver Surfer, arrive to consume Earth.

Galactus' backstory is rich, having once been a mortal named Galan of Taa who, after surviving the pre-Big Bang universe, bonded with the Sentience of the Universe to become Galactus. His role in the cosmic hierarchy is to consume life-rich worlds, fulfilling a necessary function in the Marvel Universe's cycle of death and rebirth.

*First Steps* draws heavily from the Galactus Trilogy, portraying a well-established Fantastic Four facing their greatest challenge yet. The film raises the question of how far Reed Richards and his family will go to save Earth, possibly involving the Ultimate Nullifier, a weapon that could play into the larger Multiverse Saga and the concept of Incursions.

Unlike the 2007 film *Rise of the Silver Surfer*, which depicted Galactus as a cloud, *First Steps* presents him in a more traditional humanoid form, towering over landmarks like the Statue of Liberty. This choice emphasizes his character over his mere presence as a force of nature.

While Galactus is prominently featured, his herald, Silver Surfer, played by Julia Garner, is absent from the teaser. Silver Surfer's story traditionally involves a transformation from herald to hero, influenced by her connection to Earth and memories of her life on Zenn-La.

Although Galactus and Silver Surfer are the main threats, John Malkovich's appearance in the teaser suggests another villain's involvement. Rumors point to Malkovich playing Ivan Kragoff, aka The Red Ghost, a Soviet scientist who gains powers after recreating the Fantastic Four's space flight with three apes. Alternatively, he might portray Mole Man, a classic FF villain obsessed with conquering the surface world from his subterranean kingdom.

Malkovich's role, whether as Red Ghost or Mole Man, likely positions him as a secondary antagonist, adding to the Fantastic Four's established rogues' gallery. Other unconfirmed cast members include Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles, and Paul Walter Houser, sparking speculation about their Marvel characters.

The teaser primarily focuses on the Fantastic Four themselves, showcasing Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Susan Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bacharach as Ben Grimm. It also features their helper robot, H.E.R.B.I.E., emphasizing the team's dynamic as a family unit, complete with love and dysfunction.

The film seems to be set in a time when the FF are already celebrities, rather than an origin story. However, flashbacks to their origins, including pre-Thing Ben Grimm and the aftermath of their power-granting accident, suggest some exploration of their past.

The costumes in *First Steps* reflect a departure from previous designs, adopting a blue and white color scheme reminiscent of John Byrne's '80s comics. These outfits underscore the team's identity as scientists and adventurers rather than traditional superheroes.

Marvel's marketing has highlighted the Future Foundation, a comic book initiative by Reed to foster young super-geniuses. This raises the possibility of younger heroes appearing, including Reed and Sue's children, Franklin and Valeria. The "First Steps" title suggests themes of parenthood and child-rearing, with a strong chance of young Franklin Richards playing a role in the film, possibly linked to Galactus' interest in Earth.

*The Fantastic Four: First Steps* is set to hit theaters on July 25, 2025, promising to answer many of these questions and more.