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

2025 is set to be a monumental year for Marvel across various media, but none more so than with the highly anticipated release of *The Fantastic Four: First Steps*. This film not only marks the beginning of Phase 6 of the MCU but also introduces fans to Pedro Pascal's portrayal of Reed Richards and his superhero family. After years of anticipation, it seems that our wait for a truly exceptional Fantastic Four movie may finally come to an end.

The newly released teaser trailer for *First Steps* has heightened excitement, offering an intimate look at the main quartet and our first glimpse of antagonists such as Ralph Ineson's Galactus and John Malkovich's mysterious character. Yet, the burning question on many fans' minds remains—where is Robert Downey, Jr.'s Doctor Doom? Let's delve into what the trailer reveals and what it keeps hidden.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps - Trailer 1 Stills

20 ImagesWhere Is Robert Downey, Jr.’s Doctor Doom?

The announcement at last year's San Diego Comic-Con that *The Avengers 5* has been retitled *The Avengers: Doomsday* and that Robert Downey, Jr. would portray Doctor Doom sent shockwaves through the fan community. Given the rich history between Doom and Iron Man in the comics, this was a surprising yet thrilling reveal. Fans are eager to understand how *The Fantastic Four* movie will set the stage for Doom's emergence as the next major Avengers-level threat.

Marvel Studios is keeping the details under wraps, and the teaser for *First Steps* does not overtly hint at Doom's involvement. Instead, it emphasizes a fresh approach, distinct from previous iterations. Unlike Julian McMahon's prominent role as Doom in the 2005 and 2007 films, or Toby Kebbell's central portrayal in the 2015 reboot, this film downplays Doom to focus on Galactus, Silver Surfer, and the enigmatic John Malkovich character.

Given Doom's fundamental connection to the Fantastic Four, we anticipate that *First Steps* will play a role in establishing his presence. With *Avengers: Doomsday* slated for release in May 2026, this film is one of the last opportunities to tease the new Avengers villain. A key question is the origin of Downey's Doom—whether he comes from the same universe as *First Steps* or a different one entirely, perhaps a darker version of Tony Stark's world. Even a brief appearance in a post-credits scene could shed light on his character and his motives against the MCU's Avengers.

Regardless of Doom's role in *First Steps*, whether as a supporting villain or a cameo, the Fantastic Four's primary challenge remains clear.

The teaser makes it abundantly clear that the Fantastic Four's main adversary in this film will be Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds, voiced by Ralph Ineson. This iconic character, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, first appeared in 1966's *Fantastic Four #48*, marking the beginning of the famous "Galactus Trilogy." In this storyline, Galactus and his herald, the Silver Surfer, target Earth for consumption, pushing the Fantastic Four to their limits.

Galactus, once a mortal named Galan of Taa, transformed into a cosmic entity after bonding with the Sentience of the Universe. His role in the Marvel cosmos involves consuming planets to sustain himself, a function that, while necessary, spells doom for those planets and their inhabitants.

First Steps draws heavily from the Galactus Trilogy, portraying the Fantastic Four as established heroes facing their most formidable challenge yet. The question arises: to what lengths will Reed and his family go to protect Earth? In the comics, Reed uses the Ultimate Nullifier to threaten Galactus, a device capable of reshaping the multiverse. Will this weapon feature in the film, and could it tie into the larger Multiverse Saga and Incursions narrative?

Unlike the 2007 film's depiction of Galactus as a cloud, *First Steps* presents him in his classic humanoid form, towering over landmarks like the Statue of Liberty. This choice suggests a more character-driven portrayal, emphasizing Ineson's casting.

While the teaser offers glimpses of Galactus, it does not feature his herald, the Silver Surfer, portrayed by Julia Garner. Traditionally, the Silver Surfer scouts planets for Galactus but ultimately rebels against him upon encountering Earth. Expect a similar arc in the film, despite the gender swap of the character.

While Galactus and the Silver Surfer are central to the film, the teaser hints at additional antagonists, notably featuring John Malkovich. Speculation abounds about his character, with rumors suggesting he might portray Ivan Kragoff, the Red Ghost, a Soviet scientist who gains powers alongside his super-powered apes. Alternatively, Malkovich could be playing Mole Man, a classic Fantastic Four villain obsessed with conquering the surface world from his underground realm.

Regardless of his role, Malkovich's character appears to be a secondary villain, likely clashing with the Fantastic Four early in the film. The team's established status suggests a developed rogues' gallery. Other actors, including Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles, and Paul Walter Houser, also have roles that remain unconfirmed, sparking further speculation among fans.

The teaser primarily focuses on the Fantastic Four themselves: Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Susan Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bacharach as Ben Grimm. It also introduces the team's robot helper, H.E.R.B.I.E., emphasizing the family dynamics that underpin their superhero team. The film appears to delve into Ben's struggle with his monstrous transformation and Reed's guilt over causing it.

Rather than serving as an origin story, *First Steps* seems to be set in a time when the Fantastic Four are already celebrated heroes. However, flashbacks to their origins are included, offering glimpses of pre-Thing Ben Grimm and the accident that empowered the team.

The costumes in First Steps reflect a significant departure from past films, adopting a blue and white color scheme reminiscent of John Byrne's '80s comics. These uniforms suggest the team's identity as scientists and adventurers, rather than traditional superheroes.

Marketing for the film has highlighted the Future Foundation, a comic book initiative by Reed to mentor young super-geniuses. This raises questions about the potential inclusion of Reed and Sue's children, Franklin and Valeria, aligning with the film's title, "First Steps," which hints at themes of parenthood and family.

The presence of young Franklin Richards, one of the most powerful beings in the Marvel Universe, might be linked to Galactus' interest in Earth. Fans will discover more when *The Fantastic Four: First Steps* premieres on July 25, 2025.

What are your thoughts on the potential appearance of Downey's Doctor Doom in the film? Share your theories in the comments below.