The Fantastic Four: First Steps - Where Is Doctor Doom In the New Teaser Trailer?

2025 marks a monumental year for Marvel, but no project looms larger than The Fantastic Four: First Steps. This Phase 6 MCU launch finally introduces Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards and his family, potentially ending 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) features Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom surprised many. The connection between Doom and Iron Man in the comics adds intrigue, leaving fans wondering about Doom's role in First Steps.

Marvel remains tight-lipped. The teaser offers no direct clues to Doom's presence, highlighting a different approach compared to previous Fantastic Four films. Julian McMahon and Toby Kebbell's portrayals of Doom were central, but this iteration prioritizes Galactus, Silver Surfer, and John Malkovich's undisclosed character.

First Steps must play a role in establishing Doom, given his Fantastic Four ties and the film's proximity to Avengers: Doomsday (May 2026). A key question is Doom's universe of origin. He's unlikely to be from Earth-616, given the casting. Is he from the First Steps universe, a darker version of Tony Stark's reality, or another world entirely? Even a post-credits appearance could reveal his motivations and targets within the MCU.

Regardless, Doom won't be the central antagonist. The Fantastic Four face a far greater threat.

The Fantastic Four vs. Galactus

The teaser showcases Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds, voiced by Ralph Ineson (Game of Thrones). This classic Marvel character, originally introduced in 1966's Fantastic Four #48, is presented as the primary antagonist.

Galactus' backstory and cosmic role are well-established. Once Galan of Taa, he survived a pre-Big Bang universe and evolved into Galactus, consuming worlds to sustain himself. He's less a villain and more a cosmic force, though devastating for those in his path.

First Steps draws inspiration from the "Galactus Trilogy," depicting the established Fantastic Four facing their greatest challenge. The film will explore the lengths Reed and his family will go to save Earth, potentially involving the Ultimate Nullifier, a multiverse-altering weapon.

This Galactus differs from Rise of the Silver Surfer's depiction. Here, he's a towering humanoid figure, not just a force of nature, reflecting Ineson's casting.

While Galactus is shown, his herald, the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner), is not. Expect a similar arc to Laurence Fishburne's portrayal in 2007, starting as Galactus' herald but rebelling after encountering Earth and rediscovering her past on Zenn-La.

Who Is John Malkovich Playing?

Beyond Galactus and Silver Surfer, John Malkovich's character is a mystery. Rumors suggest Ivan Kragoff (The Red Ghost), a Soviet scientist with super-powered apes. Malkovich's history with Russian roles makes this plausible, though the film's approach to the character's campy origins is unknown.

Another possibility is Mole Man, another iconic Fantastic Four villain. Malkovich's appearance suggests a character who has lived underground.

Malkovich likely plays a secondary villain, fitting for an established team with a rogues' gallery. The roles of Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles, and Paul Walter Hauser remain unconfirmed.

Meet the Fantastic Four

The teaser 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, alongside H.E.R.B.I.E.

Family dynamics are emphasized, highlighting Ben's struggle with his transformation and Reed's guilt. The film depicts the team as established celebrities, not an origin story, though flashbacks are included.

The costumes differ from previous films, resembling John Byrne's classic comics, reflecting their scientist/adventurer identities.

The Future Foundation's prominence in marketing suggests the appearance of younger heroes, possibly including Franklin and Valeria Richards. Franklin's immense power raises questions about his connection to Galactus' attack.

Fantastic Four: First Steps releases 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.