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

2025 marks a pivotal year for Marvel, with The Fantastic Four: First Steps as the highly anticipated launch of Phase 6. This film introduces Pedro Pascal's Reed Richards and the Fantastic Four, promising a long-awaited, top-tier adaptation. The recently released teaser trailer offers a closer look at the team and villains like Ralph Ineson's Galactus and John Malkovich's mysterious character. However, one burning question remains: where is Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom?

The Fantastic Four: First Steps - Trailer 1 Stills

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The Mystery of Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom

Last year's San Diego Comic-Con surprised fans with the announcement of Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom in The Avengers: Doomsday. The teaser trailer, however, offers no clear indication of Doom's presence, suggesting a different approach compared to previous Fantastic Four films. While Julian McMahon and Toby Kebbell's Dooms were central antagonists, this iteration prioritizes Galactus, the Silver Surfer, and Malkovich's enigmatic role.

It's highly likely First Steps will play a role in establishing Doom, given his connection to the Fantastic Four and the film's release before Avengers: Doomsday. The key question is Doom's origin. His casting suggests he's not from Earth-616. Is he from the First Steps universe, a darker alternate Tony Stark, or from another reality entirely? Even a post-credits appearance would clarify his role and motives. Regardless, Doom won't be the central focus; the Fantastic Four face a much larger, literal threat.

The Fantastic Four Confront Galactus

The teaser highlights Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds, voiced by Ralph Ineson. This classic Marvel character, introduced in 1966, is presented in a more character-driven way than in Rise of the Silver Surfer, towering over the Statue of Liberty in humanoid form. The film seems inspired by the "Galactus Trilogy," showcasing an established Fantastic Four facing their ultimate challenge. The extent of Reed's efforts to save Earth, potentially involving the Ultimate Nullifier, remains to be seen.

While Galactus is featured, his herald, the Silver Surfer (played by Julia Garner), is absent from the teaser. The film adopts a gender-swapped version, likely mirroring the character arc of Laurence Fishburne's Silver Surfer in the 2007 film, starting as Galactus's herald before rebelling.

Unmasking John Malkovich's Character

Beyond Galactus and the Silver Surfer, John Malkovich's role remains a mystery. Speculation points to Ivan Kragoff (The Red Ghost) or Mole Man. Malkovich's casting as a Russian character aligns with The Red Ghost's origins, but the inclusion of his super-ape companions is uncertain. Alternatively, Malkovich's appearance suggests Mole Man, another iconic villain. Regardless, he's likely a secondary antagonist clashing with the established Fantastic Four. The roles of Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles, and Paul Walter Hauser also remain unconfirmed.

A Closer Look at 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 bond, exploring Ben's struggle with his transformation and Reed's guilt. While not an origin story, the film includes flashbacks to their accident and Ben's pre-transformation.

The costumes differ significantly from previous adaptations, resembling the classic John Byrne designs. The suits reflect their scientific and adventurous nature rather than traditional superhero attire. The film's marketing highlights the Future Foundation, suggesting the potential appearance of Franklin Richards, whose powers might be connected to Galactus's attack.

The film's release on July 25, 2025, will reveal the answers to these questions. A poll asks readers to predict whether Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom will appear.

Will Robert Downey, Jr.'s Doctor Doom appear in The Fantastic Four: First Steps?

Yes, he'll be a supporting character.Yes, but only in a post-credits scene.No, he won't show up.AnswerSee Results For more on the future of the Marvel Universe, find out what to expect from Marvel in 2025 and see every Marvel movie and series in development.