Fantastic Four Emerge: Dr. Doom's Absence Puzzles in Debut Trailer

Marvel's 2025 slate is packed, but The Fantastic Four: First Steps reigns supreme. This Phase 6 kickoff introduces Pedro Pascal's Reed Richards and his family, promising a long-awaited, 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, the burning question remains: where's Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom?

The Fantastic Four: First Steps - Trailer 1 Stills

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Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom: A Missing Piece?

Last year's San Diego Comic-Con shocked fans with the announcement of Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom in The Avengers: Doomsday. The connection between Doom and Iron Man in the comics makes this casting choice intriguing and unexpected. Naturally, fans speculate on Doom's role in setting up the next Avengers-level threat.

Marvel remains tight-lipped. The teaser offers no direct hints of Doom's presence, highlighting a departure from previous Fantastic Four films. Julian McMahon and Toby Kebbell's portrayals of Doom were central to their respective films, but First Steps prioritizes Galactus, Silver Surfer, and John Malkovich's enigmatic character.

Given Doom's connection to the Fantastic Four and the proximity of First Steps to Avengers: Doomsday, his appearance, even a brief one, seems likely. The key question is his origin. The casting suggests he's not from Earth-616. Is he from the First Steps universe, a darker alternate Tony Stark? Or another universe entirely? A post-credits scene might reveal his identity and motivations. Regardless, Doom won't be the central antagonist.

The Fantastic Four vs. Galactus

The teaser clearly positions Galactus as the primary antagonist, voiced by Ralph Ineson. This classic Marvel character, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, debuted in 1966's Fantastic Four #48, initiating the "Galactus Trilogy." The film seems to draw inspiration from this storyline, depicting the established Fantastic Four facing their ultimate challenge.

The film will likely explore the lengths Reed and his family will go to save Earth. Will the Ultimate Nullifier appear, connecting to the Multiverse Saga? This Galactus differs from Rise of the Silver Surfer, portrayed here as a humanoid figure, not just a force of nature.

While Galactus is featured, his herald, the gender-swapped Silver Surfer (Julia Garner), is absent from the teaser. Her arc likely mirrors Laurence Fishburne's portrayal, starting as Galactus' herald before rebelling.

John Malkovich's Role: Red Ghost or Mole Man?

Beyond Galactus and Silver Surfer, John Malkovich's character remains a mystery. Rumors suggest he plays Ivan Kragoff (Red Ghost) or Mole Man. Given Malkovich's history with Russian roles, Red Ghost is plausible, though the extent of the Super-Apes' involvement is unknown. Alternatively, his appearance hints at Mole Man, an underground dweller obsessed with surface world domination. Likely, he's a secondary antagonist clashing with the Fantastic Four. The roles of Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles, and Paul Walter Hauser also 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 family dynamic, including Ben's struggle with his transformation and Reed's guilt.

The Fantastic Four are established heroes, not origin stories. However, flashbacks to their origins are expected. Their costumes differ from previous adaptations, resembling John Byrne's classic designs, reflecting their scientific and adventurous nature.

The Future Foundation's prominence in marketing raises the possibility of younger heroes, including Franklin and Valeria Richards. Franklin's immense power might connect to Galactus' targeting of Earth.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps arrives July 25, 2025.