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

2025 marks a monumental year for Marvel across various media, but none more so than with the eagerly awaited release of *The Fantastic Four: First Steps*. This film not only launches Phase 6 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) but also introduces Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, alongside his iconic superhero family. After years of anticipation, fans are hopeful that *First Steps* will deliver the definitive Fantastic Four movie they've been waiting for.

The excitement around *First Steps* has been heightened by the release of its first teaser trailer, which offers an in-depth look at the main quartet and introduces us to 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 doesn't—about this pivotal character.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps - Trailer 1 Stills

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

Marvel stunned fans at San Diego Comic-Con last year by announcing that *The Avengers 5* has been renamed *The Avengers: Doomsday*, and that Robert Downey, Jr. would be portraying Doctor Doom. This unexpected casting choice, drawing on the rich history between Doom and Iron Man from the comics, has sparked curiosity about how *The Fantastic Four: First Steps* will set the stage for Doom's emergence as the next major Avengers-level threat.

The teaser trailer keeps Doom's involvement under wraps, maintaining Marvel Studios' tradition of secrecy. Instead, it highlights a fresh approach for *First Steps*, distinct from previous Fantastic Four films. Unlike Julian McMahon's portrayal in the 2005 and 2007 movies or Toby Kebbell's in the 2015 reboot, where Doom was a central villain, this film shifts focus towards Galactus, Silver Surfer, and John Malkovich's character.

Given Doom's foundational role as a Fantastic Four adversary, it's reasonable to expect that *First Steps* will lay some groundwork for his character. As one of the final MCU films before *Avengers: Doomsday* premieres in May 2026, the film is poised to tease the upcoming villain. Fans are eager to learn from which universe Downey's Doom originates, whether it's a darker alternate reality or another dimension entirely, and how he ties into the broader MCU narrative.

Whether Doom appears as a supporting villain or in a fleeting cameo, *First Steps* will primarily focus on the Fantastic Four's challenges against more immediate threats.

The teaser trailer makes it clear that Galactus, voiced by Ralph Ineson, will be the primary adversary in *First Steps*. Known as the Devourer of Worlds, Galactus is a classic Marvel character created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, debuting in *Fantastic Four #48*. The film draws inspiration from the "Galactus Trilogy," where the Fantastic Four confront this cosmic entity and his herald, the Silver Surfer, as they threaten to consume Earth.

Galactus' backstory adds depth to his character. Originally Galan of Taa, he bonded with the Sentience of the Universe after the destruction of his world, transforming into Galactus. His role in the cosmic hierarchy is to consume planets to maintain the cycle of life and death within the Marvel Universe, though this provides little solace to those facing his wrath.

First Steps positions the Fantastic Four as established heroes, now facing their ultimate test against Galactus. The film teases potential use of the Ultimate Nullifier, a weapon capable of multiverse-altering power, which could connect to larger MCU storylines involving the Multiverse Saga and Incursions. Unlike Rise of the Silver Surfer, which portrayed Galactus as a force of nature, First Steps presents him in a more traditional, humanoid form, allowing for deeper character exploration.

While Galactus is prominent, Julia Garner's Silver Surfer, although not shown in the teaser, will play a crucial role. Her journey from Galactus' herald to a defender of Earth mirrors the character's classic arc, with her gender-swapped portrayal adding a fresh twist.

While Galactus and Silver Surfer take center stage, the teaser hints at additional antagonists, including a brief shot of John Malkovich. Speculation suggests he might portray Ivan Kragoff, known as The Red Ghost, a Soviet scientist who gains superpowers alongside his three apes, forming the team Red Ghost and the Super-Apes. Alternatively, he could be playing Mole Man, another classic FF villain, known for his underground kingdom and ambition to conquer the surface world.

Malkovich's role seems to be that of a secondary villain, engaging with the Fantastic Four early in the film. Alongside him, other actors such as Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles, and Paul Walter Hauser have roles yet to be confirmed, adding further intrigue to the film's ensemble.

The teaser prominently features the Fantastic Four themselves, showcasing Pedro Pascal as the brilliant Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as the brave Susan Storm, Joseph Quinn as the fiery Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as the resolute Ben Grimm, along with their helper robot, H.E.R.B.I.E. The film emphasizes the team's familial dynamics, exploring Ben's struggle with his transformation into The Thing and Reed's guilt over causing it.

Set in a world where the Fantastic Four are celebrated heroes, *First Steps* is not an origin story but includes flashbacks to the team's beginnings. The costumes reflect a nod to John Byrne's classic '80s comics, emphasizing the team's identity as scientists and adventurers rather than traditional superheroes.

Marvel's marketing also highlights the Future Foundation, hinting at themes of parenthood and the nurturing of future heroes, possibly including Reed and Sue's children, Franklin and Valeria. The presence of young Franklin, a powerful figure in the comics, might explain Galactus' interest in Earth.

*The Fantastic Four: First Steps* promises to be a thrilling addition to the MCU, set to premiere on July 25, 2025. Fans are eager to see how the film sets up future storylines and whether Robert Downey, Jr.'s Doctor Doom will make an appearance.