Doctor Doom's Absence in Fantastic Four's New Teaser Trailer Explored

2025 marks a monumental year for Marvel, with numerous projects across various media, but none more anticipated than *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. Fans have been eagerly awaiting a truly exceptional Fantastic Four movie, and it seems that the wait might finally be over.

The recently released teaser trailer for *First Steps* offers a tantalizing glimpse of the main quartet and introduces us to formidable antagonists such as Ralph Ineson's Galactus and John Malkovich's mysterious character. However, the burning question on everyone's mind remains—where is Robert Downey, Jr.'s Doctor Doom? Let's delve into what we see and don't see in the trailer.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps - Trailer 1 Stills

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

Marvel made waves at last year's San Diego Comic-Con by announcing that *The Avengers 5* has been retitled *The Avengers: Doomsday* and that Robert Downey, Jr. would portray Doctor Doom. This unexpected casting, given the rich history between Doom and Iron Man in the comics, has sparked curiosity about how *The Fantastic Four* movie will set the stage for Doom's emergence as a major threat in the MCU.

Marvel Studios is keeping details under wraps, and the teaser trailer offers no clear hints about Doom's involvement. Instead, it emphasizes a fresh approach to the Fantastic Four saga, distinct from earlier iterations. While previous films featured Julian McMahon and Toby Kebbell as prominent Doom characters, *First Steps* shifts the focus to Galactus, the Silver Surfer, and introduces John Malkovich's enigmatic role.

Given Doom's primary association with the Fantastic Four, it's logical to assume that *First Steps* will lay some groundwork for his character. As one of the last MCU films before *Avengers: Doomsday* in May 2026, it's crucial to establish Doom's presence. A key question fans hope the movie will address is the origin universe of Downey's Doom. Is he from the same world as *The Fantastic Four: First Steps*, or does he hail from an alternate reality where Tony Stark's fate took a darker turn? Even a brief post-credits appearance could provide valuable context about Doom's intentions toward the Avengers.

Regardless of Doom's role, whether as a secondary villain or a fleeting cameo, the spotlight in *First Steps* remains on the Fantastic Four, who face much larger challenges.

The Fantastic Four vs. Galactus -------------------------------

The teaser trailer clearly positions Galactus, voiced by Ralph Ineson, as the central antagonist. Known as the Devourer of Worlds, Galactus is a classic character created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, debuting in *Fantastic Four #48* as part of the "Galactus Trilogy." In this storyline, Galactus and his herald, the Silver Surfer, target Earth, forcing the Fantastic Four into a desperate battle to save their planet.

Galactus' backstory is rich and complex, evolving from a mortal named Galan of Taa who bonded with the Sentience of the Universe to become the cosmic entity he is now. His role in consuming planets is integral to the cycle of death and rebirth within the Marvel Universe, though it spells doom for any targeted world.

*First Steps* draws heavily from the Galactus Trilogy, depicting a well-established Fantastic Four facing their greatest challenge yet. The film explores the lengths to which Reed and his family will go to protect Earth. In the comics, Reed wields the Ultimate Nullifier against Galactus, a weapon capable of destroying and remaking the multiverse. Will this pivotal device feature in the film, and how might it tie into broader MCU narratives like the Multiverse Saga and Incursions?

This rendition of Galactus diverges from the cloud-like depiction in *Rise of the Silver Surfer*, opting for a more comic-accurate humanoid form, towering over iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty. This approach allows for a deeper character exploration, justifying the casting of Ineson.

While Galactus is prominent, the Silver Surfer, portrayed by Julia Garner, remains unseen in the teaser. Traditionally, the Silver Surfer scouts planets for Galactus but ultimately rebels against his master upon discovering Earth. With a gender-swapped version in *First Steps*, we can expect a similar arc, with the character's experiences on Earth sparking a rebellion against Galactus.

Who Is John Malkovich Playing? ------------------------------

Though Galactus and Silver Surfer dominate the narrative, John Malkovich's brief appearance in the teaser raises questions about his role. Rumors suggest he might portray Ivan Kragoff, aka the Red Ghost, a Soviet scientist who gains powers similar to the Fantastic Four and forms a team with super-powered apes. Given Malkovich's history with Russian characters, this casting seems plausible. Alternatively, he could be playing Mole Man, a subterranean villain obsessed with conquering the surface world.

Malkovich's character appears to be a secondary villain, likely clashing with the Fantastic Four early in the film. His role, alongside other unconfirmed actors like Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles, and Paul Walter Hauser, adds intrigue to the expanding rogues' gallery.

Meet the Fantastic Four -----------------------

The teaser primarily highlights the Fantastic Four themselves, showcasing Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Susan Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm. It emphasizes their status as a family unit as much as a superhero team, focusing on Ben's struggle with his monstrous transformation and Reed's guilt over causing it.

Unlike previous films, *First Steps* is set in a world where the Fantastic Four are already established celebrities, not an origin story. However, flashbacks to their origins, including pre-Thing Ben Grimm and the aftermath of their power-granting accident, suggest a nod to their beginnings.

The new costumes in *First Steps* feature a blue and white color scheme, reminiscent of John Byrne's classic '80s comics. These designs reflect the team's identity as scientists and adventurers, emphasizing functionality over traditional superhero aesthetics.

Marketing materials also hint at the involvement of the Future Foundation, Reed's initiative to nurture young super-geniuses. This raises the possibility of younger heroes, such as Reed and Sue's children, Franklin and Valeria, appearing in the film. The title "First Steps" suggests themes of parenthood and family dynamics, possibly linked to Galactus' interest in Earth.

*The Fantastic Four: First Steps* is set to hit theaters on July 25, 2025, promising an exciting addition to the MCU. For more insights into the future of the Marvel Universe, explore what Marvel has in store for 2025 and discover every Marvel movie and series currently in development.