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

2025 marks a monumental year for Marvel across various media, but none are as eagerly awaited as The Fantastic Four: First Steps. As the kickoff to Phase 6 of the MCU, this film not only introduces Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards and his superhero family but also aims to deliver the long-awaited, stellar Fantastic Four movie fans have been yearning for.

The newly released teaser trailer for First Steps offers an exciting glimpse into the world of the Fantastic Four, showcasing the main quartet and introducing antagonists like Ralph Ineson's Galactus and John Malkovich's mysterious character. Yet, many fans are buzzing with one pressing question: where is Robert Downey, Jr.'s Doctor Doom?

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Where Is Robert Downey, Jr.'s Doctor Doom?

Last year's San Diego Comic-Con left fans astounded with the announcement that The Avengers 5 has been renamed The Avengers: Doomsday, and that Robert Downey, Jr. would portray Doctor Doom. Given the deep comic book history between Doom and Iron Man, this casting choice was both surprising and intriguing. As anticipation builds, fans are eager to see how First Steps will set the stage for Doom's emergence as a major threat in the MCU.

Marvel Studios is keeping their cards close to the chest, and the teaser offers no clear signs of Doom's involvement. Instead, it highlights a fresh approach, focusing on Galactus, Silver Surfer, and John Malkovich's role. Unlike previous iterations where Julian McMahon and Toby Kebbell played significant roles as Doom, this film seems to be taking a different path.

Given Doom's intrinsic connection to the Fantastic Four and the proximity of First Steps to Avengers: Doomsday in May 2026, it's reasonable to expect some groundwork to be laid here. A key question fans have is the origin of Downey's Doom: Is he from the same universe as First Steps, or does he come from a darker, alternate reality? Even a brief post-credits appearance could help clarify his character's intentions and his plans against the Avengers.

While Doom's role remains uncertain, one thing is clear: he won't be the primary focus. The Fantastic Four have their hands full with a more pressing threat.

The Fantastic Four vs. Galactus

The teaser trailer leaves no doubt about the main antagonist: Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds, voiced by Ralph Ineson. This classic Marvel character, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, first appeared in Fantastic Four #48 as part of the "Galactus Trilogy." In this iconic storyline, Galactus, along with his herald, the Silver Surfer, arrives to consume Earth, forcing the Fantastic Four to take extreme measures.

Galactus, once a mortal named Galan of Taa, transformed into his current form after bonding with the Sentience of the Universe. His cosmic role involves devouring worlds to sustain himself, playing into the broader cycle of life and death in the Marvel Universe. Despite his necessity, his arrival spells doom for any planet in his path.

First Steps draws heavily from the Galactus Trilogy, depicting a well-established Fantastic Four facing their ultimate challenge. The question remains: how far will Reed and his family go to protect Earth? In the comics, Reed uses the Ultimate Nullifier against Galactus. Will this weapon feature in the film, and could it tie into the Multiverse Saga and the concept of Incursions?

Unlike the cloud-like depiction in Rise of the Silver Surfer, Galactus appears in humanoid form, towering over landmarks like the Statue of Liberty. This approach promises a more character-driven portrayal, fitting the casting of Ralph Ineson.

While Galactus dominates the teaser, Silver Surfer, portrayed by Julia Garner, is notably absent. In the comics, Silver Surfer starts as Galactus' herald but ultimately rebels after being moved by Earth's plight. Expect a similar arc in First Steps, with a gender-swapped Surfer rekindling memories of her life on Zenn-La.

Who Is John Malkovich Playing?

While Galactus and Silver Surfer take the spotlight, John Malkovich's brief appearance in the teaser hints at another adversary. Rumors suggest he might be playing Ivan Kragoff, aka The Red Ghost, a Soviet scientist who gains powers similar to the Fantastic Four. Alternatively, he could portray Mole Man, a classic FF villain obsessed with conquering the surface world.

Given Malkovich's history with Russian roles, Red Ghost seems a likely choice, though the film's approach to his campy origins remains uncertain. Mole Man, on the other hand, could fit with the character's subterranean aesthetic seen in the teaser. Either way, Malkovich likely plays a secondary villain to challenge the Fantastic Four early on.

Other cast members, including Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles, and Paul Walter Houser, have roles yet to be confirmed, adding to the film's intrigue.

Meet the Fantastic Four

The teaser primarily focuses on the Fantastic Four themselves: Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Susan Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bacharach as Ben Grimm. The film emphasizes their family dynamics, showcasing the love and conflicts that define them. Ben's struggle with his monstrous form and Reed's guilt over causing it are central themes.

Set in a time when the FF are already established celebrities, First Steps isn't an origin story but does include flashbacks to their beginnings. The costumes reflect a homage to John Byrne's '80s comics, with a blue and white color scheme that underscores their identity as scientists and adventurers rather than traditional superheroes.

Marketing hints at the involvement of the Future Foundation, which in the comics is Reed's initiative to nurture young super-geniuses. This raises questions about whether we'll see younger heroes, including Reed and Sue's children, Franklin and Valeria. The "First Steps" title suggests themes of parenthood and raising children, possibly tying into 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.