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

2025 marks a significant year for Marvel across various media platforms, but no project is more eagerly anticipated than "The Fantastic Four: First Steps." This film not only launches Phase 6 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) but also introduces fans to Pedro Pascal's Reed Richards and his superhero family. After decades of anticipation, the hope is high that this will be the Fantastic Four movie fans have been waiting for.

The newly released teaser trailer for "First Steps" has heightened excitement, offering an intimate look at the main quartet and introducing antagonists like Ralph Ineson's Galactus and a mysterious character portrayed by John Malkovich. However, the burning question on many fans' minds remains—where is Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom? Let's delve into what we know and don't know from this trailer.

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Where 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. will portray Doctor Doom. This unexpected casting choice, given the history between Doom and Iron Man in the comics, has left fans curious about the role "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" will play in setting up Doom as the next major Avengers-level threat.

Marvel Studios is keeping its cards close to the chest, and the teaser offers no direct hints about Doom's presence. Instead, it highlights a different approach from its predecessors, focusing on Galactus, Silver Surfer, and John Malkovich's character. Past Fantastic Four films prominently featured Doctor Doom, played by Julian McMahon in 2005 and 2007, and Toby Kebbell in the 2015 reboot. This time, however, the studio is downplaying Doom to spotlight other villains.

Given Doom's integral connection to the Fantastic Four, it's reasonable to expect "First Steps" to lay some groundwork for his character. With "Avengers: Doomsday" slated for May 2026, "First Steps" might tease Doom's emergence. A key question is from which universe Downey's Doom originates. Is he from the same universe as "First Steps," or does he hail from a darker version of Tony Stark's reality? Even a post-credits scene could provide crucial insight into Doom's identity and motives within the MCU.

Though Doctor Doom's role in "First Steps" remains uncertain, whether as a supporting villain or a brief cameo, he won't overshadow the primary narrative. The Fantastic Four have bigger, more pressing challenges ahead.

The Fantastic Four vs. Galactus

The teaser clearly establishes Galactus as the central antagonist in "First Steps." Voiced by Ralph Ineson, Galactus is the Devourer of Worlds, a classic character created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby who first appeared in "Fantastic Four #48" as part of the iconic "Galactus Trilogy." In this storyline, Galactus and his herald, the Silver Surfer, arrive to consume Earth, prompting the Fantastic Four to take drastic action.

Galactus' backstory adds depth to his role in the cosmic Marvel hierarchy. Originally a mortal named Galan of Taa, he survived the previous universe's destruction and bonded with the Sentience of the Universe to become Galactus, now endlessly seeking planets to sustain his hunger. While Galactus serves a cosmic function within the Marvel Universe, his actions pose a dire threat to any planet he targets.

"First Steps" draws inspiration from the "Galactus Trilogy," presenting a well-established Fantastic Four facing their most significant challenge yet. The question arises of how far Reed and his family will go to protect Earth. In the comics, Reed uses the Ultimate Nullifier against Galactus, a weapon capable of altering the multiverse. Will this weapon feature in the film, and could it tie into broader multiverse conflicts?

Unlike "Rise of the Silver Surfer," which depicted Galactus as a cloud-like entity, "First Steps" portrays him in humanoid form, towering over landmarks like the Statue of Liberty. This choice allows for a more character-driven portrayal, as evidenced by Ineson's casting.

Although the teaser shows Galactus, Silver Surfer—played by Julia Garner—is notably absent. In the comics, Silver Surfer starts as Galactus' herald but ultimately turns against him after being moved by Earth's plight. The film's version is gender-swapped but likely to follow a similar narrative arc, awakening to her past on Zenn-La and rebelling against her master.

Who Is John Malkovich Playing?

While Galactus and Silver Surfer are the primary villains, the teaser hints at additional antagonists, including a bearded John Malkovich. Speculation suggests he might portray Ivan Kragoff, aka The Red Ghost, a Soviet scientist who gains powers similar to the Fantastic Four after a space flight with three apes. Given Malkovich's history of playing Russian characters, this casting seems plausible, though the film might reinterpret the character's campy origins.

Another possibility is Mole Man, an iconic Fantastic Four villain rumored to appear in the film. Known for his subterranean kingdom and ambitions to conquer the surface world, Mole Man's appearance aligns with Malkovich's look in the teaser. Regardless of which character he plays, Malkovich is likely to be a secondary villain, adding depth to the Fantastic Four's established rogues' gallery.

Alongside Malkovich, actors like Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles, and Paul Walter Hauser appear in the film, though their roles remain undisclosed. Share your theories on their characters in the comments section.

Meet the Fantastic Four

The teaser primarily showcases the Fantastic Four themselves. Pedro Pascal plays the brilliant scientist and family patriarch Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby portrays the intrepid Susan Storm, Joseph Quinn embodies the hotheaded Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach plays the stubborn Ben Grimm. We also see their helper robot, H.E.R.B.I.E.

The teaser emphasizes the familial bond and dynamics within the team, highlighting Ben's struggle with his monstrous transformation and Reed's guilt over causing it. "First Steps" appears to be set in a time where the Fantastic Four are well-known celebrity heroes, rather than focusing on their origin story. However, flashbacks hint at their beginnings, showing pre-Thing Ben Grimm and the aftermath of the accident that transformed them.

The costumes in "First Steps" differ significantly from previous films, adopting 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, sporting functional Space Age uniforms rather than traditional superhero attire.

Marvel's marketing has also highlighted the Future Foundation, a comic book initiative led by Reed to nurture young super-geniuses. This could suggest the inclusion of younger heroes, possibly Reed and Sue's children, Franklin and Valeria. The title "First Steps" hints at themes of parenthood and raising the next generation, raising questions about Galactus' interest in Earth.

We'll discover more about these elements when "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" premieres in theaters on July 25, 2025.

What are your thoughts on Robert Downey Jr.'s potential appearance as Doctor Doom in the movie? Share your theories and vote in our poll below.