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 highly anticipated release of *The Fantastic Four: First Steps*. This film not only ushers in Phase 6 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) but also introduces Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, alongside his superhero family. Fans have been eagerly awaiting a truly remarkable Fantastic Four movie, and with the new teaser trailer, it looks like our wait might finally be over.

The teaser trailer for *First Steps* provides an in-depth look at the main quartet and introduces us to key antagonists like 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 leaves us guessing about.

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 renamed *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 left fans speculating about the role *The Fantastic Four* movie will play in establishing Doom as the next major Avengers-level threat.

Marvel Studios is keeping details under wraps, and the teaser doesn't offer any clear indications of Doom's involvement. Instead, it highlights a different narrative direction, focusing on Galactus, Silver Surfer, and John Malkovich's character. This approach contrasts with previous Fantastic Four films, where Julian McMahon and Toby Kebbell's versions of Doom were central to the story.

Given Doom's fundamental 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. A major question fans hope *First Steps* will address is the origin of Downey's Doom. Is he from the same universe as *The Fantastic Four: First Steps* or another reality where Tony Stark's life took a darker turn? Even a post-credits cameo could help set the stage for his role in the MCU.

Despite the intrigue around Doom, he's not expected to be the main focus of *First Steps*. The Fantastic Four have more immediate and literal threats to deal with.

The teaser trailer clearly establishes Galactus, voiced by Ralph Ineson, as the primary antagonist in *First Steps*. Known as the Devourer of Worlds, Galactus poses a cosmic threat to the Fantastic Four. This character, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, first appeared in *Fantastic Four #48* and kicked off the iconic "Galactus Trilogy."

Galactus, once a mortal named Galan of Taa, evolved into a cosmic entity after bonding with the Sentience of the Universe. His role in the Marvel Universe is to consume planets, maintaining the cycle of death and rebirth. While his function is cosmic, it spells doom for any planet in his sights.

*First Steps* seems to draw heavily from the Galactus Trilogy, presenting a well-established Fantastic Four facing their biggest challenge yet. The film promises a comic-accurate portrayal of Galactus, depicted in his humanoid form, contrasting with the abstract cloud representation in *Rise of the Silver Surfer*.

The central question is how far Reed and his family will go to save Earth. In the comics, Reed uses the Ultimate Nullifier against Galactus. Will this weapon feature in the movie, and could it tie into the broader Multiverse Saga and the concept of Incursions?

While Galactus is prominent, his herald, the Silver Surfer, played by Julia Garner, is notably absent from the teaser. The Silver Surfer's story arc typically involves a transformation from Galactus' servant to a hero after being touched by humanity. Expect a similar journey for Garner's character, reflecting the classic comic storyline.

While Galactus and Silver Surfer are the main villains, John Malkovich's brief appearance in the teaser raises questions about his role. Rumors suggest he might be playing Ivan Kragoff, aka The Red Ghost, a Soviet scientist with super-powered apes. Given Malkovich's history with Russian roles, this seems plausible.

Another possibility is that Malkovich is portraying Mole Man, another classic Fantastic Four villain rumored for the film. His cave-dweller appearance in the teaser supports this theory.

Regardless of his character, Malkovich is likely to be a secondary antagonist, challenging the Fantastic Four early in the film. With other unconfirmed actors like Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles, and Paul Walter Hauser, the film's villain roster remains intriguing.

The teaser primarily showcases the Fantastic Four: Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Susan Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bacharach as Ben Grimm, along with their helper robot, H.E.R.B.I.E. The film emphasizes the team's family dynamics, focusing on Ben's struggle with his transformation into The Thing and Reed's guilt over causing it.

Unlike previous films, *First Steps* does not serve as an origin story but rather depicts the Fantastic Four as established celebrity heroes. However, flashbacks to their origins are included, suggesting a nod to their beginnings without retelling them.

The costumes in *First Steps* echo John Byrne's classic '80s designs, emphasizing the team's role as scientists and adventurers rather than traditional superheroes. The film's marketing has also highlighted the Future Foundation, hinting at themes of parenthood and possibly introducing younger heroes like Franklin and Valeria Richards.

With *The Fantastic Four: First Steps* set to hit theaters on July 25, 2025, fans are eager to see how these elements come together and whether Robert Downey, Jr.'s Doctor Doom will make an appearance.