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

2025 marks a significant milestone for Marvel across various media, with no project more eagerly awaited than *The Fantastic Four: First Steps*. As the launchpad for Phase 6 of the MCU, this film introduces Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards and his iconic superhero family, potentially marking the end of a long wait for a truly remarkable Fantastic Four movie.

The anticipation has been heightened by the newly released teaser trailer for *First Steps*, offering fans a detailed look at the main quartet and introducing 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?

The Fantastic Four: First Steps - Trailer 1 Stills

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

Marvel caused a stir at last year’s San Diego Comic-Con by announcing that *The Avengers 5* had been renamed *The Avengers: Doomsday* and that Robert Downey Jr. would play Doctor Doom. This unexpected casting, given the historical rivalry between Doom and Iron Man in the comics, has sparked curiosity about how *The Fantastic Four* movie will set up Doom as the next major Avengers-level threat.

Marvel Studios has kept details under wraps, and the teaser trailer doesn't overtly hint at Doom's presence. Instead, it emphasizes a new direction for *First Steps*, focusing on Galactus, Silver Surfer, and John Malkovich's role. Unlike previous iterations where Julian McMahon and Toby Kebbell played significant Doom roles, this film downplays Doom, spotlighting other antagonists.

Given Doom's integral connection to the Fantastic Four and the MCU's timeline leading to *Avengers: Doomsday* in May 2026, *First Steps* is expected to lay some groundwork for Doom's character. The crucial question is from which universe Downey's Doom originates. Since he's not from Earth-616, fans speculate whether Doom comes from the same universe as *The Fantastic Four: First Steps* or another darker world where Tony Stark's life took a different path. Even a brief appearance in a post-credits scene could help establish Doom's role and motives in targeting the MCU's Avengers.

While Doom's role in *First Steps* remains uncertain, the Fantastic Four have other pressing concerns to address.

The teaser clearly identifies Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds, as the primary antagonist the Fantastic Four will confront. Voiced by Ralph Ineson, Galactus is a classic Marvel character created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, debuting in *Fantastic Four #48* as part of the renowned "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, originally a mortal named Galan of Taa, transformed into a cosmic entity after bonding with the Sentience of the Universe. His role in the Marvel cosmos is to devour life-rich planets, serving a crucial function in the cycle of death and rebirth. Despite this cosmic necessity, his presence spells doom for any targeted world.

First Steps draws heavily from the classic Galactus Trilogy, portraying a well-established Fantastic Four facing their greatest challenge yet. The film poses the question of how far Reed Richards and his family will go to save Earth, possibly involving the Ultimate Nullifier—a weapon capable of destroying and remaking the multiverse. This could tie into the broader Multiverse Saga and the concept of Incursions.

Unlike the 2007 film *Rise of the Silver Surfer*, which depicted Galactus as a cloud, *First Steps* presents him in a more traditional humanoid form, towering over landmarks like the Statue of Liberty. This approach allows for a more character-driven portrayal, justifying the casting of Ineson.

While Galactus is prominently featured, his herald, Silver Surfer, played by Julia Garner, is absent from the teaser. In the comics, Silver Surfer initially scouts planets for Galactus but eventually rebels against him after developing empathy for Earth. Expect a similar arc in the film, with Garner's Silver Surfer transitioning from herald to hero.

While Galactus and Silver Surfer are the main threats, the teaser hints at additional antagonists, including a brief shot of John Malkovich. Speculation suggests Malkovich might portray Ivan Kragoff, aka The Red Ghost, a Soviet scientist who gains powers similar to the Fantastic Four. Alternatively, he could be playing Mole Man, another iconic FF villain rumored to appear. Malkovich's character appears rugged, hinting at a subterranean connection.

Malkovich's role remains unconfirmed, but he is likely to be a secondary villain, adding to the Fantastic Four's established rogues' gallery. Other actors like Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles, and Paul Walter Hauser also have undisclosed roles, sparking further speculation among fans.

The teaser primarily showcases the Fantastic Four, featuring Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Susan Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm. The film emphasizes the family dynamics and struggles, particularly Ben's transformation into The Thing and Reed's guilt over the incident.

Unlike previous films, *First Steps* is set in a time when the FF are already established heroes, though it includes flashbacks to their origins. The costumes reflect a more scientific and adventurous aesthetic, inspired by John Byrne's classic comics, with a blue and white color scheme.

Marketing for the film has highlighted the Future Foundation, suggesting a focus on nurturing the next generation of heroes, possibly including Reed and Sue's children, Franklin and Valeria. The title "First Steps" hints at themes of parenthood and raising children, with young Franklin Richards potentially playing a role in Galactus's interest in Earth.

*The Fantastic Four: First Steps* is set to hit theaters on July 25, 2025, promising to answer many of these questions and more.