Doctor Doom Absent in Fantastic Four Teaser: Where Is He?

2025 marks a significant milestone for Marvel across various media, with no project more 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 portrayal of Reed Richards and his superhero family. The long-awaited quest for a truly exceptional Fantastic Four movie may soon come to an end, and the newly released teaser trailer for "First Steps" is generating significant buzz.

The trailer offers an intimate look at the core quartet and introduces antagonists such as Ralph Ineson's Galactus and John Malkovich's mysterious character. However, the burning question for many fans remains: Where is Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom?

The Fantastic Four: First Steps - Trailer 1 Stills

20 Images

Where Is Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom?

Marvel stunned audiences at last year's San Diego Comic-Con by revealing 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 rich history between Doom and Iron Man in the comics, has sparked curiosity about the role "First Steps" will play in establishing Doom as the next major Avengers-level threat.

Marvel Studios is keeping details under wraps, and the teaser trailer offers no explicit hints about Doom's involvement. Instead, it highlights a fresh approach compared to previous Fantastic Four films. While Julian McMahon's Doom was central to the 2005 and 2007 films, and Toby Kebbell's Doom was crucial to the 2015 reboot, "First Steps" focuses on Galactus, Silver Surfer, and John Malkovich's enigmatic character.

Given Doom's primary association with the Fantastic Four and the timing of "First Steps" before "Avengers: Doomsday" in May 2026, it's reasonable to expect some groundwork to be laid for Doom's introduction. The key question is which universe Downey's Doom originates from, considering he's not from Earth-616. Will he be from the same universe as "First Steps," or does he hail from a different, darker world? Even a brief appearance in a post-credits scene could set the stage for his character's motivations and his conflict with the MCU's Avengers.

Regardless of Doom's role in "First Steps," whether as a supporting villain or a cameo, the spotlight remains firmly on the Fantastic Four and their monumental challenges.

The Fantastic Four vs. Galactus

The teaser trailer makes it clear that Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds, voiced by Ralph Ineson, will be the primary antagonist challenging the Fantastic Four. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, Galactus first appeared in 1966's "Fantastic Four #48," initiating the iconic "Galactus Trilogy." In this storyline, Galactus, accompanied by his herald, the Silver Surfer, arrives to consume Earth, pushing the Fantastic Four to extreme lengths to protect their planet.

Galactus's backstory has been expanded in subsequent Marvel narratives, revealing his origins as Galan of Taa, a survivor of the previous universe who evolved into the cosmic entity known as Galactus. His role in consuming life-rich planets is a necessary part of the cosmic balance in the Marvel Universe.

"First Steps" draws heavily from the Galactus Trilogy, portraying a well-established Fantastic Four team facing their greatest challenge yet. The film raises questions about the lengths to which Reed Richards and his family will go to save Earth, including the potential use of the Ultimate Nullifier, a weapon capable of reshaping the multiverse. This narrative thread may connect to broader conflicts within the Multiverse Saga and the phenomenon of Incursions.

Unlike the 2007 film "Rise of the Silver Surfer," which depicted Galactus as a cloud-like force, "First Steps" presents him as a towering humanoid figure, emphasizing his character over his mere presence. Julia Garner is cast as the Silver Surfer, who traditionally starts as Galactus's herald before turning against him upon encountering Earth. This gender-swapped version is expected to follow a similar arc, driven by memories of her past life on Zenn-La.

Who Is John Malkovich Playing?

While Galactus and the Silver Surfer dominate the film's antagonist lineup, the teaser also includes a brief shot of John Malkovich, sparking speculation about his character. Rumors suggest Malkovich may portray Ivan Kragoff, aka The Red Ghost, a Soviet scientist who gains powers alongside his three super-powered apes. Given Malkovich's history with Russian roles, this casting makes sense, though the film's approach to the character's campy origins remains to be seen.

Another possibility is that Malkovich plays Mole Man, another classic Fantastic Four villain rumored to appear. Mole Man, shunned by society, rules over the subterranean Moloids and aims to conquer the surface world. Malkovich's character in the teaser appears rugged, fitting the Mole Man's underground lifestyle.

Malkovich's role likely represents a secondary antagonist, challenging the Fantastic Four early in the film. With the team already established, a rogues' gallery is expected. Other unconfirmed cast members include Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles, and Paul Walter Hauser, leaving room for fan theories about their potential Marvel characters.

Meet the Fantastic Four

The teaser primarily focuses on 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. The family dynamic is central, with the trailer highlighting Ben's struggle with his monstrous form and Reed's guilt over the team's origin.

"First Steps" is set in a time when the Fantastic Four are already celebrated heroes, rather than focusing on their origin story. Flashbacks hint at their beginnings, including pre-transformation footage of Ben and scenes of their power-granting accident. The costumes, featuring a blue and white color scheme reminiscent of John Byrne's '80s comics, underscore their identity as scientists and adventurers.

Marvel's marketing has emphasized the Future Foundation, a concept from the comics where Reed nurtures future super-geniuses. This could introduce younger heroes, potentially including Reed and Sue's children, Franklin and Valeria. The film's title suggests themes of parenthood and the challenges of raising children, with Franklin's powerful abilities possibly attracting Galactus to Earth.

"The Fantastic Four: First Steps" is set to premiere on July 25, 2025, promising to answer many of these questions and set the stage for future MCU developments.

Do you think Downey's Doctor Doom will appear in the movie? Share your thoughts and theories in the comments below.