The Fantastic Four: First Steps - Where Is Doctor Doom In the New Teaser Trailer?

The highly anticipated Marvel film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, is set to launch Phase 6 of the MCU and introduce Pedro Pascal's Reed Richards and his family. The recently released teaser trailer offers a closer look at the Fantastic Four and their adversaries, including Ralph Ineson's Galactus and John Malkovich's mysterious character. However, the absence of Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom leaves many fans questioning his role.

The trailer's focus shifts from previous iterations, which prominently featured Doctor Doom as the main antagonist. Instead, First Steps prioritizes Galactus and Silver Surfer (played by Julia Garner), suggesting a different approach. While Doctor Doom's appearance remains unconfirmed, his significance as a Fantastic Four villain and his connection to Avengers: Doomsday (set for May 2026) suggest a crucial role, possibly in a post-credits scene. The trailer hints at a multiversal element, raising questions about the origin of Downey Jr.'s Doom and his connection to the main storyline.

The teaser prominently features Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds, drawing inspiration from the classic "Galactus Trilogy" comic arc. The film portrays the Fantastic Four as established heroes facing their most formidable challenge yet. The depiction of Galactus as a towering humanoid figure, as opposed to a mere force of nature, suggests a more character-driven approach. While Galactus is featured, his herald, Silver Surfer, is notably absent from the teaser. The film's portrayal of Silver Surfer will likely follow a similar arc to previous adaptations, starting as Galactus' herald before rebelling.

John Malkovich's role remains a mystery. Speculation points towards either Ivan Kragoff (The Red Ghost) or Mole Man, both classic Fantastic Four villains. His character's appearance suggests a possible connection to either of these characters.

The teaser highlights the Fantastic Four's dynamic as a family unit, focusing on Ben Grimm's struggle with his transformation and Reed Richards' guilt. The film appears to be set after the team's origin, though flashbacks are hinted at. The costumes are a departure from previous adaptations, reflecting a more scientific and adventurous aesthetic. The inclusion of the Future Foundation in marketing materials suggests a possible appearance of younger heroes, potentially including Franklin Richards, whose powers could be linked to Galactus' interest in Earth.

The film's release date is July 25, 2025. The question of Doctor Doom's involvement remains open, with a poll gauging audience expectations.

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