2025 marks a pivotal year for Marvel across various media, but none more eagerly awaited than *The Fantastic Four: First Steps*. This film not only ushers in Phase 6 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) but also introduces fans to Pedro Pascal's portrayal of Reed Richards alongside his superhero family. After decades of anticipation, it appears that we are on the cusp of experiencing a truly exceptional Fantastic Four movie.
The recently released teaser trailer for First Steps offers a tantalizing glimpse into the film's direction. It showcases the core quartet and introduces antagonists such as Ralph Ineson's Galactus and John Malkovich's enigmatic character. However, the absence of Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom has left fans curious and eager for more information. Let's delve into the trailer's content and address the burning questions it raises.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps - Trailer 1 Stills
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Where Is Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom?
The announcement at last year's San Diego Comic-Con that The Avengers 5 had been retitled The Avengers: Doomsday and that Robert Downey Jr. would portray Doctor Doom was a shocking revelation. Given the rich history between Doom and Iron Man in the comics, this casting choice was both unexpected and intriguing. Fans are now curious about how The Fantastic Four: First Steps will set the stage for Doom's role as the next major Avengers adversary.
Marvel Studios is keeping details under wraps, and the teaser trailer offers no direct hints about Doom's involvement. Instead, it emphasizes a fresh approach for First Steps, distinct from previous iterations. While Julian McMahon's Doom was a central villain in the 2005 and 2007 Fantastic Four films, and Toby Kebbell's Doom played a significant role in the 2015 reboot, this film shifts the focus to Galactus, Silver Surfer, and John Malkovich's character.
Given Doom's primary status as a Fantastic Four villain and the proximity of First Steps to Avengers: Doomsday (set for May 2026), it's reasonable to expect some groundwork for Doom's character. A key question is the origin of Downey's Doom: Is he from the same universe as First Steps, or does he hail from a different reality, perhaps one where Tony Stark's path veered into darkness? Even a brief appearance in a post-credits scene could lay the foundation for this complex character and his motivations against the MCU's Avengers.
Despite the speculation, Doom won't be the central figure in First Steps. The Fantastic Four have larger cosmic threats to tackle.
The Fantastic Four vs. Galactus -------------------------------The teaser makes it clear that Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds, will be the primary antagonist. Voiced by Ralph Ineson, known for his role in Game of Thrones, Galactus is a legendary character co-created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. He first appeared in Fantastic Four #48 in 1966, initiating the iconic "Galactus Trilogy." In this storyline, Galactus and his herald, the Silver Surfer, arrive to consume Earth, prompting the Fantastic Four to devise desperate strategies to thwart him.
Galactus' backstory has been richly developed in subsequent comics. Originally a mortal named Galan of Taa, he survived the pre-Big Bang universe and merged with the Sentience of the Universe to become Galactus. His role is to consume planets, a necessary part of the cosmic cycle of death and rebirth.
First Steps draws heavily from the Galactus Trilogy, presenting a well-established Fantastic Four with a devoted following. Now, they must confront their most formidable challenge yet—a cosmic entity intent on devouring their world.
The question remains: How far will Reed and his family go to protect Earth? In the comics, Reed uses the Ultimate Nullifier against Galactus, a weapon capable of destroying and remaking the multiverse. Will we see this device in the film, and could it tie into the broader Multiverse Saga and the concept of Incursions?
Unlike the 2007 film Rise of the Silver Surfer, which portrayed Galactus as a nebulous cloud, First Steps depicts him in a more traditional humanoid form, towering over iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty. This choice, coupled with Ineson's casting, suggests a more character-driven portrayal of Galactus.
The teaser provides glimpses of Galactus but does not show his herald, the Silver Surfer. Julia Garner has been cast in this role, and though the character is gender-swapped, we expect her to follow a similar arc to the original: starting as Galactus' scout but ultimately defying her master after reconnecting with her humanity on Earth.
Who Is John Malkovich Playing? ------------------------------While Galactus and Silver Surfer are the main threats, the teaser hints at additional antagonists, including a brief shot of John Malkovich. Speculation suggests he might portray Ivan Kragoff, also known as The Red Ghost, a Soviet scientist who gains superpowers alongside his three apes. Malkovich's history of playing Russian characters adds weight to this theory, though how much the film will embrace the character's campy origins remains to be seen.
Another possibility is that Malkovich plays Mole Man, a classic FF villain rumored to appear in First Steps. His appearance suggests a subterranean life, fitting Mole Man's profile as the self-proclaimed king of the Moloids.
Regardless of his exact role, Malkovich likely plays a secondary villain, challenging the FF early in the film. This aligns with the established nature of the team and their existing rogues' gallery.
The film also stars Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles, and Paul Walter Hauser, whose roles remain unconfirmed, leaving room for fan theories and speculation.
Meet the Fantastic Four -----------------------The teaser primarily showcases the Fantastic Four themselves: Pedro Pascal as the brilliant Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as the courageous Susan Storm, Joseph Quinn as the fiery Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as the steadfast Ben Grimm. We also see glimpses of their helper robot, H.E.R.B.I.E.
The trailer emphasizes the family dynamics central to the Fantastic Four, highlighting the love and tensions inherent in their relationships. It focuses on Ben's struggle with his monstrous transformation and Reed's guilt over the incident that caused it.
Unlike previous films, First Steps is not an origin story but rather takes place when the FF are already celebrated heroes. However, the trailer includes flashbacks to their origins, suggesting some reflection on their past.
The costumes in First Steps differ significantly from past iterations, adopting a blue and white color scheme reminiscent of John Byrne's iconic 1980s Fantastic Four comics. These outfits emphasize the team's roles as scientists and adventurers, with functional Space Age uniforms that reflect each character's personality.
Marvel's marketing has also highlighted the Future Foundation, Reed's initiative to mentor the next generation of super-geniuses. This raises questions about potential younger heroes in the film, including Reed and Sue's children, Franklin and Valeria. The title "First Steps" suggests themes of parenthood and family growth.
There's a strong possibility that young Franklin Richards will appear, given his immense powers in the comics. His presence might be the reason Galactus targets Earth.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is set to premiere on July 25, 2025, promising to be a thrilling addition to the MCU.
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