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 antagonists like Ralph Ineson's Galactus and a mysterious character played by John Malkovich. However, the absence of Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom, announced last year at San Diego Comic-Con as the villain in The Avengers: Doomsday, is a major talking point.

The trailer notably downplays Doom, unlike previous Fantastic Four films which featured him prominently. This suggests a different approach, prioritizing Galactus and Silver Surfer (played by Julia Garner). While Doom's role remains unclear, his presence before Avengers: Doomsday in May 2026 necessitates some form of introduction, possibly a post-credits scene. The question of Doom's origin – whether from Earth-616, an alternate reality, or a completely different universe – is central to his introduction.

The trailer heavily features Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds, drawing inspiration from the classic "Galactus Trilogy" storyline. Ineson's portrayal promises a more character-driven approach than previous film iterations. The Silver Surfer's inclusion, a gender-swapped version, suggests a similar arc to the 2007 film, starting as Galactus' herald before rebelling.

John Malkovich's character remains a mystery, with speculation pointing towards either Ivan Kragoff (Red Ghost) or Mole Man. His appearance and the film's early focus on established Fantastic Four suggests he may be a secondary antagonist. Other cast members, including Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles, and Paul Walter Hauser, also have undisclosed roles.

The teaser highlights the Fantastic Four's family dynamic, showcasing the emotional struggles of Ben Grimm and Reed Richards. The film depicts a well-established team, yet includes flashbacks to their origin. The costumes deviate from previous films, adopting a more scientifically-driven aesthetic reminiscent of John Byrne's 80s comics. The Future Foundation's prominence in marketing hints at the possible inclusion of Franklin Richards, potentially linked to Galactus' interest in Earth.

The film's release on July 25, 2025, will reveal the extent of Doom's involvement and the overall narrative. A poll asks viewers to predict whether Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom will appear, either as a supporting character or in a post-credits scene.