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, along with antagonists Galactus (voiced by Ralph Ineson) 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, leaves fans questioning his role.
The trailer notably downplays Doom, unlike previous Fantastic Four films which heavily featured the character. This suggests a different approach, prioritizing Galactus and the Silver Surfer (played by Julia Garner). While Doom's appearance remains uncertain, his inclusion is crucial given the film's proximity to Avengers: Doomsday. Speculation centers on Doom's origin; is he from Earth-616, or an alternate universe, perhaps one where Tony Stark's life took a darker turn?
The trailer highlights Galactus as the primary antagonist, drawing inspiration from the classic "Galactus Trilogy." This version depicts Galactus in a humanoid form, a departure from previous cinematic iterations. The Silver Surfer's role is also anticipated to follow a similar arc to previous portrayals, initially serving Galactus before rebelling.
John Malkovich's character remains a mystery, with speculation pointing towards either Ivan Kragoff (The Red Ghost) or Mole Man. Both are classic Fantastic Four villains, and either could serve as a secondary antagonist. The trailer also showcases the Fantastic Four's established status as celebrity heroes, while still including flashbacks to their origin. Their new costumes are a departure from previous films, reflecting a more scientific and adventurous aesthetic. The film's title, "First Steps," suggests a focus on family dynamics and the challenges of parenthood, potentially involving the children of Reed and Sue Richards, particularly Franklin.
The teaser leaves many questions unanswered, particularly regarding Doctor Doom's role and the overall storyline. The film's release on July 25, 2025, promises to unveil these mysteries. A poll included allows viewers to speculate on Doctor Doom's appearance in the film.
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