Could Robert Downey Jr. Surprise Us as Doctor Doom in Fantastic Four: First Steps?

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Based on his status as the main adversary of the Fantastic Four, it seems highly likely that Robert Downey Jr. will portray Doctor Doom in the movie “The Fantastic Four: First Steps”, contrary to what the film’s director may state. Marvel has officially announced that Doctor Doom will first appear in the MCU during “Avengers: Doomsday”, following the shocking announcement at San Diego Comic Con 2024 that Robert Downey Jr. would be taking on this role. Although the specific plot details are yet to be disclosed, it is expected that Downey Junior will reprise his role in the 2027 film “Avengers: Secret Wars”.

In the upcoming movie “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” Reed Richards, his longtime adversary, is set to make his Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) debut. It was disclosed fairly early on that Galactus, played by Ralph Ineson, would serve as the primary antagonist in the Fantastic Four’s MCU introduction. Preview snippets and trailer clips have already offered tantalizing glimpses into how Galactus will influence the film, with promises of an impressive and comic-true representation. However, if accuracy to the comics is a top priority for “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” I am confident that Doctor Doom will make an appearance, despite Matt Shakman’s assertions to the contrary.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps Director Addressed Whether Doctor Doom Appears

Matt Shakman Casts Doubt On Doom’s Debut

During interviews for the promotion of “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” director Matt Shakman conversed with Empire Magazine. A portion of this interview was shared on ComicBookMovie. Regarding speculations about Doctor Doom’s appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, possibly within “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” Shakman’s comments seem to provide a definitive answer. He firmly declared that the matter appears to be settled, suggesting that it is highly likely that the post-credits scene will feature Doctor Doom’s introduction.

Doom is not a part of my film, and therefore not a part of my purview.

Shakman’s remarks lead us to ponder if the Fantastic Four have met Doom yet in their professional lives. If we assume he’s not trying to deceive viewers (a strategy Marvel Studios has used occasionally), then it seems intriguing that they might be keeping this key character out of the picture for now. Introducing such a crucial figure absent from the main team would certainly be a daring move on Marvel Studios’ part, no doubt about that. However, another possibility is that Shakman hints at Doom not being involved in his film, but still potentially showing up later.

Why I’m Convinced Doctor Doom Could Still Appear In The Fantastic Four: First Steps

The Post-Credits Scene Might Not Technically Be A Part Of Shakman’s Film

Doomsday.” This connection was evident when the Fantastic Four’s spaceship was shown entering Earth’s orbit from another universe. Interestingly, this scene appeared distinct from the rest of the movie due to the fact that it was directed by the Russo brothers.

It was announced that the Russo brothers would be directing both ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ and ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’. However, since ‘Thunderbolts’, which was directed by Jake Schreier, had a post-credits scene, it doesn’t necessarily mean that scene is part of his film. Similarly, Matt Shakman directing ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ doesn’t automatically make Doctor Doom, who might appear in another Russo brothers’ directed post-credits scene, part of Shakman’s responsibilities.

Why Doctor Doom Needs To Appear In The Fantastic Four: First Steps

The MCU Is Running Out Of Time To Debut The Multiverse Saga’s Arch-Villain

Introducing Doctor Doom in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” serves more than just setting him up as Reed Richards’ adversary. At this stage, before “Avengers: Doomsday“, he was largely absent from the narrative, making his appearance in this film a significant reveal for audiences who have yet to witness the main antagonist of the Multiverse Saga. In contrast, at a similar juncture in the Infinity Saga, Thanos made multiple appearances, including three times in total and as a secondary villain in the core storyline of “Guardians of the Galaxy“.

Instead of directly linking The Marvels and Thunderbolts to Avengers: Doomsday through their post-credit scenes, the main antagonist was conspicuously missing. Although incursions might pose a greater danger than Doom, it seems unwise not to hint at this more concrete villain in either The Fantastic Four: First Steps or Spider-Man: Brand New Day, or ideally both. I remain optimistic because filming for Avengers: Doomsday is progressing well, which could open up the possibility of a Doom-focused post-credit scene in The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

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2025-06-07 18:49