After nearly a year of rumors, whether Doctor Doom is in The Fantastic Four: First Steps' cast, but it just might not be in the cards.
According to the latest issue of Empire Magazine (via The Fantastic Four: First Steps' story, which focuses on Galactus and the Silver Surfer as antagonists. Check out the full quote below:
"Doom is not a part of my film, and therefore not a part of my purview."
What The MCU Fantastic Four Movie Director's Doctor Doom Comments Mean
Marvel Studios Might Finally Break A Fantastic Four Movie Trend
With Shakman claiming Doctor Doom is not in the MCU movie, The Fantastic Four: First Steps would be breaking a major trend for Marvel's First Family when it comes to the villain. So far, Victor von Doom has appeared in every live-action Fantastic Four movie, so if he does not show up in the team's MCU debut, The Fantastic Four: First Steps would be the first film in the franchise not to feature Doctor Doom. His MCU introduction would be left for Avengers: Doomsday, where he will be the main villain.
I’m Convinced The Avengers Movies Make Doctor Doom & Sue Storm’s Daughter Possible For The MCU To Introduce
Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars could introduce Doctor Doom and Sue Storm's daughter, changing the MCU's Fantastic Four in a major way.
When it comes to MCU reveals, there is always the possibility that Shakman could be lying to preserve the film's secrets. Something as big as Robert Downey Jr.'s debut as Doctor Doom would surely be a major moment for audiences to experience in theaters for the first time. If Doctor Doom is in The Fantastic Four: First Steps' credits scene, as was previously reported, then Shakman's words could even be true, as he said the villain is not in the movie, and technically a post-credits scene exists outside of that.
Our Take On The MCU Fantastic Four Movie Director's Doctor Doom Comments
Robert Downey Jr.'s MCU Villain Needs All The Time He Can Get
Since the Multiverse Saga was originally setting up Kang the Conqueror for the next two Avengers movies, the MCU will not have a lot of time to set up Doctor Doom. As such, I believe having the character debut in The Fantastic Four: First Steps would make a lot of sense. Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom would not even need to have a major role, just to appear to set up a connection between him and the team. Based on past reports of a post-credits debut, I'm convinced Matt Shakman is lying to keep The Fantastic Four: First Steps' secrets.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps
- Release Date
- July 25, 2025
- Runtime
- 130 Minutes
- Director
- Matt Shakman
- Writers
- Jeff Kaplan, Josh Friedman, Ian Springer, Eric Pearson, Stan Lee
- Producers
- Jamie Christopher, Kevin Feige, Louis D'Esposito, Tim Lewis
Cast
Reed Richards / Mr. Fantastic
Vanessa KirbySue Storm / The Invisible Woman
Johnny Storm / Human Torch
Ebon Moss-BachrachBen Grimm / The Thing
- Franchise(s)
- Marvel Cinematic Universe
All Announced MCU Movies
Source: Empire Magazine (via ComicBookMovie)
