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 first glimpses of antagonists like Ralph Ineson's Galactus and John Malkovich's mysterious character. 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 featured him prominently. Instead, the focus is on Galactus and his herald, the Silver Surfer (played by Julia Garner). This suggests a different approach, prioritizing Galactus as the primary antagonist, drawing inspiration from the classic "Galactus Trilogy" comic arc. The trailer showcases a humanoid Galactus, unlike the previous cinematic portrayal, and hints at a potentially significant role for the Ultimate Nullifier. The film's depiction of the Fantastic Four also emphasizes their family dynamic and established status as celebrity heroes, though flashbacks to their origin are hinted at. Their new costumes are a departure from previous iterations, reflecting a more scientific and adventurous aesthetic.

John Malkovich's character remains a mystery, with speculation suggesting he could be either Ivan Kragoff (The Red Ghost) or Mole Man. The teaser provides little clarification, leaving his role and potential involvement with the Super-Apes or Moloids open to interpretation. Other actors, including Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles, and Paul Walter Hauser, also have undisclosed roles.

The trailer emphasizes the family aspect of the Fantastic Four, highlighting Ben Grimm's struggle with his transformation and Reed Richards' guilt. The film's title, First Steps, suggests a focus on parenthood and the challenges of raising children, possibly hinting at the involvement of Franklin Richards, a powerful superhuman. The Future Foundation, a key element in the comics, may also play a role.

The question of Doctor Doom's involvement remains unanswered. While his presence is not explicitly shown, his upcoming role in The Avengers: Doomsday necessitates some form of introduction or foreshadowing in First Steps. The possibility of a post-credits scene or a subtle hint remains open. The film's release date is July 25, 2025.