4 Ways Fantastic Four: First Steps Sets Up Avengers: Doomsday

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In a significant revelation, the upcoming series “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” hints at the involvement of “Avengers: Doomsday” and Doctor Doom in four key ways. The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Phase 6 kicks off with “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” introducing a new team of superheroes who will significantly impact the events of “Avengers: Doomsday” set for next year. The eagerly awaited “Avengers 5” promises an epic battle between heroes from various Marvel realms against Doctor Doom, intriguingly portrayed by the former Iron Man actor, Robert Downey Jr., who will take on this iconic villain’s role.

As a die-hard cinema enthusiast, I’ve been eagerly anticipating “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.” There were whispers that Downey Jr. might don the role of Doctor Doom prior to “Avengers 5,” but alas, those rumors didn’t quite pan out. The MCU’s formidable foe made a fleeting appearance in the mid-credit scene, yet his visage remained hidden, even from the Oscar-winning Downey Jr. However, true to form, Doctor Doom is set to make his grand entrance on the MCU stage next December in “Doomsday,” and he’ll be back again the following year for “Secret Wars” to bring the Multiverse Saga to a close.

How The Fantastic Four Teases Avengers: Doomsday & Doctor Doom

Introducing the MCU’s Doctor Doom

In the movie “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” Doctor Doom makes his initial appearance before the film “Avengers: Doomsday.” The character portrayed by Robert Downey Jr., who is a villain in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, can be seen wearing a straightforward, dark green cloak and his famous polished mask. This simple attire seems to align with the less ornate appearance of the superheroes from Earth-828.

It’s not surprising that the Russo Brothers filmed The Fantastic Four’s mid-credit scene on the set of Avengers: Doomsday, as suggested by the credits. However, it remains uncertain if Robert Downey Jr. was indeed hidden beneath the cloak for that shot; it could very well have been a stand-in or body double. We’ll delve deeper into this topic later.

As a film enthusiast, it feels like a dream come true when I see The Fantastic Four hinting at what we fans have long speculated – that the Victor von Doom from Avengers: Endgame is indeed from Earth-828, sharing the same Multiverse realm as Marvel Cinematic Universe’s freshly introduced quartet.

It appears that Victor von Doom is exerting control over Latveria, as evidenced by its non-participation in the Future Foundation meeting where Sue Storm was trying to negotiate a disarmament treaty.

Reed’s Bridge Technology Could Go Multiversal

In the post-credits scene of Thunderbolts, hinting at Avengers: Doomsday, it’s suggested that the Fantastic Four are making their way to Earth-616. However, following the events of The Fantastic Four, there seems to be no proof that Mr. Fantastic has found a method to traverse between universes, a necessity for such a Multiversal journey.

Pedro Pascal’s character from The Smartest Man Alive is undeniably knowledgeable about what he discussed during the Fantastic Science with Mr. Fantastic class, as evident by his explanations to the children. His current knowledge appears to lean towards theory, but an invention of his from First Steps suggests it could transition into practical application quite soon, potentially making its debut in Avengers 5.

In the realm of cinema, one of Reed’s latest creations that left me utterly captivated in “First Steps” is this extraordinary device he calls The Bridge. Initially, it demonstrated a simple yet profound ability to transport an egg across a room, but its capabilities expanded exponentially as it propelled Galactus on a cosmic journey across the universe. However, within the Marvel Comics lore, The Bridge serves a purpose far more intriguing. It allows Reed to peer into alternate realities and, in time, traverse between them.

The development of Reed Richards’ teleporter might lead to the Fantastic Four’s arrival on Earth-616, as he enhances it to traverse universes. This device could potentially serve as The Bridge, enabling the Council of Reeds – as depicted in Marvel Comics – where different variants who have developed similar technology can interact and collaborate to solve common problems.

Doctor Doom’s Plans for Franklin Richards

Four years following Galactus’ assault on Earth-828, it appears Doctor Doom is orchestrating his own malicious schemes as hinted in the mid-credit scene of The Fantastic Four. During this time, Sue momentarily distracted herself to fetch a book. Meanwhile, her powerful son Franklin was approached by Victor von Doom within the Baxter Building.

In that instant, it’s hard to tell for certain what Doctor Doom was up to when he touched Franklin, but it’s not difficult to envision that the antagonist of Avengers 5 might not have completed his business with the Fantastic Four’s son. It’s plausible that Doctor Doom has larger objectives involving Franklin, which could assist him in gaining control during Doomsday.

In the Marvel Comics universe, the feud between Reed Richards and Victor von Doom is well-known, and it’s uncertain if this rivalry carries over to Earth-828. However, given that Doom has meddled with Franklin in some manner, it’s likely that tensions will run high between them.

Explaining Robert Downey Jr.’s Doom Casting

It’s intriguing to note that Doctor Doom, known for his disfigured face, surprisingly chose to reveal it to the god-like Franklin, as he gently removed his mask while Franklin held him. This unusual act might hint at a potential connection between the Fantastic Four’s arch-nemesis and the events of Avengers: Doomsday.

It’s intriguing to speculate whether Victor von Doom underwent a facial change initially, then utilized Franklin’s cosmic powers to assume the likeness of Robert Downey Jr. This could be the start of a complex scheme, designed to deceive Earth-616’s heroes into believing he is their late comrade, Tony Stark, thus gaining their trust.

It’s plausible that this might serve as the basis for the speculations about a potential recasting of Doom following “Avengers: Secret Wars“. This could involve a return to his original appearance for subsequent narratives, allowing a more cost-effective actor to replace Robert Downey Jr. in future stories.

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2025-07-29 20:36