Movies

How ‘The Fantastic Four’ post-credits scene brings us one step closer to ‘Doomsday’

BBG News

This story contains spoilers for “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.”

At long last, Marvel’s original team has officially appeared within the MCU, signaling the commencement of a beloved pastime: analyzing the hidden clues from the movie’s ending scenes to predict future events!

Under the guidance of “WandaVision” director Matt Shakman, the upcoming film titled “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” presents audiences with Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) and Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn). This movie, launching on Friday, features these four superpowered astronauts as they face off against Galactus (Ralph Ineson), a powerful cosmic being who craves planets mercilessly.

Titled “First Steps,” this introduction signifies the commencement of Phase 6 in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a phase that concludes with two gigantic “Avengers” collaborative movies.

“First Steps” indicates the start of the next big stage in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, ending with two huge ‘Avengers’ team-up films.

Review

‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ is a grown-up glow-up for the superhero genre

In a delightful nod to the past, the mastermind behind “WandaVision” combines vintage charm with dishes like Jell-O salads and a classic sci-fi rhythm of storytelling. The talented trio of Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach grace our screens as the main stars.

Similar to many Marvel Cinematic Universe films, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” includes several scenes shown after the credits. One of these, appearing halfway through the closing credits, lays the groundwork for the superhero squad’s upcoming major quest.

In four years following the Fantastic Four’s confrontation with Galactus, the mid-credits scene unfolds. Here, we see Sue sitting comfortably on a couch, reading a story to her and Reed’s son, Franklin Richards. Upon completing the tale, she leaves to pick another book, refusing H.E.R.B.I.E.’s recommended title. Sensing unease, Sue prepares herself by charging her powers. As she turns the corner, she discovers a shrouded figure communicating with Franklin.

Though his face remains hidden, his emerald cloak and the mask grasped in his hand instantly identify him as Doctor Doom for fans versed in Marvel comics.

In this Marvel Cinematic Universe installment, we’re introduced to the infamous antagonist who goes by Victor von Doom. Known as the nemesis of Marvel’s original family since his comic book introduction in “Fantastic Four” issue 5 (1962), he is a character with a dual identity – a brilliant scientist and a sorcerer from the fictitious nation of Latveria, which was mentioned in “Fantastic Four: First Steps.

The eagerly awaited arrival of Doom in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been building since last year’s Marvel Studios presentation at San Diego Comic-Con. One of the key announcements made was that the fifth “Avengers” movie would now be known as “Avengers: Endgame,” and Robert Downey Jr., who plays Iron Man, is set to rejoin the franchise as Doctor Doom.

Although Doom’s specific motivation towards Franklin isn’t explained, it’s plausible that a villain like him would find the child’s abilities intriguing. This interaction also suggests why the Fantastic Four eventually cross over into the universe shared with other Marvel Cinematic Universe heroes.

Title “First Steps” takes place on Earth-828, a nod to Jack Kirby, the Fantastic Four co-creator born August 28, 1917. This story unfolds in a futuristic universe distinct from the main Marvel multiverse. However, the Thunderbolts’ post-credits scene reveals the Fantastic Four’s spaceship, Excelsior, appearing on Earth-616. Might Doctor Doom have abducted young Franklin and transported him to another dimension? Or perhaps there’s some other explanation. But heed Samuel Sterns’ words from “Captain America: Brave New World” post-credits scene: The multiverse is approaching.

Movies

Marvel’s “Thunderbolts” presents not one but two intriguing post-credit sequences, offering tantalizing glimpses into the upcoming events of Phase 6 within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Wondering how the “Fantastic Four” post-credits scene could’ve unfolded if the studio hadn’t changed course on using Kang the Conqueror as the main antagonist, given that he shares a family lineage with Franklin in the comics? It’s not hard to imagine him as the unexpected intruder Sue encounters. In any case, a magical babysitter could have been quite useful (Marvel Studios shifted their plans following Jonathan Majors’ conviction on assault and harassment charges in 2023).

After all the credits have finished, a second scene from “Fantastic Four: First Steps” is displayed. This scene isn’t essential for the story but rather offers an entertaining extra and pays homage to the iconic superhero team’s animated history.

Titled “Avengers: Doomsday,” set to premiere on December 18, 2026, this massive Marvel Cinematic Universe crossover will bring together characters like the Fantastic Four, the Thunderbolts/New Avengers and others. The confirmed cast for “Doomsday” includes notable actors such as Chris Hemsworth (reprising his role as Thor), Anthony Mackie (playing Sam Wilson/Captain America), Sebastian Stan (as Bucky Barnes), Paul Rudd (Scott Lang/Ant-Man), Tom Hiddleston (Loki), Florence Pugh (Yelena Belova), David Harbour (Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian), Lewis Pullman (Bob Reynolds), Wyatt Russell (John Walker) and Hannah John-Kamen (Ava Starr/Ghost).

Following up in the MCU is “Wonder Man,” a series headlined by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, set to premiere on Disney+ in December. The upcoming Phase 6 movie is the collaboration between Marvel and Sony titled “Spider-Man: Fresh Start,” scheduled for release in July 2026.

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2025-07-25 02:31

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