Director Matt Shakman has addressed speculation regarding the presence of Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom in the forthcoming film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Shakman confirmed that Doctor Doom will not appear in the movie, stating, “Doom is not a part of my film, and therefore not a part of my purview.”
However, fans remain skeptical of this response, particularly in light of recent Marvel film strategy. They point to the added post-credit scenes in Thunderbolts and The New Avengers, which were introduced shortly before their respective releases and demonstrated how interconnected the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is. It’s reminiscent of how those films already hinted at future developments, and some fans speculate that a Doctor Doom scene might similarly be woven into The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
Moreover, Doctor Doom is a principal adversary of the Fantastic Four in the comics, especially concerning Reed Richards. Given this context, the absence of Doom could raise questions among fans about his expected role in future projects, especially with the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday set to feature the character.
As anticipation builds for the July 25, 2025 release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, the ongoing speculation about Doctor Doom paints a highly intricate picture of Marvel’s narrative universe. It keeps fans engaged, eager for any potential surprises that could link to future storylines in the MCU. The discussion highlights the strategic way Marvel often manages character arcs and reveals, which can keep audiences invested long before the actual film is out.