Summary

Downey Jr's Doctor Doom will not appear in The Fantastic Four: First Steps as Marvel focuses on Galactus.
Introducing Doom could distract from the main storyline and character development of the film.
Marvel aims to make The Fantastic Four the next big stars in the MCU without overshadowing them with Downey Jr's presence.

Ever since it was confirmed that Robert Downey Jr. Would return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday, there have been questions over his status for The Fantastic Four: First Steps movie. Given that Doom is an iconic villain for those characters, this has always felt like the place where Marvel Studios would debut him.

His status in The Fantastic Four: First Steps has now been revealed, though. It has been confirmed what Marvel Studios' plans are for Downey Jr.'s version of the iconic villain. The decision made is a smart one, though, as it's set to benefit the upcoming standalone movie alone.

Avengers: Doomsday Is The Time For Spider-Man To Truly Replace Iron Man

After a lengthy build up, Spider-Man should replace Iron Man in the upcoming MCU film Avengers: Doomsday.

Posts 1

By Matthew Wilkinson

Robert Downey Jr's Status In The Fantastic Four: First Steps Is Now Set

Matt Shakman Has Made An Official Announcement About Robert Downey Jr

marvel skipping comic-con hall fans have more reasons to be excited

Downey Jr always commands a lot of attention due to his star power, but this is multiplied when it comes to the MCU, where he's seen as an almost God-like figure due to his years as Iron Man. There's a lot of anticipation for his appearance in Avengers: Doomsday, as fans thought he was done with the franchise after Iron Man died in Avengers: Endgame. The idea that he's going to take on a different character is exciting and is one of the reasons people are excited about Avengers: Doomsday when it releases. However, it would be easy for Marvel to introduce him in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, setting up what this character will be like and how he will appear. Doctor Doom is synonymous with this group of heroes, but that doesn't mean he's guaranteed to occur. Marvel has chosen Galactus as the main villain for this movie. Therefore, there isn't a need for Doom to be involved unless it is to set up whatever the main storyline will be in Avengers: Doomsday.

Marvel has a history of doing this, as Thanos made several appearances within the Marvel Universe before he was a main character in a movie. It allowed fans to understand who he was and what he wanted, which built everything up toward Avengers: Infinity War. However, fans shouldn't expect Downey Jr to appear, at least not according to director Matt Shakman. He told Empire Magazine, "Doom is not a part of my film, and therefore not a part of my preview." Of course, that doesn't guarantee that he won't turn up, as the MCU is built up on people not revealing any secrets, but as it stands, the current word is that he won't be involved in The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps Will Now Have Room To Breathe

Robert Downey Jr's Doctor Doom Debut Would Have Been Distracting

While putting Downey Jr into The Fantastic Four: First Steps would've been an easy way to create some buzz for the movie that would've helped it at the box office, it's ultimately a favorable decision not to involve him. The story will be about Galactus; therefore, adding Doctor Doom would only have been done to hype Avengers: Doomsday, a movie guaranteed to perform well at the box office anyway due to the brand name and how many stars are involved. The Fantastic Four: First Steps will now have the chance to breathe as a standalone movie without worrying about shoehorning a villain with another film in mind.

Doom is such a powerful character, and Downey Jr is such a significant presence that putting him into The Fantastic Four: First Steps would've been distracting. Even if it were just a cameo at the end of the movie, it would have diverted all the attention away from the world-building and character development set to take place throughout the film. Early reviews from test screenings have also claimed that Galactus is an impressive character, and not taking away from him as a villain is also essential, as it will allow fans to see him as a genuine threat.

Marvel Needs The Fantastic Four To Become Some Of The Next Big Stars

They Might Be The Main Heroes For The MCU For The Next Decade

Ultimately, this movie will be all about introducing the Fantastic Four into the MCU, and while people might be familiar with their characters, these versions will be totally different. Just focusing on those four is the best decision that Marvel Studios could have made, as it will ensure that they're adequately developed to the point where fans will want to see them again moving forward. The franchise is entering a new phase in the next couple of years, and the Fantastic Four is likely to play a significant part in that. They are already confirmed to be part of Avengers: Doomsday, which will likely mean they will appear in Avengers: Secret Wars as well. Marvel has long-term plans for them, as they could become the next big heroes for the franchise, meaning they need to be appropriately introduced. Putting Downey Jr in would've been distracting for most people and would've been all people talked about afterward, which isn't what Marvel wants for this movie. The talking point should be the lead heroes after anyone sees The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and not putting Downey Jr into the film will give them the best opportunity to achieve that.

Rating block community and brand ratings Image