Summary:
- Galactus finally arrives in the MCU, bringing world-ending stakes and a female Silver Surfer.
- Mole Man and Giganto return as nostalgic nods to Fantastic Four’s comic book origins.
- More threats, including Red Ghost and possibly Doctor Doom, set the stage for future multiverse chaos.
Marvel Studios’ Fantastic Four: First Steps aims to be far more than the MCU’s long-awaited introduction of Marvel’s First Family. It is set in a retro-futuristic world unlike anything the MCU has attempted before. Here’s everything from cosmic villains to underground threats, and perhaps characters from alternate realities. Galactus is officially revealed as the central threat, and a few other villains are confirmed or heavily rumored. Here’s a breakdown of every antagonist currently making their presence felt in Fantastic Four: First Steps.
Table of Contents
Galactus (Confirmed)
The planet-devouring cosmic giant, Galactus, has been confirmed as the movie’s primary antagonist. Voiced by Ralph Ineson, Galactus is a cosmic entity whose voracious appetite causes him to devour worlds. Ineson’s deep, commanding voice is expected to give the character an ominous and powerful presence. On the other hand, Galactus may never appear in full humanoid form due to his overwhelming size.
Originally known as Galan of Taa, Galactus is a survivor from another universe, one that came before ours. He was transformed into a frightening being after he was merged with the Sentience of the Cosmos. This is Galactus’s first MCU appearance, one that could have huge consequences for the wider multiverse.
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Silver Surfer (Confirmed)
Julia Garner will be portraying a gender-swapped version of Silver Surfer, Shalla-Bal, a variant from the storyline of Earth X. Silver Surfer, known as Norrin Radd, is Galactus’s faithful herald who seeks out prime worlds for her master to consume.
She begins her journey as Galactus’s servant. But it is likely that the Silver Surfer may come to her senses and turn against him, possibly even allying herself with the Fantastic Four to defend Earth.
Mole Man (Confirmed)
Marvel is returning to its roots with the addition of the first comic book villain of the Fantastic Four: Mole Man. Paul Walter Hauser is rumored to star as Mole Man, a.k.a. Harvey Elder. He is a scientist banished from the surface who now leads a legion of subterranean Moloids in his quest to reclaim the world above.
He’s meant to lose early in the film, perhaps even in an opening montage. However, his inclusion serves as a nod to Fantastic Four #1 (1961), where the team had fought his monster, Giganto. Rumor has it that this classic fight will be re-created on screen, possibly in a stylized flashback to the team’s early victories.
Giganto (Confirmed)
Giganto, the giant kaiju-like creature, is confirmed to appear, apparently with Mole Man’s opening assault. Pulled straight from the comics, this Deviant mutate has been spotted fighting the Fantastic Four in teaser trailers. We think he will be seen in the opening action sequence or as a montage highlighting the team’s early years.
Giganto’s presence also hints at the existence of Monster Island and other Deviant-based creatures. Especially valuable in a timeline that doesn’t directly tie into the main MCU Earth-616 continuity.
Red Ghost (Rumored)
John Malkovich has officially joined the cast, and everyone believes he’s playing Ivan Kragoff, also known as the Red Ghost. Kragoff is a Cold War-era Soviet scientist obsessed with replicating the Fantastic Four’s powers. He accidentally exposes himself to cosmic radiation and develops the power of intangibility.
Although his specific role in the movie is unknown, his history in the comic background suggests he could be a supporting antagonist. He could be seen operating within a subplot involving cosmic experimentation or government interference.
Doctor Doom (Rumored)
Though not confirmed, all signs suggest that Doctor Doom is widely expected to appear, most likely in a post-credits scene. Robert Downey Jr. will play a variant of Doom in Avengers: Doomsday, and this version of the character originates from the same alternate universe depicted in First Steps.
But according to sources, Doom and Reed Richards won’t be appearing on screen together in this film. Marvel could be setting up Doom for a slow-burn arc, with a build towards a larger role in the next Avengers installments. A cameo in First Steps would be a perfect way to set the stage.
Cosmic Threat
One of the most intriguing parts of the first Fantastic Four: First Steps trailer (all easter eggs from the first trailer) is the team staring upwards at a burning sky as celestial fire rains down from above. This could be a sign of Galactus’ arrival. However, it could also be a sign of another, as-of-yet unidentified cosmic danger, perhaps the beginning of universal convergence or dimensional collapse.
But whether metaphorical or literal, the visual strongly suggests First Steps’ stakes are greater than any other Fantastic Four film, hinting at universal consequences.
Final Thoughts
With Galactus looming in the shadows and several other villains confirmed or hinted at, Fantastic Four: First Steps is looking to be the most villain-heavy Fantastic Four adaptation to date. Whether they unite or work individually, each villain will play a vital role in determining the course of the team’s journey.
From Mole Man’s underground assaults to the cosmic menace of Galactus, Marvel appears ready to lean fully into the sci-fi roots of the Fantastic Four. The release date, July 25, 2025, is quickly approaching. The fans won’t have long to wait to see how these villains crossover into one of the MCU’s favorite teams.
