Summary:
- Matt Shakman confirms Doctor Doom won’t appear in Fantastic Four: First Steps, shutting down speculation.
- Rumors of a post-credit tease continue, but Doom’s real debut is saved for future films.
- The film focuses on family, emotion, and legacy, setting the stage for Marvel’s next chapter.
With Fantastic Four: First Steps on the horizon, the fans have been buzzing with questions, most notably, whether Doctor Doom will finally cross over to the MCU. Speculation has run wild, from theories about cameos to post-credits teases, but director Matt Shakman has now weighed in and put the rumors to rest.
His words don’t blow anything wide open, but they do set the record straight, at least for Fantastic Four: First Steps. Here is what he said, what it could mean, and why Doom might still be on Marvel’s radar, just not yet.
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Matt Shakman Addresses Doctor Doom Rumors in Fantastic Four: First Steps
During an interview with Empire Magazine, Shakman addressed the speculation head-on by stating:
“Doom is not a part of my film, and therefore not a part of my purview.”
For fans who had been waiting for the return of Victor Von Doom in some form, this might be a letdown, especially considering Doom’s past with Marvel’s First Family.
Most of the rumors stemmed from online theories and so-called leaks, which suggested Doctor Doom, possibly Robert Downey Jr., in a post-credits scene or, in some rumors, even in the main plot of the film. Others claimed Doom would hail from the same alternate universe as the Fantastic Four.
One particularly popular theory floated the idea of a post-credits scene where Sue Storm encounters Doom sitting beside Franklin, his mask in hand, silently brooding. While Shakman’s statement does seem absolute, it is worth mentioning that he was very careful with his wording, pointing out that Doom is not in his film.
Could Marvel Be Pulling a Fast One?
It would not be the first time, as Marvel Studios has a history of misdirection, either by deceptive trailers or surprise cameo appearances. Shakman’s remark does not entirely rule out a post-credits cameo. These scenes are generally shot separately, occasionally by other directors, and are intended to set up future projects.
There is historical precedent for this kind of approach. For instance, the Russo Brothers directed a Thunderbolts post-credits scene promoting the “New Avengers,” despite not being involved in that film directly. If Marvel did shoot a Doom teaser to help set up Avengers: Doomsday, strictly speaking, it would not be within Shakman’s jurisdiction, so his comment is technically accurate.
Thus, even though Doom never appeared on screen throughout the duration of First Steps, there is hope he would make an appearance on screen during the credits.
Why Doctor Doom’s Absence Makes Sense
While fans would love to witness one of Marvel’s most iconic villains enter the MCU spotlight, it’s not hard to see why Shakman and Marvel chose not to. Doctor Doom has already appeared in earlier Fantastic Four adaptations, and Marvel may be looking to refresh the franchise by saving his introduction for a more impactful moment.
Shakman’s direction seems to be deeply focused on character and emotional resonance. After the success of WandaVision, he’s shown a strong interest in infusing superhero stories with heart and humanity. This time, he has immersed himself deeply in the source material to craft a version of the Fantastic Four that honors their history while providing something new.
A Vision Shaped by Comics History
In the foreword to Jonathan Hickman’s acclaimed run on Fantastic Four: Solve Everything, Shakman had opened up how the comics had influenced his thinking about the team.
“I fell in love with the Fantastic Four when I was a kid,” he described how the family relationships, humor, and hope of Marvel’s First Family drew him in. He credited Hickman’s run with putting those classic elements into a modern, emotionally resonant context.
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As Shakman himself has it, “Reed, Sue, Ben, and Johnny may have incredible powers, but they are family first, scientists and explorers second, and superheroes only when absolutely necessary.” His study of more than six decades of comics shaped everything from Reed’s hunger for knowledge to Sue’s transformation into a strong, independent diplomat and leader.
Building a Family-First Narrative
The movie doesn’t solely rely on grand multiverse concepts like The Bridge, it also focuses on the family life of the story. Reed Richards is a genius torn between obsession, and Sue Storm is the emotional center and a force to be reckoned with.
- “Hickman’s Sue may be the most powerful member of the Four,” Shakman said. “She’s the glue that holds the world together while Reed experiments in the lab with things that could destroy it.”
He even touched on the issue of the parenting themes that the comics touch on, such as the anxiety of raising Val and Franklin Richards. “I understand their anxiety, fretting over the destiny of Val and Franklin just as I fret over my 9-year-old daughter’s future,” he said. These personal insights are part of what ground the story in something real, even when the action goes galactic.
Looking Forward to Avengers: Doomsday
Although Doom won’t be showing up in First Steps, his MCU arrival can’t be much farther off. Robert Downey Jr. has already been confirmed to show up as Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars. So his introduction isn’t up for discussion; it’s being held back for a bigger moment.
If nothing else, a post-credits moment of Doom in quiet with Franklin would be an excellent way to lay the groundwork for the future. Now that the Fantastic Four are officially part of the MCU, it’s only a matter of time before their story crosses paths with Doom’s.
Final Thoughts
For the time being, Fantastic Four: First Steps fans should temper expectations for a Doctor Doom cameo. Matt Shakman has said so himself: Doom isn’t part of this chapter. But if Marvel’s track record is anything to go by, that doesn’t necessarily mean there won’t be some surprises. It won’t be long before we find out about it, as Fantastic Four: First Steps will soon release in theaters on July 25, 2025
