In a fresh adaptation, Marvel’s celebrated family known as The Fantastic Four faced off against some of their most recognized adversaries in the movie titled “The Fantastic Four: First Steps“. As we eagerly await their return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there are numerous other formidable villains we hope they’ll engage with. This exciting new venture marks the official introduction of The Fantastic Four into the MCU following brief hints in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness“, where John Krasinski portrayed a fated Mr. Fantastic. However, Pedro Pascal stepped in for Krasinski, and Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach joined him as Earth 828’s Fantastic Four. While “First Steps” primarily centered on its superheroes, it also delved into the lives of these iconic characters beyond their heroics.
In the film “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” supervillains became the main focus, with the movie accurately representing some of Marvel Comics’ most famous and potent adversaries from the pages of the comics. Following the destruction of the planet-eater in 2007’s “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer,” Galactus was portrayed convincingly by Ralph Ineson, marking the first accurate depiction of this iconic character on screen. Shalla-Bal’s Silver Surfer, played by Julia Garner, also made an appearance as Galactus’ herald. The Fantastic Four engaged in battles against several other villains as well. Given that sequels are likely, it would be exciting to see the team face off against these impressive and thrilling Marvel supervillains in future installments.
7) Philip Masters’ Puppet Master
Prior to the release of “The Fantastic Four: First Steps”, fans had hypothesized that Philip Masters’ Puppet Master could make an appearance as a secondary adversary. However, it turned out that Ben Grimm developed feelings for Rachel Rozman (portrayed by Natasha Lyonne) in “First Steps” instead of Alicia Masters, whom Masters is step-father to. This unexpected turn of events leaves room for the Puppet Master to still confront the Four, given his status as one of their original adversaries from Marvel Comics. With his ability to craft puppets out of radioactive clay and control them, he would make an excellent chilling and gritty antagonist in a potential sequel to “First Steps”.
6) Maximus the Mad
In “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” an Inhuman character made their initial appearance within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), as Anson Mount once again portrayed Black Bolt. The possibility exists that Inhumans could also be present in the universe of Earth 828, where the Fantastic Four reside. This scenario opens up the intriguing prospect of Black Bolt and Maximus engaging in a confrontation. Maximus is a nefarious member of the Inhuman royal family who initially clashed with the Fantastic Four back in 1966. His cunning and mind control abilities make him an excellent candidate for a villain to bring the Inhumans into the MCU more prominently, particularly if he’s introduced as a powerful adversary for the Fantastic Four.
5) Reed Richards’ Maker
Looking forward to “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Avengers: Secret Wars,” past incarnations of Reed Richards could reappear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, potentially returning as a powerful antagonist. Interestingly, Miles Teller’s portrayal of Richards from 2015’s “Fantastic Four” was influenced by the Ultimate Marvel version of the character, who transformed into the villainous Maker following a string of tragic incidents. Since few can match Reed Richards in an intellectual duel, it would be thrilling to witness him face off against his dark counterpart, and “Secret Wars” could provide the opportunity for this encounter.
4) Annihilus
Back in 1968, I found myself grappling with Reed Richards’ groundbreaking discovery of interdimensional travel to the Negative Zone. There, I locked horns with Annihilus, the ruler of that realm and a bug-like monarch at that. After the Fantastic Four snatched his Cosmic Control Rod for their own escape, Annihilus turned into one of Marvel’s deadliest adversaries, orchestrating his Annihilation Wave to jeopardize numerous mighty heroes across the universe.
In my book, Annihilus could be a saga-long antagonist in the MCU, but I’d also relish seeing him take on the Fantastic Four first, just as it was in Marvel Comics, in a more intimate and impactful storyline.
3) Sue Storm’s Malice
Vanessa Kirby expressed her fondness for the “Malicious” side of Sue Storm’s character from Marvel Comics, suggesting it could add depth to bring this complex aspect into the MCU. The “Malicious” persona emerged when Psycho-Man magnified Sue Storm’s negative emotions following a miscarriage trauma. In this state, she employed her powers more aggressively, but was eventually restored to normal by Reed Richards through genuine anger provocation. Introducing the Fantastic Four against one of their own – Malice – could offer intriguing dynamics, and provide Kirby with fresh dimensions to explore in her role.
2) Ivan Kragoff’s Red Ghost
John Malkovich was initially slated to portray Ivan Kragoff’s Red Ghost in the movie “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” even featuring briefly in the film’s trailer. Regrettably, all his scenes ended up being removed. It is hoped that Malkovich will rejoin the cast in future films. With the Super Apes making an appearance in both the main film and the animated post-credits scene, there’s a strong possibility that this may occur. Since Red Ghost empowered the apes with the same abilities as the Four, he has proven to be one of their most tenacious adversaries, suggesting he deserves a role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
1) Rama-Tut
The fate of Kang the Conqueror in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is unclear following Jonathan Majors’ arrest, conviction, and dismissal from his role in 2023. If a recast happens, possibly post-MCU’s reboot after Avengers: Secret Wars, another actor could assume the character of Ancient Egyptian Pharaoh Rama-Tut. The Fantastic Four encountered Rama-Tut on a time-travel escapade, so it’s imaginable that this narrative could be adapted for live-action in the future MCU, offering an exciting opportunity to refocus on Kang. Although Majors portrayed a cybernetic version of Rama-Tut in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, it would be thrilling if the Fantastic Four met a genuine Kang variant in the MCU’s upcoming storylines.
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2025-08-20 16:13