How Fantastic Four: First Steps Sets Up Avengers: Doomsday

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The Incredible Beginnings of the Fantastic Four” has now graced theater screens, marking the commencement of Phase 6 in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and officially introducing the much-adored supergroup cherished by fans. Set in an alternate reality called Earth-828, the film unfolds a captivating tale that primarily focuses on delivering the top-notch narrative quality synonymous with Marvel Studios’ finest productions. Yet, Marvel enthusiasts might find it intriguing to learn that the storyline of “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” bears minimal connection to the impending crossover events such as “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Avengers: Secret Wars.” That being said, there are hints within the film suggesting how everything interlocks, but apart from one of the movie’s post-credits scenes, insights into how the Fantastic Four align with the MCU’s grand designs remain mostly contextual.

Warning: Spoilers for The Fantastic Four: First Steps below.

In the story of “The Fantastic Four: First Steps”, Marvel’s initial family faces a perilous meeting with Galactus, known as the World Devourer (Ralph Ineson). This cosmic entity is driven by an unquenchable hunger that can only be satisfied by consuming planets teeming with life. As he roams the universe, Galactus devours one planet at a time, each consumption preceded by his herald, Shalla-Bal, or the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). She selects Galactus’ targets and is forced to serve him as a form of payment for the World Devourer sparing her home planet.

When Shalla-Bal arrives on Earth, Sue (Vanessa Kirby) and Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal) are already expecting their first child, whom they name Franklin. Unbeknownst to them, Franklin has a unique ability known as the Power Cosmic – an energy source that can quell Galactus’ hunger, making him no longer need to consume planets. This action frees Galactus from his curse. Galactus propositions the Fantastic Four with a deal: Earth’s safety in exchange for their newborn child, Franklin. The Fantastic Four decline this offer, setting off a desperate race against time to prevent Galactus. The interest Galactus shows in Franklin hints at how the Fantastic Four will become entangled in the events of Avengers: Doomsday, as Franklin’s powers may attract other powerful Marvel villains.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps Credit Scene Sets Up Avengers: Doomsday

In the opening sequence of “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” four years have passed since the team transported Galactus without his spacecraft, trapping him somewhere far off in the cosmos. The scene finds Sue retrieving a book for Franklin. Upon re-entering the living room, she discovers a hooded figure tending to her son. This mysterious character is showing Franklin a metallic mask and allowing him to touch his face. Indeed, it’s none other than Doctor Doom, who will be portrayed by Robert Downey Jr. in “Avengers: Doomsday.

In the forthcoming film titled “Avengers: Doomsday“, though the specific plot details remain secret, it’s clear that Doom will be a significant character in a multiverse-spanning journey. As an accomplished scientist and adept in the mystical arts, there’s a strong possibility that Doom recognizes Franklin’s powers at some point and plans to exploit them for his own purposes. The miniseries “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” offers fans a sneak peek into Franklin’s abilities as he alters reality to resurrect Sue after her demise during the battle against Galactus. With time, it remains uncertain how powerful Franklin may become in the future.

If Marvel Studios takes ideas from the comics, it won’t be long before Franklin can conjure entire alternate realities, join timelines, and manipulate the very laws of existence whenever he wishes. These abilities could prove crucial in a cosmic conflict. Since Doom seems to be moving between dimensions, let’s consider how the Sacred Timeline and Fox-era X-Men might tie into Avengers: Doomsday. Franklin could play a pivotal role in this narrative, as he possesses the power to halt (or initiate) intrusions using just his thoughts.

In the post-credits scene of Thunderbolts, we learn that the Fantastic Four’s spacecraft, the Excelsior, is set to traverse dimensions and arrive in the Sacred Timeline. This suggests that Victor von Doom may kidnap Franklin from Sue Storm, prompting the Fantastic Four to pursue him across dimensions to the Sacred Timeline. This scenario might account for how these heroes come together and why they will eventually unite to thwart Doom, regardless of his plans. With over a year until Avengers: Doomsday’s release in December 2026, Marvel Studios has ample opportunity to introduce additional plot elements that help fans follow the larger storyline and understand how Doom connects all these disparate threads.

The movie “The Fantastic Four: First Footsteps” can be seen in cinemas now!

What makes you think Doctor Doom is pursuing Franklin in the post-credits scene of “The Fantastic Four: First Footsteps”? Share your speculations below!

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2025-07-25 03:10