I Loved How Fantastic Four: First Steps Repeatedly Trolled MCU Fans With That Major Character Absence

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This post contains spoilers for The Fantastic Four: First Steps

Since the announcement that the Fantastic Four would be incorporated into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, one query resonated loudly among fans: Where is Doom? For decades, Doctor Doom has been the arch-nemesis of Marvel’s First Family, a figure so deeply intertwined with their mythology that it seemed inappropriate to envision one without the other. However, as the release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps approached, it was consistently confirmed that Victor Von Doom would not appear in the film. At first, this news was met with a mixture of concern and dismay by many viewers. However, it later became clear that this decision was one of the film’s most insightful and self-referential creative choices. Instead of being an oversight or missed opportunity, First Steps playfully teased MCU fans with its main character absence, emphasizing the film’s central ideas and paving the way for a significant future development.

This method shone through its dedication to the Fantastic Four characters themselves, making their initial appearance a deep dive into their origins and, crucially, their unique bond as an unconventional family. It was a daring choice that proved successful, demonstrating that sometimes, the most intriguing hints are those that don’t reveal what you seek directly, but instead, emphasize what’s missing or implied.

The Film Masterfully Subverted Expectations by Focusing Solely on the Fantastic Four’s Foundations

The core storyline of Fantastic Four: First Steps revolved around the theme of beginnings – not just the emergence of superpowers, but also the formation of a unique family bond under extraordinary conditions. The movie deliberately prioritized developing the relationships among Reed, Sue, Johnny, and Ben, offering viewers an engaging experience as they became invested in these characters. This focus on character development allowed us to appreciate what lengths they would go to protect their family, before eventually unveiling the familiar menace of Victor Von Doom.

In each scene, from Reed Richards’ groundbreaking scientific discoveries, Johnny Storm’s vibrant character traits, Ben Grimm’s love for cooking, and Sue’s unwavering commitment to her family, we got a glimpse into the unique characteristics of each member of the Fantastic Four. The movie recognized that for Doctor Doom to have genuine impact, the Fantastic Four had to be compelling first. By strategically keeping Doom in the background, or rather not showing him at all, it allowed the spotlight to shine brighter on our heroes. This choice was a strong message: this film wasn’t about setting up future battles; it was about laying the groundwork for those fights to come.

Instead of Doom’s absence being a vacancy, it was a deliberate gap that spotlighted the familial bond of the Fantastic Four, demonstrating their strength not from their individual talents but from their mutual support. Initially, the audience’s eagerness for Doom seemed like a diversion, but ultimately, it underscored the film’s dedication to its main objective: capturing our affection for these five characters (including Franklin) as a cohesive group, before any multiversal danger came into play.

The Persistent Teasing of Latveria’s Empty Seat Became a Clever Device for Doom’s Ultimate Reveal

In the comedy series Fantastic Four: First Steps, one consistently humorous aspect is the persistent vacancy of Latveria’s seat at United Nations meetings, where its presence is customary. Over and over again, as Sue spoke to various nations about the danger of Galactus, the chair reserved for Latveria stood conspicuously empty. Unlike other scenes, there were no hints about Doom’s past, no subtle references to a talented yet troubled Latverian scientist, and absolutely no mysterious figures lurking in the shadows.

In this rendition of the Fantastic Four’s world, no overt hints about Doom’s presence were given, which was a clever trick to mislead viewers. It made them think that maybe Doom wouldn’t show up at all. This subtle, recurring visual joke was a fantastic twist on what fans had come to expect. It acknowledged the ever-present expectation for Doom, with Avengers: Doomsday coming soon, but instead of fueling it with traditional Easter eggs or foreshadowing, it went against it. This created a unique form of dramatic irony, where the audience knew something that the characters in the story did not.

The payoff from this hint was absolutely worth it! When Doom suddenly showed up in the post-credits scene, inside the Baxter Building with a 4-year-old Franklin Richards, it was a massive shock after his intentional absence and hints throughout the movie. This wasn’t just a casual reveal; it was a powerful blow, a gut reaction evident in Sue’s frightened gaze that solidified Doom as a towering threat. It demonstrated the film’s self-assured storytelling ability, opting to play the long game instead of succumbing to instant fan service. The post-credits scene wasn’t just an obligatory teaser; it felt deserved, serving as a thrilling climax that perfectly set the stage for Avengers: Doomsday. This transformation of character absence from a possible mistake into one of the film’s most significant and ultimately gratifying creative decisions was truly impressive.

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2025-07-26 17:41