Key Takeaways:
- Joe and Anthony Russo are actively involved in Fantastic Four: First Steps, helping set up their next MCU blockbuster, Avengers: Doomsday.
- The Fantastic Four debut pits the team against Galactus, with Ralph Ineson voicing the cosmic entity.
- Doctor Doom, portrayed by Robert Downey Jr., is expected to clash with both the First Family and Galactus in the multiversal event film.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) continues to expand its Phase 6 roadmap with Fantastic Four: First Steps, and director Matt Shakman has confirmed that Joe and Anthony Russo—best known for helming Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame—were closely involved in the production. Their early participation signals Marvel Studios’ commitment to unifying story arcs ahead of Avengers: Doomsday, where the First Family will play a major role.
Russo Brothers Shape the Future of Marvel’s First Family
During the film’s premiere, Shakman told Deadline that the Russo Brothers visited the set, observed scenes, and collaborated to ensure character continuity. This marks the official debut of the new Fantastic Four lineup: Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm.
“They came to tour our sets, they would watch scenes… they wanted to get to know these people,” Shakman said. This collaboration sets the stage for a smooth transition into Avengers: Doomsday, furthering narrative cohesion in Phase 6.
Galactus Takes the Spotlight as Main Villain
Set in an alternate timeline, First Steps introduces Galactus as the central antagonist, voiced by Ralph Ineson. While plot details remain limited, the cosmic threat posed by Galactus raises the stakes for the Fantastic Four’s MCU debut. Ineson has expressed interest in future crossover opportunities, especially with Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom—confirming the actor’s highly anticipated return in Avengers: Doomsday.
“I have no idea what Kevin Feige has planned,” Ineson said. “But if I got the chance to team up with Robert again, of course I would.”
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Doctor Doom and Galactus Could Collide
Longtime fans of Marvel Comics will recognize the legendary rivalry between Doctor Doom and Galactus. Their iconic showdown in 1966’s Fantastic Four #57–60 featured Doom stealing the Power Cosmic from the Silver Surfer. While that arc was partially referenced in 2007’s Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, the MCU is now positioned to bring a more faithful adaptation to life—with both villains fully realized in live-action.
Marvel’s Course Correction for Phase 6
With recent criticism over disjointed MCU storytelling, the Russo Brothers’ involvement in First Steps suggests Marvel is refocusing on interconnectivity. By aligning creative teams and characters across projects, Marvel Studios is hoping to re-establish narrative momentum heading into Avengers: Doomsday.
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