THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS Director Hints a Robert Downey Jr. Cameo Is Unlikely: "Doom Is Not Part of My Film"

Fans were hoping that we would get a look at Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Victor von Doom this year, ahead of his head-to-head with the Avengers next year in Avengers: Doomsday. While he won’t be the main villain in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, it was speculated that he would possibly appear, but that prospect seems to have dwindled.

First Steps director Matt Shakman said in the new issue of Empire magazine, "Doom is not a part of my film, and therefore not a part of my purview."

It makes sense that Doom would not be a part of this story. The Fantastic Four has its own problems and villains to defeat before they cross paths with the greater superhero network. But I still wouldn’t rule out an RDJ/Doctor Doom post-credits scene.

I think either Doom or a hit at the next Spider-Man film would be most natural, but you never know with these scenes. Either the end of the film, or one post-scene will most likely intersect with what we saw at the end of Thunderbolts* as well, so there will be plenty of material to play with.

I can’t wait to see The Fantastic Four: First Steps. It looks like it’s going to be great, and it’s been a while since we got a completely fresh batch of characters to play with, so I’m stoked. The film hits theaters on July 25, 2025. Tickets are now on sale.