Fantastic Four: First Steps—Marvel’s bold Phase Six reboot of the First Family—delivered not only a spectacular opening weekend but also a pair of post-credits scenes packed with major implications.
This post decodes those scenes, confirms Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom, explains how the Russo brothers shot it, and maps out the role of Galactus, Shalla-Bal, and the Fantastic Four in upcoming Marvel franchises like Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and Secret Wars (2027).
🎬 Post-Credit Scenes: Mid‑Credits and End-Credits Explained
Mid-Credits: Doom Meets Franklin
- Occurring four years after the climactic battle with Galactus, the scene shows Sue Storm reading to her child Franklin Richards in a retro-styled Baxter Building.
- When Sue steps out briefly, she returns to find Doctor Doom, kneeling before Franklin, holding out his mask—an eerie and direct introduction to MCU’s next big villain.
- Director Matt Shakman confirmed the scene was actually directed by the Russo brothers as part of Avengers: Doomsday pre-production, shot on the Doomsday set with access to Doom’s costume, sets, and atmosphere.
- Though we don’t see Downey’s face or hear his voice, confirmation comes from inside sources that Robert Downey Jr. filmed the cameo as Victor von Doom, indicating a native Earth‑828 Doom, not a Stark variant.
End-Credits: Nostalgic Cartoon Tribute
- The final post-credit gag is a brief animated sequence—an homage to the 1967 Fantastic Four cartoon, featuring the 2025 cast in Hanna‑Barbera style, ending with Ben Grimm’s classic catchphrase (“It’s clobberin’ time!”) and a Jack Kirby quote, honoring Earth‑828 and Kirby’s legacy.
Doctor Doom & Robert Downey Jr.’s Return
- The mid-credit reveal ties directly to Marvel’s shift in Phase Six—the replacement of Kang with Doom as the MCU’s signature villain.
- Downey’s return as Doom (not Stark) is confirmed by Marvel executive announcements and casting notes for Avengers: Doomsday, where the Russos helm the film and Doom is the central antagonist.
- This hints that Doom’s agenda involves Franklin Richards, whose cosmic abilities fascinated Galactus during First Steps, and now attract Doom’s silvery gaze.
Galactus, Shalla‑Bal & the Silver Surfer
- Galactus (voiced by Ralph Ineson) attacked Earth-828, seeking Franklin’s cosmic energy as potential source of Power Cosmic inheritance.
- Reed, Sue, Johnny and Ben thwart his plan by building planetary teleporters to move Earth. The Silver Surfer (Julia Garner / Shalla‑Bal) eventually betrays Galactus, helps trap him, and sacrifices herself to save Sue and Franklin.
- Galactus and Shalla‑Bal were banished to the multiverse’s far edge—stranded—so their return remains possible but distan.
Russo Brothers: From Cameo to Future Crossovers
- The mid-credit scene was filmed by Anthony and Joe Russo, alongside Avengers: Doomsday production. Shakman selected not to handle it himself but to hand it over for seamless continuity between First Steps and Doomsday.
- That coordination ensures Franklin Richards, Doom, and Fantastic Four carry over naturally into larger Avengers-level crossovers, bridging Earth-828 events into Earth-616 narratives.
Connecting First Steps to Doomsday and Secret Wars
- First Steps builds groundwork: Franklin’s emergence, family unity, Doom’s arrival—all tea leaves leading into Avengers: Doomsday (December 18, 2026).
- The script for Doomsday has been retooled after Kang’s exit; Doom now anchors the narrative, with a star-studded cast including Fantastic Four, Avengers, and X-Men returning from Fox-era films.
- Secret Wars (Dec 2027), directed again by the Russos and written by Stephen McFeely, promises to wrap up the multiversal saga ushered in by First Steps and Doomsday.
Fan Reactions & Rumor Control
- Online platforms like Reddit sparked theories claiming face reveals, alternate timelines, or hidden cameos (Chris Evans as Nomad, multiversal Dooms). But director Shakman clarified the Doom sequence is deliberate—no Nomad or extra voiceover scenes exist. It’s a native Earth‑828 Doom meeting Franklin, nothing more.
- Fan chatter speculating Franklin’s kidnapping or Doom portaling to Earth‑616 immediately after the scene is partially correct—but overly aggressive. The film refrains from showing full multiverse jumps within its post-credit scenes, leaving that to Thunderbolts or Doomsday to confirm.
What’s Next & Future Speculation
Franklin Richards
- With power to awaken Sue and restart reality, Franklin emerges as the MCU’s Omega-Level wildcard.
- Doom’s interest alone suggests Franklin will play a major role in Doomsday—either as captive, weapon, or reluctant partner.
Doom’s Plans
- Victor von Doom’s presence on Earth‑828, combined with the UN’s empty Latverian seat, confirms his rule. His next move may be infiltrating Earth‑616 or leveraging Franklin’s abilities.
Fantastic Four’s Transition
- Marvel may shift the team from Earth‑828 into Earth‑616 in Avengers: Doomsday, via spaceship (Excelsior) arrival teased in Thunderbolts scenes. That opens crossover potential with Avengers and X-Men.
Galactus & Shalla-Bal
- Though banished, both characters can return later in the multiverse saga, perhaps under Doom’s machinations or as cosmic wildcards.
Box Office and Critical Reception
- Fantastic Four: First Steps soared to a mighty global debut—$118M domestically and $218M worldwide, marking Marvel’s first $100M opener of 2025 — becoming the year’s fourth-biggest launch behind hits like Superman and Jurassic World: Rebirth.
- Critics praised the retro-futuristic 1960s visual style, strong ensemble chemistry, and the decision to forego the origin story, instead launching directly into the team as a functioning unit.
- Rotten Tomatoes ratings hit 87% positive reviews, and CinemaScore audiences rated it an A−—clear signs that the franchise’s reboot landed successfully.
Quick Recap Table
| Element | Summary |
|---|---|
| Box Office Performance | $218M global, $118M domestic — Marvel’s first $100M opener of 2025 |
| Post-Credit Scenes | Mid‑credits: Doom meets Franklin; End‑credits: cartoon tribute |
| Doom’s Appearance | Robert Downey Jr. cameo directed by Russo brothers |
| Galactus & Shalla‑Bal | Defeated and stranded beyond universe at film’s climax |
| Russo Involvement | Captured Doomsday setup scene; ensures narrative continuity |
| Avengers: Doomsday | Main MCU sequel releasing Dec 2026; Doom is villain; Franklin integral |
| Secret Wars | Concludes Phase Six in Dec 2027 with multiverse finale including FF |
Final Thoughts from ScoopCast
Fantastic Four: First Steps didn’t just reboot a legacy—it restarted the MCU’s multiverse saga. With Galactus defeated, Franklin Richards introduced, and Doctor Doom looming, Marvel has laid the exact foundation needed for Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars. The Russos’ careful handling of Doom’s reveal ensures a seamless escalation into cosmic conflict.
Marvel Studios appears to be course-correcting after years of superhero fatigue. By blending a fresh aesthetic, emotional family stakes, and thoughtful teases, they’ve reignited excitement for the First Family—and set the stage for the MCU’s next grand chapter.
