The Fantastic Four: First Steps established many things for the future of the MCU and even managed to squeeze in a cameo by Doctor Doom. But is this iconic hooded villain played by Robert Downey Jr. in The Fantastic Four: First Steps? Here is a breakdown.
Did Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom appear in The Fantastic Four: First Steps?
Doctor Doom is not a primary villain in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. However, after a four-year time jump at the end of the film, the infamous villain seemingly appears at the Baxter Building.
In the closing moments, Vanessa Kirby’s Sue goes to get a book to read to Franklin Richards. But she returns to find her four-year-old son interacting with a hooded figure wearing the famous green cloak of Doctor Doom and holding his iconic metal mask. However, the face of the character is never shown on screen.
Vanessa Kirby confirmed to Variety that the Doctor Doom fans see at the end of the movie is indeed Robert Downey Jr. “Yeah! Robert’s never not been on set. He’s always there. He is our leader. We call him our Godfather,” Kirby told Variety about the Iron Man actor’s involvement.
“He’s looked after us. It’s such a joy working with the Russos and him because they’ve had such deep collaboration for so long. Robert is just doing incredible work. I’m so excited,” she added.
Moreover, the Russo brothers reportedly directed the post-credit scene, which directly sets up the next MCU films.
So, even though the Avengers movies are not here yet, Robert Downey Jr. has already started making his MCU appearances.
It is still not very clear how Doctor Doom and the Fantastic Four will become a part of the rest of the MCU. But Marvel will likely integrate them, especially after the superhero team’s ship appears to feature in the post-credit scene of Thunderbolts*.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is now playing in theaters.
