What the cramped scenes from the new “Fantastic Four” film really show.
With “The Fantastic Four: First Steps”, the Marvel Cinematic Universe officially starts in phase six. The film, which came to cinemas on July 24, 2025, introduces a new ensemble of superheroes. Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn and Ebon Moss-Bachrach take over the roles from Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm and Ben Grimm. The plot plays in a retro futuristic setting and addresses the threat from the cosmic opponent Galactus.
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Two bonus scenes in the credits
As with earlier Marvel productions, there are two scenes after the credits at “The Fantastic Four”: a mid-credit and a post-credit scene. Both indicate future developments within the MCU. Especially with a view to the upcoming film “Avengers: Doomsday”, which is due to appear in 2026.
First appearance by Doctor Doom
The mid-credit scene shows an encounter between Sue Storm and her son Franklin Richards in the Baxter Building. Franklin, now a speaking toddler, has extraordinary skills. In a short moment of carelessness, a hooded figure appears that can be seen as a Doctor Doom. It remains to be seen whether this is a version of the character from the Universum of the Fantastic Four or a figure from the multiverse. The identity of the actor is also not unveiled. However, it could be Robert Downey Jr. In 2024, his return to the Marvel universe on the San Diego Comic-Con was made public.
Connection to upcoming MCU films
The scene represents the first official appearance of Doctor Doom in the MCU. This introduces a central figure for the other films of the Multive Saga. In the comics, Franklin Richard is one of the most powerful beings of multiverse, which underlines his possible role in the upcoming films.
Humorous post-credit scene as a degree
The second scene at the end of the credits, on the other hand, does not offer any further information on the plot. It is an animated sequence in the style of a cartoon intros that is rather humorous and is reminiscent of older cartoon formats. To see: fight against villains from “The Fantastic Four: First Steps “ Like Puppet Master, Diablo and Red Ghost.
Appreciation for Jack Kirby
After the end of the post-credit scenes, a dedication to Jack Kirby, the co-founder of the Fantastic Four. A quote from him is shown: “If you look at my characters, you will find me in it. No matter what figure you create or embodied – part of yourself always presents yourself.” The appreciation is complemented by Kirby’s dates of life (August 28, 1917 – February 6, 1994). The allusion to reality Earth-828 in which the film plays is striking. This is considered a reference to Kirby’s date of birth in US notification (8/28).