Fantastic Four: First Steps, the highly anticipated film introducing Marvel’s first family to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), premiered in Brazilian theaters on July 24, 2025, featuring Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn as the iconic heroes. Directed by Matt Shakman, the film includes two post-credits scenes that tie the story to future MCU projects, particularly Avengers: Doomsday. The scenes, shown after the animated credits and at the complete close, surprise with the introduction of a key villain and a nostalgic tribute. Set in a retrofuturistic New York, the film marks the start of MCU’s Phase 6. Below, we explore the details of these scenes, with a spoiler warning for those wishing to preserve the surprise.
The film’s debut generated significant buzz, especially for its promise to integrate the Fantastic Four into the MCU’s shared universe. The post-credits scenes, a hallmark of MCU films, are a major draw for fans, offering clues about the franchise’s future. Additionally, the stellar cast and Shakman’s direction, known from WandaVision, raise expectations for the film’s impact on the cinematic landscape.
- Key highlights of the film:
- Cast led by Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards.
- Introduction of Doctor Doom, played by Robert Downey Jr.
- Direct connection to Avengers: Doomsday, slated for 2026.
- Retro-futuristic visual style in an alternate New York.
The film, which does not focus on the heroes’ origin, dives straight into a cosmic adventure with Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and Shalla-Bal (Julia Garner) as central antagonists. The narrative blends action, family drama, and sci-fi elements, keeping audiences engaged until the final moments.
First post-credits scene: Doctor Doom’s arrival
The first post-credits scene in Fantastic Four: First Steps is a milestone for the MCU. It features Sue Storm, played by Vanessa Kirby, interacting with her son, Franklin Richards, now four years old. The scene begins with a domestic moment: Sue asks Herbie, the robot assistant, to fetch Franklin’s favorite book. After a brief mix-up with Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species, she steps away, leaving the boy alone momentarily. At this point, the atmosphere shifts, with the lighting taking on greenish tones, hinting at a new presence.
Doctor Doom, portrayed by Robert Downey Jr., appears in an enigmatic manner, engaging with Franklin. The villain, seen from behind, holds his iconic mask, which the boy touches, creating a tense moment. While Downey Jr.’s face is not revealed, the scene establishes Doom as a central figure, with interests that seem to align with Galactus’, particularly regarding Franklin Richards. The sequence ends with a title card: “The Fantastic Four will return in Avengers: Doomsday,” confirming the direct link to the next major MCU event.
This introduction is pivotal, marking Robert Downey Jr.’s return to the MCU as a villain after his legendary run as Iron Man. Choosing Doom, one of the most complex antagonists in the comics, signals a bold new direction for the franchise, promising intense conflicts.
- Elements of the first scene:
- Introduction of Doctor Doom to the MCU.
- Interaction between Franklin Richards and the villain.
- Setup for Avengers: Doomsday.
- Tense atmosphere with greenish tones.
Second post-credits scene: Nostalgic tribute
The second post-credits scene offers a lighter, nostalgic tone. After the credits fully roll, audiences are treated to an animation styled after the 1967 Fantastic Four series. With a retro soundtrack, the sequence depicts the family battling various villains in an animated format, echoing the classic comic aesthetic. This tribute celebrates the grouptv show, as the Fantastic Four were Marvel’s first major superhero team in comics.
Though shorter and without治
System: less impactful on the main MCU storyline, the scene reinforces the film’s retro-futuristic visual identity. The animation is a treat for longtime fans, evoking memories of the classic series and highlighting the cultural significance of the Fantastic Four.
- Characteristics of the second scene:
- Animation inspired by the 1967 series.
- Retro visual style with thematic music.
- Battles against classic Fantastic Four villains.
- Tribute to the team’s comic book history.
Cast and production: What makes the film special
Fantastic Four: First Steps boasts a stellar cast, led by Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic), Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm (Invisible Woman), Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm (Human Torch), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm (The Thing). The chemistry among the actors is a highlight, bringing humanity to the team’s family dynamic. Ralph Ineson portrays Galactus, while Julia Garner plays Shalla-Bal, an alternate version of the Silver Surfer. Natasha Lyonne, Paul Walter Hauser, and John Malkovich round out the cast, adding depth to the narrative.
Matt Shakman’s direction, replacing Jon Watts, is another standout. Known for WandaVision, Shakman brings a unique vision, blending sci-fi with emotional resonance. The setting in a retro-futuristic New York from an alternate universe distinguishes the film from other MCU entries, delivering a striking and innovative visual style.
- Key cast members:
- Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards.
- Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm.
- Ralph Ineson as Galactus.
- Julia Garner as Shalla-Bal.
- Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom.
Connection to the MCU and the future of Phase 6
The film kicks off MCU’s Phase 6, which will conclude with Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027). The first post-credits scene positions Doctor Doom as a central threat, suggesting a pivotal role in upcoming films. Franklin Richards’ presence hints at his potential significance, given the interest from villains like Doom and Galactus.
By skipping the team’s origin story, the narrative focuses on cosmic challenges and family dynamics. The alternate universe setting opens possibilities for crossovers and interactions with other MCU heroes, especially in Avengers: Doomsday.
- Phase 6 impacts:
- Official start of the new MCU phase.
- Setup for Avengers: Doomsday events.
- Franklin Richards as a key figure.
- Multiverse expansion with retro-futuristic New York.
Why the post-credits scenes are unmissable
The post-credits scenes of Fantastic Four: First Steps exemplify what makes the MCU so captivating: the ability to connect stories and build anticipation for the future. The introduction of Doctor Doom is a high-impact moment, while the retro animation offers nostalgia that appeals to both new viewers and longtime fans.
For those planning to watch the film, staying through the credits is a must. The first scene reshapes the MCU’s future, and the second celebrates the Fantastic Four’s legacy. Together, they balance excitement, suspense, and homage, cementing the film as a landmark in the franchise.
- Reasons not to miss the scenes:
- Direct tie-in to Avengers: Doomsday.
- Introduction of an iconic villain.
- Tribute to the Fantastic Four’s history.
- Clues about the MCU’s future.
