The film Fantastic Four: First Steps, released in Brazilian cinemas on July 24, 2025, is already a milestone in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Directed by Matt Shakman, the film adapts the iconic comics by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, presenting the origins of Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn) and Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach). After an accident on a space flight, the group gains extraordinary powers, facing challenges that mix action, family drama and humor characteristic of Marvel. Fans’ great expectations, however, fall on the post-credits scenes, which promise crucial connections with the future of the MCU. With two impactful sequences, the film not only delivers emotion, but also sets the stage for Avengers: Doomsday.
The production has generated buzz among the public, especially due to its nostalgic and faithful approach to the comics, in addition to introducing elements that expand the MCU narrative. The post-credits scenes, shown after the animated credits and at the full end of the scroll, are the highlight for fans wanting clues about Marvel’s next steps.
- Starry cast: Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn and Ebon Moss-Bachrach.
- Direction: Matt Shakman, known for WandaVision.
- Release: July 24, 2025, in Brazilian cinemas.
First post-credits scene: The arrival of Doctor Doom
The first post-credits scene, shown right after the credits, animatesdos, it’s a pivotal moment for the MCU. In it, Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby) interacts with her son, Franklin Richards, who appears to be four years old. The sequence begins on a familiar note: Sue asks Herbie, the robot assistant, to fetch Franklin’s favorite book. When Herbie brings up The Origin of Species, by Charles Darwin, Sue corrects her and goes to get the right book, leaving Franklin alone for a few moments. It is at this moment that the atmosphere changes. A green light illuminates the environment, suggesting a mysterious presence.
Upon returning, Sue finds Doctor Doom, played by Robert Downey Jr., crouched down next to Franklin, who is holding his iconic mask. Although the villain’s face is not shown, the scene makes clear his interest in young Franklin, a character known in the comics for his immense mutant power. The sequence ends with the phrase “The Fantastic Four will return in Avengers: Doomsday”, confirming the direct connection to the next big MCU event.
- Weighty introduction: Doctor Doom marks the return of Robert Downey Jr. to the MCU.
- Avengers Connection: The scene establishes the villain as a key player in Doomsday.
- Franklin Richards: The boy is a central element for the future of the narrative.
- Visual impact: Green light creates a tone of suspense and mystery.
Second scene: A nostalgic touch
The second post-credits scene, shown after all the credits, surprises with a different approach. Inspired by the animated seriesfrom the 1967 Fantastic Four, the sequel features retro animation where the team faces several villains in a vibrant battle. The choice of a vintage style reinforces the film’s connection to the team’s history in the comics and on TV, appealing to older fans’ nostalgia while introducing the group to new generations.
This scene does not directly advance the plot of the MCU, but it functions as a tribute to the rich history of the Fantastic Four. The animation, with simple lines and vibrant colors, takes us back to the team’s beginnings, highlighting their cultural relevance and versatility as heroes.
Why are the scenes unmissable?
The two post-credits scenes of Fantastic Four: First Steps are complementary, but distinct in purpose. The first is a narrative hook, introducing Doctor Doom and connecting the film to the larger MCU arc, while the second is a celebration of the team’s history. Together, they reinforce the Quartet’s role as a pillar of the Marvel universe, while also opening doors to new stories.
- Expanded Narrative: The introduction of Doom signals epic conflicts ahead.
- Homage to fans: Retro animation appeals to nostalgia and pop culture.
- Engagement: The scenes encourage the audience to stay until the end of the credits.
- Emotional connection: Franklin Richards adds depth to the family plot.
The impactThese scenes go beyond the film itself. The presence of Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom is one of the biggest attractions, especially after his iconic career as Tony Stark. The choice of such a complex and charismatic villain reinforces Marvel’s ambition to explore denser and more interconnected narratives.
The role of Franklin Richards
Franklin Richards, Sue and Reed’s son, is a key element in the post-credits scenes and the future of the MCU. In the comics, Franklin is an omega-level mutant with powers that include reality manipulation and telepathy. His presence in the first scene, interacting with Doctor Doom, suggests that he will be a focal point in Avengers: Doomsday. The choice to show Franklin as four years old indicates that the MCU may be accelerating his story, positioning him as a central figure in future arcs.
The interaction between Franklin and Destiny also raises questions about the villain’s intentions. In the comics, Doom is known for his obsession with power and knowledge, which may explain his interest in the boy. The scene leaves the audience intrigued, speculating about how this relationship will develop.
Public reception and expectations
Since its release, Fantastic Four: First Steps has beenI loved positive reactions, with praise for the cast and Matt Shakman’s direction. The post-credits scenes, in particular, were highlighted in criticism and discussions on social media. Fans celebrate the introduction of Doctor Doom and the homage to classic animation, while speculating about Franklin Richards’ impact on the MCU.
- Acclaimed cast: The chemistry between the four protagonists is a strong point.
- Direction by Shakman: The familiar and humorous tone resonates with the audience.
- Hype for Doomsday: Connection to Avengers increases anticipation.
Marvel gets it right by using post-credits scenes to balance nostalgia and innovation, keeping fans engaged while expanding the universe. Robert Downey Jr.’s return as an iconic villain is a bold move, one that promises to reignite interest in future phases of the MCU.
What to expect from Avengers: Doomsday?
The mention of Avengers: Doomsday in the first post-credits scene is a clear indication that the Fantastic Four will play a central role in the MCU’s next big event. Doctor Doom, with his intelligence and ambition, is an antagonist worthy of the challenges that Marvel plans for the Avengers. The presence of Franklin Richards also suggests that themes of family and legacy will continue to be explored, connecting the Quartet to other heroes in the universe.
The film, scheduled to hit theaters in 2026, should bring together a stellar cast and expand the ramifications of the multiverse. The introduction of DThe fate of Fantastic Four sets the tone for an epic conflict, with implications that could redefine the MCU.
- Epic scale: Doomsday promises to be a milestone in the MCU.
- Multiversal connections: Destiny can interact with variants of other heroes.
- Role of the Quartet: The team must lead the narrative alongside the Avengers.
- Franklin as catalyst: His power could be central to the plot.
Curiosities about the Fantastic Four
The Fantastic Four is one of Marvel’s oldest and most beloved teams, created in 1961 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. The film First Steps brings back elements from the original comics, such as the spirit of scientific exploration and family ties, while updating the narrative for modern audiences. The choice of retro animation in the second post-credits scene reflects Marvel’s care in paying homage to the team’s history.
- Comic book origins: The team was the first major creation of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.
- 1967 series: The animation inspired the aesthetic of the second post-credits scene.
- Doctor Doom: One of Marvel’s most complex villains, with multifaceted motivations.
- Franklin Richards: In the comics, he is one of the most powerful mutantsroso.
The film also marks the Fantastic Four’s debut in the MCU, after previous attempts in other franchises. The team’s integration into the shared universe is a significant step, especially with the connections established in the post-credits scenes.