Marvel Comics’ first family has finally returned to the big screen and there’s certainly no doubt to the excitement fans have been holding onto for so long. Though some may feel like they were fatigued from the MCU’s grand multiverse plans, that feeling has been washed away thanks to The Fantastic Four: First Steps. While this is the official Marvel Studios film to give us an integrated Fantastic Four, it also firmly sets up the events for the big tie-in: Avengers: Doomsday.
The Matt Shakman-directed film is self-contained, following the Four as they try to stop Galactus from devouring the Earth. However, there’s a family-centric aspect to it: the only reason Galactus wants to consume the planet is because of Reed and Sue’s newborn son, Franklin. It’s revealed that Franklin has a divine power contained within him known as the Power Cosmic, which enhances his abilities that are revealed when he resurrects Sue from the dead.
In the comics, Franklin has reality-bending powers granted to him due to his unique parentage as a mutant. In fact, his powerful abilities classify him as an Omega-level mutant, meaning that Franklin is one of the most dangerous characters in the Marvel Universe. However, in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Franklin’s adolescence means that he doesn’t know the extent of his power, which is something that is hinted at in the film’s post-credits scene.
In the film’s post-credits, we see Franklin, now as a toddler, being cared for by Sue. However, when Sue gets distracted in finding a book, Doctor Doom reveals himself to Franklin much to the worry of Sue. While this scene is brief, a previous scene in the film actually gives us a better understanding of who this Doom actually is.
In a prior scene in Fantastic Four: First Steps, Sue gives a momentary speech establishing the Future Foundation, a united coalition of the world. Though most countries are present, it’s shown that representatives from Latveria, Doctor Doom’s home country, did not appear. Given this scene, as well as how the Four handled Galactus, it can be assumed that the Doctor Doom that will appear in Avengers: Doomsday will be the one from Earth-828, the universe this film takes place in.
However, the real question that fans are asking is, “How will The Fantastic Four: First Steps’s post-credits scene tie with previous Doomsday teases?” Previously, in Thunderbolts*, it was revealed that the Four end up in the main MCU universe. Now, with this scene, the answer actually becomes much more clearer.
Given how Avengers: Doomsday is inspired by the events of 2015’s Secret Wars comic run, it’s certain that Doctor Doom will use Franklin Richards to create his own world consisting of other Earths known as Battleworld. With this given, there could be a possibility where Franklin is troubled due to Doom forcing his hand shortly after his arrival, causing his powers to go haywire. It could result in Earth-828 being scorched or even destroyed due to Franklin’s tantrum once Doom kidnaps him to another universe, forcing the Four to embark on a search mission throughout the Multiverse.
If this is the case, then the tie-in with the post-credits scene for Thunderbolts* makes sense as their ship accidentally ends up in the prime Marvel universe. However, what will happen after the Four arrive on this Earth remains to be seen, although it’s made clear that the Four are indeed from their own universe.
Nonetheless, given how Avengers: Doomsday is going full steam ahead with Doctor Doom’s multiversal madness, it will be interesting to see how the film adapts these other cinematic worlds. Fans will also be treated to the return of the classic X-Men cast as well as the iconic Avengers team, now led by Sam Wilson following his battles in Captain America: Brave New World.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is now playing in theaters.
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Christopher Gallardo is a freelance entertainment writer and critic. While not running The Reel Roller, Chris can be found writing reviews and breakdowns on all things films and TV. Outside of entertainment writing, he’s currently taking classes for a Bachelor’s of Science with a minor in Digital Media & Journalism. Plus, he loves Percy Jackson, animated films and shows, and Fallout! Follow Christopher on Instagram & X.