Marvel fans, buckle up. The Fantastic Four: First Steps, dropping July 25, 2025, isn’t just another standalone superhero flick—it’s now essential viewing for anyone gearing up for Avengers: Doomsdayin 2026.
During CineEurope, Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige confirmed that the highly anticipated Fantastic Four reboot will “lead directly” into Doomsday, the next Avengers chapter currently being directed by the Russo Brothers. That’s right—Pedro Pascal’s Mister Fantastic and his cosmic crew are not just here to say hello—they’re kicking off the next wave of Marvel’s multiverse madness.
What We Know So Far
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is set in a colorful, 1960s-inspired retro-futuristic world, offering a fresh twist on Marvel’s First Family. Directed by Matt Shakman, the film stars:
• Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic
• Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm / Invisible Woman
• Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm / Human Torch
• Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm / The Thing
The quartet will face off against Galactus, played by Ralph Ineson, with Julia Garner taking on the role of Shalla-Bal / Silver Surfer. Supporting them is a stacked cast including John Malkovich, Natasha Lyonne, and Paul Walter Hauser.
Why It Matters for Avengers: Doomsday
Feige’s confirmation of the direct connection between First Steps and Doomsday changes everything. It signals the Fantastic Four’s formal integration into the MCU’s core storyline, possibly serving as the team that helps unite Earth’s remaining heroes—or even splinters them further.
This also opens the door for:
• A potential appearance or tease of Doctor Doom (rumors swirl about Robert Downey Jr. playing a variant—yes, that RDJ).
• A continuation or payoff of Thunderbolts*’ post-credits scene.
• A clearer picture of Marvel’s multiversal stakes heading into Secret Wars in 2027.
Marvel’s New Game Plan?
After the mixed reactions to Phase 4 and parts of Phase 5, Marvel seems to be going back to basics—big character-driven crossovers with high stakes and deeper setup. Starting that reset with one of Marvel’s oldest IPs, the Fantastic Four, makes sense.
With First Steps establishing major cosmic players like Galactus and Silver Surfer—and introducing a new tone with its vintage world-building—it might just be the MCU refresh fans have been waiting for.
⸻
Key Dates to Remember:
• The Fantastic Four: First Steps – In theaters July 25, 2025
• Avengers: Doomsday – Releases December 18, 2026
• Avengers: Secret Wars – Coming December 17, 2027
So if you’re planning to witness the full scale of Marvel’s next epic saga, don’t skip The Fantastic Four. It’s no longer just an origin story—it’s the opening chapter of the multiverse endgame.
ent360news | Your Plug for Everything Marvel and More
