Marvel's 'Fantastic Four: First Steps' Debuts with Doctor Doom Tease and Strong Box Office Projections

Marvel Studios' highly anticipated "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" has arrived in theaters, marking the official debut of Marvel's First Family in the MCU and setting the stage for the franchise's next major villain.

Directed by Matt Shakman and starring Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, the film has garnered positive early reactions from fans and critics alike. The movie currently holds an 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising the "rock-solid cast chemistry" and appealing retro 1960s design aesthetic.

True to Marvel tradition, the film features two post-credits scenes that have fans buzzing about what's next. The first scene jumps forward four years to show Sue Storm (Kirby) reading to her infant son Franklin Richards when a mysterious cloaked figure appears. Though his face remains hidden, the green cloak and silver mask clearly identify the intruder as Doctor Doom, marking the iconic villain's first MCU appearance.

This introduction is particularly significant as Robert Downey Jr. has been confirmed to portray Doctor Doom in the upcoming "Avengers: Doomsday," scheduled for release in December 2026. The scene hints that Doom's interest in Franklin's reality-warping powers may be the catalyst that brings the Fantastic Four from their alternate Earth-828 into the main MCU timeline.

Industry projections suggest "First Steps" could mark a turning point for Marvel Studios after recent disappointments. The film is expected to earn between $100-110 million domestically and $90-100 million internationally during its opening weekend, potentially reaching $200+ million worldwide.

These numbers would represent Marvel's strongest opening since "Deadpool & Wolverine," surpassing the underwhelming debuts of recent MCU releases like "Thunderbolts*" and "Captain America: Brave New World," both of which failed to crack $100 million in their opening weekends.

Early audience reactions on social media have been overwhelmingly positive, with many calling it "one of the strongest MCU movies in recent times." Vanessa Kirby's portrayal of Sue Storm has received particular acclaim, with fans praising her as "the heart of the film" and "easily the grounding force" of the team.

Pedro Pascal's Reed Richards has also won over audiences, with viewers noting his ability to balance the character's "guilt-ridden anxiety with his love as a dorky father."

Set in a retrofuturistic 1960s world, "First Steps" serves as the beginning of MCU Phase 6, which will culminate in massive crossover films "Avengers: Doomsday" and "Avengers: Secret Wars." The film's success could prove crucial for Marvel's plans to rebuild audience confidence after a challenging period.

With advance ticket sales matching those of successful releases like "Superman" and "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3," early indicators suggest Marvel's First Family may have successfully launched their MCU journey, setting the stage for Doctor Doom's arrival and the multiverse-spanning adventures to come.