Overview

• Robert Downey Jr.’s masked Doctor Doom makes his MCU debut in the film’s mid-credits scene, signaling his arrival as a major antagonist.
• The movie confirms that baby Franklin Richards possesses the Power Cosmic, establishing his reality-altering abilities as central to upcoming storylines.
• Commentary emphasizes Doom’s intention to exploit Franklin’s limitless power to reshape existence and drive the plot of Avengers: Doomsday.
• Director Matt Shakman clarifies that First Steps is set on Earth-828 and could not integrate the late-added Thunderbolts post-credits sequence due to script timing.
• Cameos from the original 1994 Fantastic Four cast pay homage to the franchise’s cinematic history and deepen fan engagement.