A recently leaked post-credit scene from Fantastic Four: First Steps has sent shockwaves across the Marvel fandom, hinting at major developments in the MCU’s future—especially Avengers: Doomsday. With early screenings in the U.S., this mid-credit reveal is already going viral and sparking intense speculation about what’s next for Marvel’s cinematic saga.
[Spoiler Alert]
In the scene, Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm is seen reading a bedtime story to her son, Franklin Richards. When she briefly steps away, Franklin engages with a mysterious, cloaked visitor—believed to be none other than Doctor Victor Von Doom. While the figure’s identity remains uncertain, fans are buzzing over whether this is Robert Downey Jr. under the green hood—or perhaps a multiverse variant of Tony Stark.
Is Robert Downey Jr. Returning as a Villain?
It’s long been rumored (and semi-confirmed) that RDJ will return to the MCU, not as Iron Man, but as the infamous Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday, now scheduled for a 2026 release. Whether this version is a Stark variant from another timeline or a completely new take on Victor Von Doom remains unclear. However, this post-credit scene strongly indicates that Doom’s storyline will play a pivotal role in the lead-up to Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.
A Clear Tie-In to Avengers: Doomsday
The scene concludes with the powerful message: “The Fantastic Four will return in Avengers: Doomsday,” officially linking the two films. Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach are all expected to reprise their roles, as confirmed by Marvel Studios.
What’s Next on Marvel’s Phase 6 Slate?
Originally slated for a May 1, 2026 release, Avengers: Doomsday has now been pushed to December 18, 2026. Before that, Spider-Man: Brand New Day will hit theaters on July 31, 2026, bringing new twists to Peter Parker’s journey. Meanwhile, Thunderbolts (unofficially dubbed The New Avengers) continues to lay the groundwork for this evolving narrative. With The Marvels already introducing the X-Men into the mix, fans are eagerly waiting to see how the upcoming Spider-Man film will help connect the dots leading into Doomsday.
Conclusion
With multiverse rumors, character crossovers, and the possible return of Robert Downey Jr. in a sinister new avatar, Fantastic Four: First Steps has become a critical puzzle piece in Marvel’s next epic chapter. One thing is certain—the road to Avengers: Doomsday is officially underway, and fans should buckle up for a wild ride through the multiverse.
