The Fantastic Four: First Steps showcases what may be the most significant MCU mid-credits scene since Thanos debuted in The Avengers. It unveils one of Marvel’s most renowned villains and hints at why the Fantastic Four could have transitioned to the primary MCU universe, as indicated in the Thunderbolts end-credits sequence. Let’s analyze it.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps mid-credits scene introduces Doctor Doom to the MCU.

The mid-credits scene of The Fantastic Four: First Steps takes place four years after the conclusion of the film. Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic (Pedro Pascal) and Sue Storm/Invisible Woman’s (Vanessa Kirby) son Franklin is shown growing up joyfully, healthily, and — apparently — quite normally. Observing him, one wouldn’t perceive that he resurrected his mother all by himself after a fierce clash with Galactus (Ralph Ineson). Instead, one would see an ordinary preschool-aged child who is learning to speak and loves picture books like Michael McClintock’s A Fly Went By.

In this scene, Sue reads Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar to Franklin in the Baxter Building apartment of the Fantastic Four. She leaves him on the couch for just a moment while she searches for their copy of A Fly Went By. However, upon returning to the living room, she encounters an unwanted guest: a man cloaked in a green hooded cape, holding a silvery mask, who is pressing Franklin’s hand to his face. That enigmatic figure? None other than Doctor Doom (Robert Downey Jr.).

Even though audiences are aware that Downey Jr. will portray Doctor Doom, The Fantastic Four: First Steps does not reveal Downey-as-Doom’s face just yet. Marvel is likely to keep us in suspense regarding that! Nonetheless, his presence here signifies the first time Doctor Doom has appeared in the MCU, paving the way for 2026’s Avengers: Doomsday, where he will be the primary antagonist.

The pressing question now is, what is Doctor Doom doing in the Baxter Building? And what does he intend with Franklin? Is he, akin to Galactus, captivated by Franklin’s cosmic abilities? Or could he be more attracted to his healing powers, considering his revival of Sue? After all, Doctor Doom does bear facial scars. Perhaps he hopes Franklin can eliminate them, which would explain why he’s having Franklin touch his face.

Regardless, if Doctor Doom pursues Franklin, it’s certain the Fantastic Four will be right behind him.

How does The Fantastic Four: First Steps link to the Thunderbolts end-credits scene?

The post-credits sequence from Thunderbolts hinted at the Fantastic Four’s arrival in the MCU, with their spaceship entering Earth’s atmosphere. What could have driven them from their own dimension?

After witnessing The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ mid-credits scene, the likely answer to that inquiry is Doctor Doom. Perhaps he abducted Franklin right from under Sue’s nose, and the Fantastic Four’s inter-dimensional journey is part of their quest to retrieve him. Or it could be that the Fantastic Four are attempting to alert parallel Earths about the impending presence of Doctor Doom. Whatever the case may be, one thing is evident: Doomsday approaches.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is currently in theaters.