Marvel Studios’ Fantastic Four: First Steps, the kick-off to Phase Six in the MCU, leaves audiences with a double-dose of post‑credits intrigue that reshapes the future of Earth’s First Family, and introduces one of their greatest foes.
Fantastic Four: First Steps Post Credit Scene Teased Dr. Doom
After the main feature ends, the mid‑credits scene flashes forward four years: Sue Storm is reading a bedtime story to Franklin Richards. As she steps away, she returns to find the hooded figure of Doctor Doom sitting beside her infant son, holding Franklin and cradling his signature mask. Sue reaches for him and is stopped by a flicker of her powers, but Doom remains unreactive, leaving viewers on edge.
It’s a cinematic relay pass, director Matt Shakman says he purposely set this moment up for the Russo brothers to pick up the storyline in Avengers: Doomsday (2026), where Robert Downey Jr.’s Victor von Doom is set to play a major role.
Following that, the final post‑credits stinger brings levity: an animated snippet shows the classic Fantastic Four cartoon intro playing on a screen before H.E.R.B.I.E. reaches in to switch it off. It’s lighthearted, but lands after the heavier Doom tease, reassuring fans there’s room for both fun and narrative propulsion.
Fantastic Four: First Steps Sets Up Avengers: Doomsday
Doctor Doom’s long-awaited entry: The appearance here confirms Doom isn’t just on the horizon, he’s already finding his way into the MCU’s trajectory, especially regarding baby Franklin.
Next step: Avengers: Doomsday: With the Russos directing the credits stinger, the film sets up direct narrative handoff into the 2026 Doomsday ensemble, where the First Family and Doom are expected to clash dramatically.
Building toward Secret Wars: These seeds, Reed Richards leading the Avengers, Franklin’s cosmic power, and Doom’s patriarchal threat, clearly sow Phase Six’s path toward the upcoming Secret Wars culmination.
Marvel Begins MCU’s Phase 6
Viewing both scenes is essential. The mid‑credits reveal shifts the tone from triumphant origin story to foreshadowing darker threats, while the final gag wraps things in trademark Marvel fun. Those invested in the multiverse saga and Franklin’s role should stay seated until the lights come up.
As Fantastic Four: First Steps continues its run (July 25 in the U.S.), Marvel fans are now officially passing the baton to Avengers: Doomsday. And with Doom firmly in play, Phase Six’s stakes have never been higher.
Also Read: Fantastic Four: First Steps Review – Marvel’s Most Human Movie Yet