Fantastic Four First Steps Post-Credits Scene Directed by Russo Brothers Sets Up Avengers Doomsday

The Fantastic Four: First Steps, directed by Matt Shakman and releasing on July 25, 2025, marks the MCU's Phase Six kickoff and features the titular team battling Galactus in a 1960s-inspired world. The film’s post-credits scene, directed by Joe and Anthony Russo on the set of Avengers: Doomsday, directly sets up the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars movies, continuing the MCU narrative with the Fantastic Four and their conflict with Doctor Doom. Shakman praised the Russos as protective and generous collaborators who ensured continuity of the characters for future MCU entries. Early reactions praise the film as a visual return to form for Marvel, highlighting performances and the fresh retro-futuristic aesthetic. Robert Downey Jr. is rumored to return as Doctor Doom, whose role is anticipated to be pivotal in the Avengers’ fight against a multiverse threat. This handoff between directors and the significant post-credits setup revive the impactful tradition of MCU stingers reminiscent of the Infinity Saga era.