Marvel’s Fantastic Four: First Steps Debuts with Post-Credits Doctor Doom Tease

The Fantastic Four: First Steps, the Marvel Cinematic Universe's highly anticipated reboot, has opened to mixed reactions, with some praising its role in launching MCU's Phase 6 and setting up future Avengers films, while others criticize it for feeling like a formulaic Disney+ series with heavy-handed collectivist themes. The film revisits the origin story of the superpowered family, featuring Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, and introduces a major mid-credits scene teasing the arrival of Doctor Doom, played by Robert Downey Jr., in upcoming MCU installments. This movie marks a significant leap from the early, low-budget Fantastic Four adaptations of the 1990s, highlighting how superhero films have evolved into blockbuster events. Additionally, the release of the film has been paired with the exclusive theatrical debut of the Avatar: Fire and Ash trailer, showcasing James Cameron's continued mastery in 3D visual effects and generating excitement for the December 2025 release. Meanwhile, fans of classic rock comedy got a boost with the release of the first trailer for Spinal Tap II: The End Continues at San Diego Comic-Con 2025, featuring major musical cameos and promising a return to the franchise's signature dry humor and mockumentary style. Together, these releases underscore a vibrant summer movie season blending legacy franchises with new cinematic spectacles.