The highly anticipated post-credits scene for Marvel’s *The Fantastic Four: First Steps*, which introduces Robert Downey Jr. as the villainous Doctor Doom, was surprisingly directed by the Russo brothers on the set of *Avengers: Doomsday*.
A Behind-the-Scenes Revelation
Fans were thrilled last year to hear Robert Downey Jr. would return to the MCU, not as Iron Man, but as the iconic villain Doctor Doom in the upcoming *Avengers: Doomsday*. While the *Fantastic Four* film is set to properly introduce the First Family, its post-credits scene gives us a first glimpse of Doom.
Director Matt Shakman recently shed light on the scene’s creation. He confirmed that Anthony and Joe Russo, known for directing *Avengers: Endgame*, were behind the camera for this pivotal moment. This clever move saved time and resources, as the scene was shot while *Avengers: Doomsday* was already in production, utilizing existing actors and sets.
Doctor Doom’s Ominous Debut
The *Fantastic Four* post-credits scene takes place four years after the Fantastic Four – Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Human Torch (Joseph Quinn), and The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) – successfully defended their world from Galactus. The scene unfolds within the familiar Baxter Building, home to the Fantastic Four.
We see Sue Richards reading to her young son, Franklin. When their robot helper H.E.R.B.I.E. suggests Darwin’s *Origin of Species*, Sue leaves to find a more suitable book. Upon her return, she finds Doctor Doom, unmasked and kneeling before Franklin, signaling a dramatic and foreboding introduction between the powerful villain and one of the world’s most significant mutants.
Why Wait for the Villain?
Shakman also explained the strategic decision to introduce Doctor Doom in a post-credits scene rather than as a primary antagonist in *The Fantastic Four: First Steps*. He emphasized the importance of allowing the audience to fully connect with the core Fantastic Four characters first, and to focus on the immediate cosmic threat of Galactus.
Doctor Doom is recognized as an incredibly complex and powerful character within the Marvel universe. Shakman believed that by holding him back, the filmmakers could give him the impactful introduction he deserves, setting the stage for his significant role in future MCU narratives, especially *Avengers: Doomsday*.
- The *Fantastic Four: First Steps* post-credits scene was directed by the Russo brothers.
- It was filmed on the set of *Avengers: Doomsday* for production efficiency.
- Robert Downey Jr. makes his debut as Doctor Doom in the scene.
- Doctor Doom is introduced to Franklin Richards, the son of Reed and Sue.
- The decision to save Doctor Doom for the post-credits was to focus on the Fantastic Four’s initial story.
This behind-the-scenes collaboration sets an exciting precedent for the future of the MCU, bridging narratives and building anticipation for *Avengers: Doomsday* and the continued adventures of Marvel’s First Family.
