The Fantastic Four: First Steps Takes the Box Office Crown, But It’s a Mid-Credits Scene That’s Got Fans Buzzing
This past weekend, The Fantastic Four: First Steps stormed the box office, raking in a whopping $118 million. That impressive haul was enough to dethrone the latest Superman film, putting the new Marvel-Disney-backed superhero team at the top spot. But interestingly, the most buzzworthy moment from the movie didn’t actually happen during the main story—it came during the credits.
Yep, you read that right. A mid-credits scene set tongues wagging and gave Marvel fans a lot to speculate about. So, if you haven’t seen the film yet and want to avoid spoilers, you might want to skip ahead.
The Scene That Had Everyone Talking
During the mid-credits sequence, we see Sue Storm, also known as the Invisible Woman, doing a typical mom thing. She leaves her young son, Franklin, in the living room to grab a book. When she comes back, Franklin is no longer alone. He’s staring up at a mysterious cloaked figure—Doctor Doom.
The tension in the scene is palpable. Doctor Doom is holding his iconic mask in his hand, but his face remains shrouded under the cloak’s hood. Franklin, however, is unafraid and reaches up to touch the villain’s face, even though we never actually see what’s underneath the hood.
Robert Downey Jr.’s Surprise Role
Now, here’s where things get really interesting for Marvel superfans. Last year, Marvel officially announced that Robert Downey Jr.—yes, the Iron Man himself—would be returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) to portray Doctor Doom. This revelation sent shockwaves through the fandom, with everyone speculating about what his return would mean.
But, in this mid-credits scene, Downey’s face isn’t revealed. For a long time, many assumed the filmmakers used a body double or stand-in for the brief shot since we never actually see who’s behind the mask.
Behind the Scenes Scoop: It’s Really Downey in the Cloak!
Recently, Fantastic Four director Matt Shakman cleared the air in an interview with Brandon Davis from Phase Hero. Shakman confirmed that it was indeed Robert Downey Jr. under that cloak for the scene. No stand-ins, no tricks — it was Downey himself, keeping things mysterious.
What’s more, the mid-credits scene was shot by none other than the Russo Brothers—Anthony and Joe Russo—who have been behind some of the biggest Marvel blockbusters to date, including Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame. Their involvement raised the stakes even higher for fans who can’t wait to see what’s next.
Looking Ahead: Avengers: Doomsday
Here’s the exciting part—this mid-credits scene is more than just a teaser. It’s setting the stage for the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, scheduled to hit theaters on December 18, 2026.
This next big Marvel event promises a revamped team of heroes, including the Fantastic Four, who will face off against Doctor Doom, now played by Downey Jr. The movie is expected to be a massive crossover event, shaking up the MCU’s landscape with new alliances and intense battles.
Why This Matters
For Marvel fans, the return of Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom is huge news. Downey defined the MCU with his role as Tony Stark/Iron Man, and seeing him take on one of Marvel’s greatest villains adds a fresh layer of excitement and anticipation.
Also, the Fantastic Four themselves are a new addition to the current MCU lineup, and their first outing has clearly made a splash both at the box office and in fan discussions. The way this mid-credits scene ties into future MCU plans is a clever way to build hype and keep audiences invested.
Quick Highlights & What to Watch For:
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Fantastic Four: First Steps made $118 million opening weekend, knocking Superman from the top spot.
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The mid-credits scene reveals a mysterious Doctor Doom interacting with Franklin Storm.
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Robert Downey Jr. is confirmed to be under the cloak, not a stand-in as fans speculated.
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The scene was shot by the Russo Brothers, adding a layer of prestige and anticipation.
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The upcoming Avengers: Doomsday will feature a reworked team including the Fantastic Four facing Downey’s Doctor Doom.
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Release date for Avengers: Doomsday is December 18, 2026 — mark your calendars!
What Fans Are Saying
The internet is already buzzing. Social media exploded with theories about what this means for the MCU’s future. Is Downey’s Doctor Doom going to be the ultimate villain of the next phase? How will the Fantastic Four fit into the broader storyline?
Fans are loving the mystery surrounding Franklin’s fearless interaction with Doom, hinting at the kid’s importance in the upcoming saga. And with the Russo Brothers involved, expectations are sky-high.
Wrapping It Up
Marvel has always been brilliant at keeping fans hooked not just with the main storylines but with sneak peeks, Easter eggs, and mid-credit scenes that open new doors. The Fantastic Four: First Steps doesn’t just introduce a new team — it sets the stage for an epic showdown that could redefine the MCU.
If you’re a Marvel fan, there’s a lot to look forward to. From Downey’s surprising return to the buildup toward Avengers: Doomsday, these next few years promise some thrilling cinematic moments.
If you haven’t seen Fantastic Four: First Steps yet, it’s worth catching just for that mid-credits tease alone. And if you already have, you probably can’t stop thinking about what’s next. Marvel is clearly just getting started, and the future looks fantastic indeed.
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