WARNING: This article features MAJOR SPOILERS from The Fantastic Four: First Steps.TheMarvel Cinematic Universejust introduced one of Marvel Comics' biggest players inThe Fantastic Four: First Steps, as director Matt Shakman opens up on the pivotal moment. Marvel’s First Family has finally arrived in the MCU franchise, while also getting Phase 6 properly kicked off for The Multiverse Saga.
However, like many MCU films,The Fantastic Four: First Stepspost-credits scenecame with a big surprise that has sparked massive excitement for the rest of Phase 6. Taking place four years later, Sue Storm is left seeing a man in a green cloak, with a very familiar mask in his hand, engaging with Franklin Richards, giving the MCU the first look at Victor von Doom, a.k.a. Doctor Doom.
ScreenRant’sown Ash Crossan spoke with Shakman in an exclusive interview, where he was asked to elaborate Fantastic Four: First Stepspost-credits scene. Not only did Shakman confirm that the Russo brothers directed it, he also expanded on how there were a lot of variations of that scene, as he shared the following:
ScreenRant: I’m going to ask my spoiler question to hold for post-release. Can you talk to me about the mid-credit scene? Did you direct it, and what was the directive for you in that responsibility of introducing–I want to say “Doom?”, because I noticed that in the song credits–it was a question mark.
Matt Shakman: Yeah, that is what Sylvester called that cue. The Russos directed that on the set of Avengers: Doomsday. [That’s] not something that I directed, but we’ve always known that that sort of tease would be a part of the credits for this movie, [because] there’s lot to set up. That scene evolved over the years, [and] we had many different versions of how that could happen. And this one is really fun.
Avengers: Doomsday, which will featureThe Fantastic Four: First Steps’four leading characters, is currently in production. Marvel’s First Family will also be back forAvengers: Secret Wars, which will be directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, too.
What Matt Shakman’s Fantastic Four: First Steps Post-Credits Scene Comments Mean
The Fantastic Four: First Steps Post Credits Scene Sets Up Avengers: Doomsday
While Doctor Doom is essentially one of the biggestEaster eggs and Marvel references inThe Fantastic Four: FirstSteps,Shakman’s comments show how seriously Marvel is taking Victor’s MCU debut. As Doctor Doom will change the MCU forever inAvengers: DoomsdayandAvengers: Secret Wars,The Fantastic Four: First Stepscertainly gives an exciting first glimpse at the character.
The Fantastic Four: First Stepsendingraises the stakes for the heroes,as Franklin is most likely in massive danger because of Doctor Doom coming to him. Having the Russo brothers be directly involved with Victor’s setup also makesThe Fantastic Four: First Stepshave a more organic tie-in forAvengers: Doomsday.
Our Take On Matt Shakman’s Fantastic Four: First Steps Post-Credits Scene Comments
The MCU’s Doctor Doom Chaos Has Only Just Begun
From Shakman’s comments alone,The Fantastic Four: First Stepsdid not disappoint with how they factored Doctor Doom into the debut of Marvel’s First Family in the MCU. HowThe Fantastic Four: First Stepspost-credit scene was executedmakes the return of all these characters in 2026 even more exciting.
Not only did the Fantastic Four get the cinematic treatment they deserved,but having Doctor Doom in the film for even just a few seconds sets up their iconic rivalry from the comics. WhileThe Fantastic Four: First Stepshas finally arrived in the MCU, their journey is about to get more complicated when they return inAvengers: Doomsday.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Cast
The Fantastic 4: First Steps features Marvel’s First Family navigating their dual roles as superheroes and family members in a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world. They defend Earth from a formidable space god, Galactus, and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer, testing their familial bonds and heroic resolve.
