PHASE 6 QUICK SUMMARY
- The Catalyst: The Fantastic Four: First Steps is officially confirmed as the direct lead-in to Avengers: Doomsday.
- Doctor Doom: Robert Downey Jr.’s debut is tied to the Richards family on Earth-828.
- New Era: Marvel Japan labels the team as the “intellectual and moral foundation” of the new MCU.
Table of Contents
What Did Marvel Studios’ Phase 6 Promotion Reveal?
Marvel Studios’ official Japanese X account recently shared a caption tied to new Phase 6 promotional art that clarified the narrative direction of the Multiverse Saga. The translated message stated that The Fantastic Four connects directly to Avengers: Doomsday and marks “the dawn of a new era of heroes.”
According to Variety, this confirms that The Fantastic Four: First Steps is not just a standalone introduction but the mandatory catalyst for the MCU’s final Phase 6 showdown.
How Does The Fantastic Four: First Steps Connect to Avengers: Doomsday?
The Fantastic Four: First Steps, released on July 25, 2025, introduces Marvel’s First Family in an alternate universe known as Earth-828. Set in a retro-futuristic world inspired by the 1960s, the film establishes Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm as fully formed heroes whose story does not end with their debut.
As detailed by Mashable, the film’s conclusion and mid-credits scene directly point toward Avengers: Doomsday, confirming their journey continues into the MCU’s most ambitious crossover to date.
What Happens in the Fantastic Four Mid-Credits Scene?
The mid-credits scene, which The Hollywood Reporter confirms was filmed alongside Avengers: Doomsday by the Russo Brothers, jumps four years into the future. It reveals two critical developments:
- Franklin Richards: The son of Reed and Sue possesses near-limitless reality-warping abilities.
- Doctor Doom: Portrayed by Robert Downey Jr., Doom arrives to confront the family, signaling that his multiversal objective is tied directly to Franklin’s power.
Why is Doctor Doom the Multiverse Saga’s Ultimate Threat?
Doctor Doom is uniquely positioned as the most dangerous villain the MCU has ever introduced. He combines unmatched scientific intellect, mastery of mystical forces, and absolute political control as a ruler. Unlike previous antagonists, Doom does not seek domination through brute force alone. His goal is control over reality itself, making him a threat that no single hero or faction can confront alone.
Why are the Fantastic Four called “the dawn of a new era of heroes”?
The Phase 6 caption elevates the Fantastic Four beyond being new additions to the MCU roster. Reed Richards serves as the world’s greatest scientific mind, filling the intellectual void left by Iron Man. Sue Storm represents emotional and moral leadership. Johnny Storm and Ben Grimm provide courage and heart. Together, their defining strength is family unity, a theme positioned as essential to rallying a fractured multiversal alliance.
How will the Fantastic Four be central to Avengers: Doomsday?
The Fantastic Four are not just allies in Avengers: Doomsday; they are the only heroes with deeply personal stakes against Doctor Doom. Their understanding of Doom’s psychology, arrogance, and weaknesses will be critical in shaping the Avengers’ strategy as the “multiverse collides.”
Which Heroes are Confirmed to Appear in Avengers: Doomsday?
Avengers: Doomsday is shaping up to be the largest crossover in Marvel history. Returning heroes reportedly include:
- Original Icons: Thor, Sam Wilson (Captain America), Loki, and Ant-Man.
- The Thunderbolts: Bucky Barnes, Yelena Belova, and U.S. Agent.
- The Mutants: Integration of legacy X-Men characters such as Professor X and Magneto.
Why does Doctor Doom’s history with the Fantastic Four matter?
Doctor Doom’s rivalry with the Fantastic Four is built on decades of conflict rooted in ego and moral opposition. This history gives the team an irreplaceable advantage. They understand not only Doom’s power, but his pathologically fragile need for recognition. This insight may be the deciding factor in preventing him from reshaping reality in his image.
What does this mean for the future of the MCU?
Marvel Studios has made it clear that the Fantastic Four are the narrative spine of Phase 6. Their introduction is the foundation upon which the MCU’s final Multiverse Saga battle is built. Avengers: Doomsday is no longer just an Avengers story; it is the culmination of the Fantastic Four’s legacy colliding with the greatest threat the universe has ever faced.