Marvel Studios has officially introduced the Fantastic Four into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) with Fantastic Four: First Steps, a reboot that brings the iconic superhero family to life in a bold, emotional, and cosmic-driven storyline. The film doesn’t just reintroduce these beloved characters — it lays a powerful foundation for Marvel’s future, especially through its two intriguing post-credit scenes.
A Fresh Take on the Fantastic Family — With New Stakes
The story is set on a different Earth, called Earth‑828, separate from the main MCU timeline. This version of the Fantastic Four includes the familiar team of Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm. But this isn’t just another superhero action film — it’s a story built around family, sacrifice, and legacy.
One of the major emotional beats in the movie is Sue Storm’s pregnancy. She’s expecting a daughter and has just given birth to a son, Franklin Richards, during the film’s climax. The arrival of Franklin becomes central to the story, as the cosmic villain Galactus arrives with a chilling demand: hand over Franklin, or Earth will be destroyed.
Reed and the team refuse, setting off a massive confrontation. In the heat of the battle, tragedy strikes — Sue is killed. But then, in a shocking twist, baby Franklin shows incredible, reality-altering powers. He brings his mother back to life, revealing that he is no ordinary child, but a cosmic-level mutant with abilities far beyond human comprehension.
This moment doesn’t just provide an emotional resolution. It signals that Franklin may become one of the most powerful characters in the entire MCU.
Two Post-Credit Scenes Hint at the Future — And a Familiar Villain
Marvel fans know to stay seated when the credits roll, and this time, they’re rewarded with two very different — but equally important — post-credit scenes.
Mid-Credit Scene: The Return of a Classic Villain
Four years after the main events of the movie, the mid-credit scene shows Sue Storm reading a book to a young Franklin inside the Baxter Building. A mysterious figure appears, half-hidden in the shadows. He slowly lifts a familiar metal mask — the unmistakable armor of Doctor Doom.
This silent reveal confirms what fans have long suspected: Doctor Doom is returning, and he’s keeping a close eye on Franklin. His obsession with power and the multiverse makes him a likely future villain for the Avengers and the Fantastic Four.
Key Takeaways:
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Doctor Doom is confirmed to be entering the MCU.
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The scene sets up potential conflict between Doom and Franklin.
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Hints toward Avengers: Doomsday as Marvel’s next big event.
End-Credit Scene: A Nostalgic Throwback
The second post-credit scene takes a lighter tone. It’s a short animated sequence in the style of the classic 1967 Fantastic Four cartoon. The animated clip features fun appearances by classic villains and playful dialogue, serving as both a tribute and a treat for long-time fans.
Why It Matters:
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It honors the franchise’s animated history.
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Provides comic relief and a fan-friendly Easter egg.
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Reinforces that Marvel respects its roots even as it builds new stories.
What This Means for the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Marvel is clearly setting up a major new arc centered on cosmic-level threats and multiverse adventures. Franklin Richards’ birth — and the powers he displays — suggest he will be a key player in the MCU’s next era.
Meanwhile, Doctor Doom’s shadowy entrance points to a larger plan that ties directly into the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday film. His presence signals that Marvel is moving toward more complex villains with deep emotional ties to the heroes.
Franklin Richards: The Next Big Marvel Hero?
Franklin’s resurrection of his mother marks him as a unique character, one who may even rival or surpass other powerful MCU figures like Scarlet Witch or Kang. In Marvel comics, Franklin Richards has often been depicted as one of the strongest mutants in existence. That same legacy seems to be unfolding on-screen.
Building Toward Secret Wars
All signs point toward Marvel moving steadily toward its next major event: Secret Wars. With the multiverse in chaos, Doctor Doom in play, and new heroes like Franklin on the board, the stakes are higher than ever.
Final Thoughts
Fantastic Four: First Steps successfully brings Marvel’s first family into the modern cinematic universe with a mix of emotion, action, and cosmic intrigue. Its two post-credit scenes do more than tease future stories — they signal a dramatic shift in the MCU’s direction.
If you’re watching the film, don’t leave early. The mid-credit scene sets up the next major villain, and the final animated moment brings a dose of nostalgia that reminds us why the Fantastic Four remains a fan favorite.