The introduction of Marvel's First Family in Fantastic Four: First Steps has been a watershed moment for fans, and it's simple to understand why. This film has been a long time coming, as it finally introduces Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm to the greater Marvel Cinematic Universe. Of course, with any major Marvel film, one of the first questions people have is regarding the end credits. These brief extra sequences frequently provide us a glimpse into what's coming next, establishing future films or teasing new characters.
After years of waiting, we can finally see the Fantastic Four on the big screen in a way that seems appropriate. The film itself is a terrific start, but it's the last moment that has everyone talking. It's the kind of moment that makes you want to go check up what it all means and how it alters everything we thought we knew about the MCU's future. So let's go over what happens and why it's such a big issue.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps End Credit Scene Count (SPOILER-FREE)
If you're going to see Fantastic Four: First Steps and wondering if you should stay until the end, here's your spoiler-free answer: Fantastic Four: First Steps includes one end credits scene. This scene appears in the middle of the credits, so you won't have to wait until the very end to view it. It's an important one, so don't miss it!
Fantastic Four: First Steps Mid-Credits Scene Explained (Spoiler Alert!)
Okay, if you've seen Fantastic Four: First Steps, you know the closing sequence is a show-stopper. It lays the groundwork for some significant developments in the MCU's future, and it has everyone excited. Let's get into the details of what happened.
Visuals and Key Moments from the Scene
The scenario opens in what appears to be the Fantastic Four's famed home and lab, the Baxter Building. Sue Storm is seen reading a book to her small son, Franklin Richards, in the living room. The environment is quiet, almost peaceful, in contrast to the cosmic turmoil depicted in the main film. Sue gets up to retrieve another book, leaving Franklin alone for a few seconds. When she returns, there is a new, unsettling presence in the room.
A figure crouching near Franklin has a covered face, but his silhouette and outfit are instantly recognized to comic book readers. He wears a distinctive mask and a green robe, and while we can't hear his words, his mere presence tells volumes. This is our first genuine look at one of Marvel's most iconic villains as he makes his way into the MCU. The scene concludes with a text card confirming the Fantastic Four's return in Avengers: Doomsday.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps includes ONE key mid-credits sequence that sets up a major MCU villain!
Dialogue and Clues in The Stinger
The lack of direct conversation is what makes this moment interesting. The impact of the moment stems from the sights and the immediate recognition of the character who appears. The silence heightens his terrifying presence. The fact that he is with Franklin, a boy who has already demonstrated amazing abilities, gives a strong hint about his plans. We saw earlier in the film that Franklin possessed cosmic skills even as a baby, attracting the attention of mighty entities such as Galactus. Another significant player has expressed interest in him.
The text card at the conclusion provides the clearest indication, linking this sequence to Avengers: Doomsday. It's more than just a hint at a future Fantastic Four sequel; it's a clear setup for one of the MCU's most anticipated team-up films. This implies that whatever this new adversary is up to will have far-reaching consequences for the universe.
Who is Doctor Doom in the Fantastic Four's post-credit scene?
The masked person in the mid-credits sequence is none other than Doctor Doom, one of Marvel Comics' most powerful and complex villains. Fans have long expected his coming, and this scene finally fulfills that promise.
Dr. Doom's Introduction to the MCU
Doctor Doom, real name Victor Von Doom, is the dictator of the fictitious nation Latveria. He is a great scientist, a master magician, and a smart tactician who is frequently regarded as the Fantastic Four's archenemy. His debut in this scene, particularly his interest in Franklin Richards, foreshadows a big storyline to come. We also saw a faint mention to Latveria early in the film, with a sign at the Future Foundation gathering but no representation there. This demonstrates how long Doom has been quietly operating in the shadows.
The decision to have him appear to Franklin rather than confront the Fantastic Four is a clever method to demonstrate his cunning and awareness of the boy's enormous potential. It implies that he sees Franklin as a key to his own ambitions, whatever they may be. This is more than just a villain reveal; it is a strategic move that foreshadows a very intimate and perhaps devastating confrontation for Marvel's First Family.
Doctor Doom has arrived. The Fantastic Four: First Steps post-credits scene introduces the renowned villain and a formidable young hero.
Franklin Richards' Role and Powers Explained
Franklin Richards, the son of Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic) and Sue Storm (Invisible Woman), is a character with enormous importance and power in the comics. His presence in Fantastic Four: First Steps and his interaction with Doctor Doom during the mid-credits scene demonstrate how important he will be in the MCU.
Franklin Richards, a powerful new character.
Franklin showed amazing powers as a baby in Fantastic Four: First Steps. We observed that he possessed the "Power Cosmic," a massive energy source that allows him to manipulate reality. In the film, he even brings his mother back to life, establishing him as one of the most powerful characters in the MCU. In the comics, Franklin's abilities are far more diverse, including telepathy, energy projection, and the capacity to alter matter at the molecular level. He can also build pocket universes.
The fact that Doctor Doom is already looking for him at such an early age indicates that Franklin's abilities are not only recognized, but also wanted by the universe's most deadly figures. His talent makes him a target, and the Fantastic Four will surely be concerned about his safety in the future. His existence significantly escalates the stakes, as his skills can be used for immense good or unthinkable evil, depending on who inspires him.
Franklin Richards' abilities are on full show in the Fantastic Four: First Steps ending scene. Prepare for a new level of cosmic power!
Connecting Fantastic Four: First Steps and Avengers: Doomsday
The mid-credits scene in Fantastic Four: First Steps is more than just a teaser; it's a direct link to the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. The language card at the conclusion makes this connection very plain, implying that the Fantastic Four, notably the threat posed by Doctor Doom, will play a significant role in the next major Avengers event.
This demonstrates that the events of Fantastic Four: First Steps, particularly the entrance of Doom and his interest in Franklin, are not limited to their small corner of the universe. Whatever Doom's ambitions are, they are substantial enough to attract the Avengers. Given Franklin's abilities, this sets the stage for a tremendous struggle that could include the entire fabric of existence. It's a thrilling prospect that promises a high-stakes battle for the entire MCU.
The Fantastic Four's future in the MCU begins with a surprise post-credits reveal. Avengers: Doomsday has gotten much more spectacular!
Fantastic Four MCU: Future and Continuity Questions
One of the most pressing questions surrounding Fantastic Four: First Steps has been its role in the greater MCU, particularly following the Thunderbolts post-credits scene earlier this year. Director Matt Shakman has put some light on this, allowing us to better grasp how everything works together.
Addressing the Thunderbolts post-credits discrepancy.
Many fans were perplexed after the Thunderbolts post-credits scene appeared to depict the Fantastic Four arriving on Earth-616, the main MCU universe. However, Fantastic Four: First Steps is set in Earth-828, a completely different universe. Director Matt Shakman noted that the Thunderbolts end credit scene was conceived rather late in the film's production. He was unfamiliar with it when working on his script. He compared it to a "relay race," in which he raced his stretch alongside Fantastic Four: First Steps in Earth-828 before passing the baton.
This means that the Thunderbolts sequence is not a straight continuation of Fantastic Four: First Steps. Instead, it was most likely a foreshadowing of the Fantastic Four's ultimate voyage to Earth-616, which will occur sometime after the events of First Steps. It clarifies that the two images are not intended to be immediately chronological, but rather to foreshadow a future multiversal crossover for the crew. So, no, the Thunderbolts scene was not overlooked; it was simply a preview of a future event, not an immediate follow-up.
What Happens Next for Marvel's First Family?
Fantastic Four: First Steps' setting on Earth-828 allows for a lot of creative freedom. We've noticed a particular retro-futuristic vibe that feels new and different from other MCU efforts. This method of situating stories in multiple realities, even subtly, allows for new aesthetics and world-building that are not constrained by the existing Earth-616 continuity. This might be a foreshadowing of things to come for the MCU, particularly as we approach Avengers: Secret Wars, which is intended to provide a "fresh start" for the whole universe.
The Fantastic Four's future looks tremendously promising. Their debut film was a critical and commercial triumph, and the mid-credits scene has already put them on a collision course with Doctor Doom and the broader events of Avengers: Doomsday. It's evident that Marvel's First Family will be at the center of some genuinely historic events in the Multiverse Saga.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fantastic Four Final Scenes
How many post-credit sequences appear in Fantastic Four: First Steps?
Fantastic Four: First Steps features one mid-credits scene.
Who is the villain revealed in the Fantastic Four: First Steps post-credits scene?
Doctor Doom, the villain, has been teased.
What are Franklin Richards' abilities?
Franklin Richards possesses the "Power Cosmic," which enables him to modify reality, project energy, and even bring people back to life. In the comics, he can create pocket universes.
Does Fantastic Four: First Steps support Thunderbolts?
Not specifically in terms of immediate continuity. Fantastic Four: First Steps is set on Earth-828, whereas the Thunderbolts post-credits scene foreshadowed the Fantastic Four's ultimate arrival on Earth-616.
What does the finale of Fantastic Four: First Steps indicate for Avengers: Doomsday?
The mid-credits scene establishes Doctor Doom as a prominent character in Avengers: Doomsday, with his interest in Franklin Richards hinting at a central confrontation involving the powerful young hero.