Yes, that The Fantastic Four: First Steps end credits scene did feature a certain someone in their upcoming role.
Warning: Spoilers for The Fantastic Four: First Steps below.
Vanessa Kirby confirmed that Robert Downey Jr. was actually the one in the Doctor Doom mask during the film’s post-credits moment — even though his face wasn’t shown.
“Robert’s never not been on set. He’s always there. He is our leader. We call him our Godfather,” Kirby, 37, told Variety in an interview published on Sunday, July 27. “He’s looked after us. It’s such a joy working with the Russos and him, because they’ve had such deep collaboration for so long.”
The Fantastic Four: First Steps —which premiered on Friday, July 25 — featured an end credits scene which teased the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Kirby as Sue Storm is spending time with her now-toddler son Franklin (there was a four-year time jump) when she leaves the room to get him a book. Upon her return, a hooded figure holding a mask — Downey’s Doctor Doom — is crouched in front of Franklin.
It was announced in July 2024 that Downey, 60, would be returning as a villain to the MCU after playing the role of Tony Stark/Iron Man from 2008 to 2019. “What did I tell ya? I like playing complicated characters,” Downey said at Comic Con last year after the announcement was made.
Robert Downey Jr. Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney
He’s currently in character as Doctor Doom for Avengers: Doomsday, which is currently filming. (Anthony Russo and Joe Russo are directing the upcoming movie and were also responsible for The Fantastic Four: First Steps end credits scene.)
“It’s been amazing being pregnant and working on Avengers,” Kirby continued during her Variety interview. “I felt so inspired and so relieved that I’ve been so taken care of. It’s been a really beautiful journey. Robert is just doing incredible work. I’m so excited.”
Group hug! Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Joseph Quinn made their San Diego Comic-Con debut as the new Fantastic Four on Saturday, July 27, during Marvel Studios’ presentation, but, before that, the cast shared a sweet embrace backstage. Pascal, 49, shared behind-the-scenes footage via Instagram Stories on Sunday, July 28, which shows him, […]
Fellow The Fantastic Four: First Steps star Joseph Quinn cosigned Kirby’s take on working with Downey during a recent interview with People.
Quinn, 31, said he has “been spending quite a lot of time with some cast members in that film,” but playing coy about what fans can expect.
“Veterans have been giving us very sage advice and giving us their time,” he added during the interview published on July 24, referring to Downey as “an amazing leader” on set. “He’s so generous. He’s hilarious, and he’s a remarkable actor. There’s no shock as to why he is where he is.”
