Director Matt Shakman Discusses Initial Steps in The Fantastic Four Movie Production
In the latest addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), "The Fantastic Four: First Steps," Robert Downey Jr. steps into the iconic role of Doctor Doom. His appearance in the post-credits scene marks the character's first formal entrance into the MCU[1][2].
The post-credits scene is set four years after the main events involving the team and Galactus. In it, Sue Storm (played by Klaia Thorne) is reading to her son Franklin when she leaves to get another book; upon returning, she finds a mysterious cloaked figure beside Franklin holding a metallic mask—the unmistakable green cloak signaling Doctor Doom. Downey Jr.’s face is not shown, maintaining some mystery, but the moment quietly teases the next major villain for the MCU[1][2].
Director Matt Shakman and Marvel Studios opted for this subtle introduction rather than a large, dramatic reveal or confrontation. This approach was part of a creative decision to avoid immediately retelling the origin story for Doctor Doom and to emphasize a fresh narrative starting point, focusing first on cosmic threats. Downey Jr.’s scene was filmed during production of a related Marvel film, "Avengers: Doomsday," further linking the characters and narrative arcs within the MCU[2].
The movie also introduces other characters, such as Natasha Lyonne, who plays a character in the film but not Alicia Masters. John Malkovich had a cut role in the movie, but the specifics about his role were not disclosed.
One interesting aspect of the film is the use of a real baby. Matt Shakman managed to get a baby to clap in the movie, but the method he used remains a mystery.
Paul Walter Hauser is also part of the cast, and Matt Shakman reflects on giving him his first job. The movie is set on a specific point of the Marvel timeline, but the specifics about how the "Thunderbolts" post-credit scene aligns with "The Fantastic Four" were not discussed.
"The Fantastic Four: First Steps" provides insights into Marvel's first family's future and is currently in theaters.
[1] Collider. (2023). The Fantastic Four: First Steps Post-Credit Scene Explained. [online] Available at: https://collider.com/the-fantastic-four-first-steps-post-credit-scene-explained/
[2] Fandango. (2023). The Fantastic Four: First Steps. [online] Available at: https://www.fandango.com/movie/the-fantastic-four-first-steps-1283076/movieoverview
- In the entertainment world, daily blend shows might discuss Robert Downey Jr.'s portrayal of Doctor Doom in "The Fantastic Four: First Steps," a movie-and-tv event that has added another layer to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
- During interviews for "The Fantastic Four: First Steps," director Matt Shakman revealed an intriguing aspect about the movie - getting a baby to clap, a detail he kept as his own secret.
