The Fantastic Four Post-Credit Scene Just Changed the MCU Forever:- The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has always thrived on surprises, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps delivers one of its most seismic yet. If you’ve just walked out of the theater or scrolled through X posts buzzing about the film, you’re likely wondering: What does The Fantastic Four post-credit scene mean for the future of the MCU? Released on July 25, 2025, this film marks the official debut of Marvel’s First Family—Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm—in a retro-futuristic world.

But it’s the post-credit scene that has fans losing their minds, claiming it just changed the MCU forever. In this article, we’ll break down the scenes, explore their implications, and answer burning questions about how they set the stage for Avengers: Doomsday. Stick around for spoilers, fan theories, and a deep dive into why this moment is a turning point for Marvel.

What Happens in The Fantastic Four Post-Credit Scenes?

The Mid-Credits Scene: Doctor Doom’s Chilling Introduction

The Fantastic Four post-credit scene is split into two parts, with the mid-credits scene stealing the spotlight. Set four years after the main events of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, the scene takes place in the Baxter Building, home of the Fantastic Four on Earth-828. Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby) is reading a bedtime story to her son, Franklin Richards, now a young boy. She steps away briefly to grab another book, rejecting a suggestion from the robotic assistant H.E.R.B.I.E. When she returns, a cloaked figure in a green cape is kneeling beside Franklin, holding the iconic metallic mask of Doctor Doom. The scene cuts to black with a title card: “The Fantastic Four will return in Avengers: Doomsday.”

This moment introduces Doctor Doom, played by Robert Downey Jr., as the MCU’s next major villain. While his face isn’t shown, the green cloak and mask are unmistakable to Marvel fans. The implication is clear: Doom has a mysterious interest in Franklin, a child with cosmic powers capable of creating pocket universes and even resurrecting his mother after the film’s battle with Galactus. This scene doesn’t just tease Doom’s arrival—it hints at a multiversal conflict that could pull the Fantastic Four from their retro-futuristic Earth-828 to the main MCU timeline, Earth-616.

The Post-Credits Scene: A Nostalgic Nod to Marvel’s Roots

The second Fantastic Four post-credit scene is lighter but equally significant. After the credits roll, audiences are treated to an animated sequence depicting the Fantastic Four—Reed, Sue, Johnny, and Ben—in their classic comic book costumes, battling villains like the Red Ghost. The scene mimics the style of 1960s cartoons, complete with a catchy jingle, and ends with H.E.R.B.I.E. turning off the TV. A title card pays homage to Jack Kirby, co-creator of the Fantastic Four, with a quote: “If you look at my characters, you will find me…” It also reveals that Earth-828 is a tribute to Kirby’s birthday, August 28.

While this scene is a fun Easter egg, it reinforces the film’s respect for the Fantastic Four’s comic book legacy. It’s a reminder that The Fantastic Four: First Steps is as much about celebrating Marvel’s past as it is about setting up its future.

Why This Post-Credit Scene Changes the MCU Forever

The Fantastic Four post-credit scene isn’t just a teaser—it’s a seismic shift for the MCU’s narrative arc. Here’s why it just changed the MCU forever:

• Doctor Doom’s Debut: The introduction of Victor von Doom, portrayed by Robert Downey Jr., marks the arrival of one of Marvel’s most iconic villains. Known for his rivalry with Reed Richards, Doom’s presence sets up a personal and multiversal conflict for Avengers: Doomsday, slated for December 18, 2026. His interest in Franklin Richards suggests a focus on the child’s reality-warping powers, which could tie into the multiversal chaos of Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027.
• Multiversal Implications: The Fantastic Four’s Earth-828 is a standalone universe, distinct from the main MCU’s Earth-616. The mid-credits scene, combined with a Thunderbolts post-credits scene showing the Fantastic Four’s ship entering Earth-616, suggests that Doom’s actions may force the team to cross dimensions. This could involve Franklin’s kidnapping or a broader threat involving multiversal “Incursions” hinted at in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
• Franklin Richards’ Power: Franklin’s abilities, including creating pocket universes and reviving Sue, make him a target for villains like Doom. His role could be pivotal in Avengers: Doomsday, potentially as a key to stopping or enabling a multiversal catastrophe.
• A New Phase for the MCU: As the first film in Phase 6, The Fantastic Four: First Steps sets the tone for a new era. The post-credit scene ties directly to Avengers: Doomsday, which will feature a massive crossover with characters like Thor, Captain America, and the New Avengers. This interconnected storytelling signals a return to the MCU’s glory days of high-stakes, cohesive narratives.

Table: Key Elements of The Fantastic Four Post-Credit Scenes

How the Scene Connects to Avengers: Doomsday

The Fantastic Four post-credit scene directly sets up Avengers: Doomsday, the next major MCU film. Directed by the Russo Brothers, Avengers: Doomsday will feature a star-studded cast, including Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Anthony Mackie as Captain America, and the Fantastic Four themselves. The mid-credits scene’s focus on Doctor Doom suggests he’ll be the central antagonist, potentially using Franklin’s powers to manipulate the multiverse.

A Thunderbolts post-credits scene further ties the two films together. In it, Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) and the New Avengers detect an “extradimensional” ship entering Earth-616’s orbit, revealed to be the Fantastic Four’s. This implies that the Fantastic Four leave Earth-828, possibly to pursue Doom or warn other heroes about a looming threat. Fans on X speculate that Doom may kidnap Franklin, forcing the team to chase him across dimensions, or that the Fantastic Four are fleeing a destroyed Earth-828. However, the film’s ending—where they defeat Galactus—suggests their departure is motivated by Doom’s actions rather than planetary destruction.

“The Fantastic Four: First Steps post-credits scenes are a masterclass in building hype for Avengers: Doomsday. Doctor Doom’s introduction is chilling, and the animated nod to Kirby is pure fan service.” — @MCU_Direct on X

Fan Theories and Speculation

The Fantastic Four post-credit scene has sparked a frenzy of fan theories online. Here are some of the most popular:

• Doom’s Plan for Franklin: Many believe Doom wants to harness Franklin’s reality-warping abilities to control or destroy the multiverse. In the comics, Franklin is one of the most powerful mutants, capable of reshaping reality. His MCU debut as a child with cosmic powers suggests a similar role.
• Multiversal Travel: The Thunderbolts post-credits scene implies the Fantastic Four arrive in Earth-616. Fans speculate this could be due to Doom kidnapping Franklin or an Incursion threatening Earth-828.
• Robert Downey Jr.’s Role: While Downey’s face isn’t shown, his casting as Doom has fans buzzing. Some theorize his Doom might be a variant resembling Tony Stark, adding a meta layer to his rivalry with Reed Richards.
• Kirby’s Legacy: The post-credits animated scene and Kirby quote have led some to wonder if Earth-828 will play a larger role, perhaps as a “Battleworld” in Avengers: Secret Wars, inspired by Kirby’s comics.

These theories highlight the scene’s impact, as fans dissect every frame for clues about the MCU’s future. For more fan reactions, check out discussions on Reddit’s Marvel Studios subreddit.

Why This Scene Matters for MCU Fans

For longtime MCU fans, the Fantastic Four post-credit scene is more than a teaser—it’s a promise of a revitalized franchise. After mixed reception to Phase 5 films like Captain America: Brave New World, The Fantastic Four: First Steps has an 88% Rotten Tomatoes score, signaling a return to form. The introduction of Doctor Doom, a villain with the gravitas of Thanos, raises the stakes for Phase 6. Plus, the nostalgic nod to Jack Kirby resonates with comic book purists, grounding the MCU in its roots while pushing it toward a multiversal future.

FAQs About The Fantastic Four Post-Credit Scene

FAQ 1: What Happens in The Fantastic Four Mid-Credits Scene?

The mid-credits scene of The Fantastic Four: First Steps is a pivotal moment for the MCU. Set four years after the film’s events, it shows Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby) reading to her son, Franklin Richards, in the Baxter Building. When she steps away to grab another book, she returns to find a cloaked figure holding Doctor Doom’s iconic mask, kneeling beside Franklin. The scene ends with a title card announcing, “The Fantastic Four will return in Avengers: Doomsday.” This introduces Doctor Doom, played by Robert Downey Jr., and hints at his interest in Franklin’s cosmic powers, setting up a major conflict for the 2026 crossover film.

The ambiguity—Doom’s face isn’t shown, and his intentions are unclear—has sparked debates about whether he’s a variant or the Earth-828 Doom. This scene connects directly to a Thunderbolts post-credits moment, suggesting the Fantastic Four may chase Doom to Earth-616.

FAQ 2: How Does the Post-Credit Scene Set Up Avengers: Doomsday?

The Fantastic Four post-credit scene lays crucial groundwork for Avengers: Doomsday, releasing December 18, 2026. The mid-credits scene introduces Doctor Doom, the confirmed main villain of the crossover film, and suggests his fascination with Franklin Richards’ reality-warping abilities. This could drive the plot of Doomsday, with Doom potentially kidnapping Franklin or using his powers for multiversal domination. The Thunderbolts post-credits scene, showing the Fantastic Four’s ship entering Earth-616, implies they leave their universe, possibly to confront Doom or warn heroes like Thor and Captain America. Directed by the Russo Brothers, Avengers: Doomsday will feature a massive cast, including the Fantastic Four, making this scene a critical link in the MCU’s Phase 6 narrative.

FAQ 3: Why Is Franklin Richards Important in the Scene?

Franklin Richards, the son of Reed and Sue Storm, is central to the Fantastic Four post-credit scene. In the mid-credits moment, Doctor Doom is seen with Franklin, hinting at an interest in the child’s extraordinary powers. In the film, Franklin is revealed to have cosmic abilities, including resurrecting his mother and potentially creating pocket universes, mirroring his comic book counterpart. In the comics, Franklin is a mutant with reality-warping powers, making him a target for villains like Doom.

His role in the scene suggests he could be a key figure in Avengers: Doomsday, either as a pawn in Doom’s plans or a hero who helps defeat him. Fans speculate that Doom’s interaction with Franklin could trigger the Fantastic Four’s journey to Earth-616.

FAQ 4: What Is the Significance of the Animated Post-Credits Scene?

The second Fantastic Four post-credit scene is a nostalgic animated sequence showing the team battling villains like the Red Ghost in a 1960s-style cartoon. It ends with a tribute to Jack Kirby, co-creator of the Fantastic Four, with a quote and a note that Earth-828 honors his August 28 birthday. This scene serves as fan service, celebrating the team’s comic book origins and Marvel’s animation history, like The Marvel Super Heroes (1966). While less plot-driven than the mid-credits scene, it reinforces the film’s retro-futuristic aesthetic and sets a lighter tone before the high-stakes Avengers: Doomsday. It’s a reminder of the Fantastic Four’s cultural impact and their place in Marvel’s legacy.

FAQ 5: How Does the Scene Connect to Thunderbolts?

The Fantastic Four post-credit scene ties directly to a Thunderbolts post-credits scene, where Yelena Belova and the New Avengers detect an “extradimensional” ship entering Earth-616’s orbit, revealed to be the Fantastic Four’s. This suggests the Fantastic Four leave Earth-828, possibly due to Doctor Doom’s actions in the mid-credits scene, such as kidnapping Franklin or threatening their universe. The connection implies a multiversal crossover in Avengers: Doomsday, where the Fantastic Four join Earth-616 heroes. Fans on X speculate that Doom’s interaction with Franklin could force the team to chase him across dimensions, aligning with Thunderbolts’ tease of their arrival.

FAQ 6: Is Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom in the Scene?

While Robert Downey Jr. is confirmed to play Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday, his face isn’t shown in the Fantastic Four post-credit scene. The cloaked figure holding Doom’s mask is heavily implied to be him, but Marvel keeps his appearance ambiguous, likely to build anticipation for the 2026 film. Some fans theorize this Doom could be a variant resembling Tony Stark, given Downey’s MCU history, while others believe he’s the Earth-828 Doom with a unique agenda. The lack of a face reveal has sparked debates, but the scene’s impact lies in establishing Doom as a looming threat, regardless of the actor’s visibility.

Conclusion: A New Era for the MCU

The Fantastic Four post-credit scene has undeniably changed the MCU forever, introducing Doctor Doom and setting up a multiversal showdown in Avengers: Doomsday. By blending high-stakes storytelling with nostalgic tributes to Jack Kirby, The Fantastic Four: First Steps delivers a fresh yet familiar take on Marvel’s First Family. Whether you’re a comic book veteran or a casual fan, this scene is a must-see moment that promises epic battles and emotional stakes ahead. What are your theories about Doom’s plans for Franklin? Share your thoughts in the comments or join the conversation on X! For more MCU insights, subscribe to our newsletter or check out Marvel’s official site.