The Fantastic Four vs. 8 Iconic Marvel Villains After Galactus!

Following the clash between Marvel’s First Family and Galactus and the Silver Surfer in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps”, it would be thrilling to witness them face off against other renowned villains from Marvel Comics within the MCU. Julia Garner and Ralph Ineson have recently joined the cast of “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” in April and May 2024, respectively, with plans to embody the female Silver Surfer, Shalla-Bal, and Galactus, the devourer of worlds. Their introduction will occur in an alternate universe where they threaten Earth, but this battle won’t be the last stand for the Fantastic Four team.

In future MCU installments, Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach will reprise their roles, implying that the Fantastic Four have survived their confrontation with Galactus in 2025. Speculations indicate that the Fantastic Four may integrate into the primary Earth-616 timeline, providing an opportunity for the team to encounter various new adversaries in their subsequent Phase 6 appearance. With a rich history of battling villains spanning six decades within Marvel Comics, the Fantastic Four could potentially face numerous enemies in live-action as well.

8. Annihilus

Annihilus Debuted In Marvel Comics In 1968’s Fantastic Four Annual #6

There’s been talk that Marvel Studios might be preparing to bring Annihilus into live-action for the first time, especially since the Fantastic Four are set to make their debut. In the Marvel Comics, Annihilus is the ruler of a place known as the Negative Zone, which has been frequently visited by Reed Richards and the Fantastic Four. Over the years, Annihilus has had numerous conflicts with the Fantastic Four, often trying to invade Earth but being stopped by the team. Given this history, Annihilus could make an excellent next adversary for the Fantastic Four.

The memorable storyline starring Annihilus, known as “Annihilation,” took place from November 2005 to May 2007. During this event, Annihilus and his Annihilation Wave invaded Marvel’s primary universe, resulting in a confrontation with some of the most potent and iconic cosmic heroes in Marvel comics history. It would be intriguing to reimagine the “Annihilation” storyline with Annihilus clashing against the Fantastic Four, given their multiversal roots could make them better suited for interactions within the live-action MCU universe, making it an exciting prospect to see Annihilus’ debut.

7. Philip Masters’ Puppet Master

Puppet Master Debuted In Marvel Comics In 1962’s Fantastic Four #8

It seems highly likely that the Puppet Master will make his Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) debut in or following The Fantastic Four: First Steps, given his role as Alicia Masters’ stepfather in the Marvel Comics. While Marvel hasn’t officially announced Alicia Masters’ introduction yet, there are rumors suggesting that Natasha Lyonne, known for her role in Russian Doll, might portray Ben Grimm’s love interest. This potential casting opens up a great chance for the Puppet Master to be introduced as well, and he would undoubtedly prove to be an incredibly intimidating adversary in the MCU.

There have been discussions about Natasha Lyonne possibly portraying Alicia Masters and speculation about John Malkovich fitting the part of the Puppet Master, a character who creates puppets resembling real people using radioactive clay for manipulation. Despite attempting global domination multiple times, often collaborating with other notorious villains, the Puppet Master has consistently been thwarted by the Fantastic Four. The question remains if these popular casting choices will materialize in reality.

6. Namor

Namor Debuted In Marvel Comics In 1939’s Marvel Comics #1

Namor, one of the original Marvel Comics heroes debuting in 1939 alongside Captain America and the android Human Torch, is the mutant king of Atlantis. He possesses immense power and reacquainted himself with his past after encountering the Fantastic Four when he was amnesiac in 1962. Over the years, Namor has had a complex relationship with the Fantastic Four, acting as both an ally and an adversary. This is largely due to his persistent romantic interest towards Sue Storm, also known as the Invisible Woman.

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Tenoch Huerta Mejía played the character Namor, who first appeared in 2022’s “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” As the ruler of the underwater kingdom of Talokan, Namor has already faced off against Shuri, also known as the Black Panther (played by Letitia Wright). It’s been confirmed that Namor will reappear in 2026’s “Avengers: Doomsday.” The upcoming Phase 6 crossover may introduce Namor to the Fantastic Four, potentially setting them up as enemies for future MCU films following “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

5. Maximus The Mad

Maximus Debuted In Marvel Comics In 1966’s Fantastic Four #47

In the world of Marvel Comics, both the Fantastic Four and their adversary Namor have had their fair share of conflicts. However, they’ve also engaged with a variety of Inhuman characters, among them Maximus the Mad. Originally appearing in 1966, Maximus is the sibling of Black Bolt, the King of Attilan, a role reprised by Anson Mount in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, following his portrayal in the series. Iwan Rheon played Maximus in Marvel Television’s Inhumans, but it’s possible that Marvel Studios might reinvent this villain to make him even more formidable and fearsome in the MCU.

Maximus the Mad stands out among Inhuman villains with his chilling influence, for Terrigenesis bestowed upon him the power to control minds. His remarkable intelligence and exceptional knack for invention make him a formidable contender for the role of a cunning antagonist. He could potentially fill the void left by Loki and Zemo, who have recently transitioned into antiheroes and heroes respectively. Maximus has previously clashed with the Fantastic Four on multiple occasions, and it’s exciting to imagine Marvel Studios rehabilitating the Inhumans within the MCU following their underwhelming introduction in Marvel Television.

4. Frightful Four

The Frightful Four Debuted In Marvel Comics In 1965’s Fantastic Four #36

First introduced in 1965, the Frightful Four serves as an ideal contrast to the Fantastic Four, a group of ever-changing supervillains that could provide an intriguing counterpoint to Marvel Studios’ original superhero team. The original lineup consisted of Wizard, Sandman, the character known as Paste-Pot Pete (later renamed Trapster), and the amnesiac Inhuman Queen Medusa. This villainous quartet launched a surprise attack on the Fantastic Four during Reed Richards and Sue Storm’s engagement party, even managing to pilfer their powers in the process. This theft left the Fantastic Four considerably debilitated, coming close to causing the demise of its members, although they always managed to emerge victorious.

Over the span of time, numerous legendary baddies have found their place among the Frightful Four, causing no end of trouble for the Fantastic Four since their debut decades ago. Characters like Thundra, Deadpool, Taskmaster, Electro, Titania, Absorbing Man, She-Thing, Red Ghost, and countless others have graced their roster. It’s a bit far-fetched to imagine the Frightful Four assembling in the live-action Marvel Cinematic Universe, but it’d be electrifying to witness these villains go head-to-head with Mr. Fantastic, the Invisible Woman, the Human Torch, and the Thing someday.

3. Nathaniel Richards’ Rama-Tut

Rama-Tut Debuted In Marvel Comics In 1963’s Fantastic Four #19

Initially, it was thought that the character Rama-Tut, who ruled as a Pharaoh in Ancient Egypt after time-traveling from a future where he discovered time travel technology (as Nathaniel Richards), was related to Doctor Doom – an adversary of the Fantastic Four. However, it was subsequently unveiled that the true identity of Kang the Conqueror, the villain in question, was actually a descendant of both Nathaniel Richards and his time-traveling forefather who shares Reed Richards’ name. While in Ancient Egypt, Rama-Tut aimed to influence En Sabah Nur (also known as Apocalypse), another powerful villain, to gain control over him.

MCU Kang Variant Debut Project Year
He Who Remains Loki Season 1 2021
Kang the Conqueror Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania 2023
Immortus Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania 2023
Rama-Tut Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania 2023
Centurion Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania 2023
Victor Timely Loki Season 2 2023

The initial attempt with the Fantastic Four proved futile since they journeyed back through time to confront Pharaoh Rama-Tut, sending him tumbling through the timestream. Rama-Tut could make an excellent antagonist for the Fantastic Four in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s upcoming chapters, given that he has already been teased in the post-credits scene of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. Despite Jonathan Majors no longer being tied to the MCU as Kang and his variants, including Rama-Tut, a new actor might take on the part to clash with the Fantastic Four. This encounter could also pave the way for Apocalypse’s introduction in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

2. Reed Richards’ Maker

The Maker Debuted In Marvel Comics In 2004’s Ultimate Fantastic Four #1

Given that Marvel Studios has been focusing on the multiverse lately, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps is set to introduce the team from another universe, it’s plausible that a multiversal version of Reed Richards could emerge as a powerful new antagonist in the MCU. In Marvel Comics’ Ultimate Universe, Reed Richards, known as Mister Fantastic, grew disenchanted with his role and turned to darker pursuits, becoming the Maker. There has been much discussion about the Maker potentially debuting or reappearing in the MCU.

As a diehard film enthusiast, I can’t help but reminisce about Miles Teller’s portrayal of Reed Richards in the 2015 reboot of Fantastic Four, which was somewhat criticized. His character was inspired by the Reed Richards from the Ultimate Universe, fueling whispers that Teller might resurface during Marvel’s Multiverse Saga, potentially taking on the role of the MCU’s Maker. However, even if Teller doesn’t return, it would be thrilling to witness Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards locking horns with his malevolent counterpart from another universe. Given the Maker’s escalating power and influence since his initial appearance over two decades ago, such a confrontation would make for an intriguing match-up against Pascal’s Mr. Fantastic in the MCU. The Maker could serve as a compelling dark reflection of Pascal’s Reed Richards.

1. Earth-616’s Victor Von Doom’s Doctor Doom

Doctor Doom Debuted In Marvel Comics In 1962’s The Fantastic Four #5

We’re all eager to witness Robert Downey Jr.’s comeback as Victor Von Doom, also known as Doctor Doom, the archnemesis of the Fantastic Four, one of Marvel Comics’ most iconic and notorious supervillains. However, since Downey Jr. portrayed Tony Stark’s Iron Man for more than a decade in the MCU’s Infinity Saga, it’s unlikely he will be playing the Doctor Doom of Earth-616 within the MCU. Nevertheless, the masked villain might still exist somewhere. Following _The Fantastic Four: First Steps_, _Avengers: Doomsday_, and _Secret Wars_, this incarnation of Doom could potentially become a lasting antagonist in the new MCU.

Victor Von Doom, once a student at an American university alongside Reed Richards, was involved in a cutthroat academic test that ultimately left him scarred and disfigured, sparking his long-standing enmity towards Richards and the Fantastic Four. Over the past six decades, Doom has taken on various roles as a supervillain, hero, and Sorcerer Supreme within Marvel Comics. His anticipated debut in the 616 timeline of the MCU is highly significant due to this complex background. While it’s been speculated that Robert Downey Jr.’s portrayal might appear in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, future MCU projects may introduce a more menacing version of the Latverian monarch.

Read More

2025-04-28 21:10