WARNING: This article features MAJOR SPOILERS from The Fantastic Four: First Steps.The Marvel Cinematic Universe just introduced one of Marvel Comics’ biggest players in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, as director Matt Shakman opens up on the pivotal moment. Marvel’s First Family has finally arrived in the MCU franchise, while also getting Phase 6 properly kicked off for The Multiverse Saga.

However, like many MCU films, The Fantastic Four: First Steps post-credits scene came with a big surprise that has sparked mᴀssive excitement for the rest of Phase 6. Taking place four years later, Sue Storm is left seeing a man in a green cloak, with a very familiar mask in his hand, engaging with Franklin Richards, giving the MCU the first look at Victor von Doom, a.k.a. Doctor Doom.

ScreenRant’s own Ash Crossan spoke with Shakman in an exclusive interview, where he was asked to elaborate more about The Fantastic Four: First Steps post-credits scene. Not only did Shakman confirm that the Russo brothers directed it, he also expanded on how there were a lot of variations of that scene, as he shared the following:

ScreenRant: I’m going to ask my spoiler question to hold for post-release. Can you talk to me about the mid-credit scene? Did you direct it, and what was the directive for you in that responsibility of introducing–I want to say “Doom?”, because I noticed that in the song credits–it was a question mark.

Matt Shakman: Yeah, that is what Sylvester called that cue. The Russos directed that on the set of Avengers: Doomsday. [That’s] not something that I directed, but we’ve always known that that sort of tease would be a part of the credits for this movie, [because] there’s lot to set up. That scene evolved over the years, [and] we had many different versions of how that could happen. And this one is really fun.

Avengers: Doomsday, which will feature The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ four leading characters, is currently in production. Marvel’s First Family will also be back for Avengers: Secret Wars, which will be directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, too.

What Matt Shakman’s Fantastic Four: First Steps Post-Credits Scene Comments Mean

The Fantastic Four: First Steps Post Credits Scene Sets Up Avengers: Doomsday

While Doctor Doom is essentially one of the biggest Easter eggs and Marvel references in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Shakman’s comments show how seriously Marvel is taking Victor’s MCU debut. As Doctor Doom will change the MCU forever in Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, The Fantastic Four: First Steps certainly gives an exciting first glimpse at the character.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps ending raises the stakes for the heroes, as Franklin is most likely in mᴀssive danger because of Doctor Doom coming to him. Having the Russo brothers be directly involved with Victor’s setup also makes The Fantastic Four: First Steps have a more organic tie-in for Avengers: Doomsday.

Our Take On Matt Shakman’s Fantastic Four: First Steps Post-Credits Scene Comments

The MCU’s Doctor Doom Chaos Has Only Just Begun

From Shakman’s comments alone, The Fantastic Four: First Steps did not disappoint with how they factored Doctor Doom into the debut of Marvel’s First Family in the MCU. How The Fantastic Four: First Steps post-credit scene was executed makes the return of all these characters in 2026 even more exciting.

Not only did the Fantastic Four get the cinematic treatment they deserved, but having Doctor Doom in the film for even just a few seconds sets up their iconic rivalry from the comics. While The Fantastic Four: First Steps has finally arrived in the MCU, their journey is about to get more complicated when they return in Avengers: Doomsday.