WARNING: This article includes MAJOR SPOILERS from The Fantastic Four: First Steps.The Fantastic Four: First Steps star Vanessa Kirby clarifies who played that major Marvel Cinematic Universe character in the post-credits scene. Marvel’s First Family is finally back on the big screen, as the Fantastic Four: First Steps cast brought the iconic characters to life in the new Phase 6 release.

The biggest takeaway from The Fantastic Four: First Steps post-credits scene was the arrival of Victor von Doom, a.k.a. Doctor Doom, as he is seen with Franklin Richards. While Sue Storm is looking at the cloaked visitor, his face is never seen, which left many wondering who was actually playing Doctor Doom in that moment.

In a new interview with Variety, Kirby was asked if it was Robert Downey Jr. who played Doctor Doom in The Fantastic Four: First Steps post-credits scene. Thankfully, Kirby was able to finally set the record straight, as she confirmed that it was indeed Downey Jr. She said the following:

Yeah! Robert’s never not been on set. He’s always there. He is our leader. We call him our Godfather. 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. And it’s been amazing being pregnant and working on “Avengers.” 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.

Downey Jr. and Kirby are currently shooting Avengers: Doomsday, alongside fellow Fantastic Four: First Steps actors Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach. All five of those actors will also be back as their respective characters in 2027’s Avengers: Secret Wars.

What Vanessa Kirby’s Doctor Doom Comments Mean

The Age Of Doom Is Here

While it was always possible that Downey Jr. was playing Doctor Doom in The Fantastic Four: First Steps post-credits scene, it’s even more compelling to know it was actually him as Victor in that moment, despite his face never being seen. For general audience members who may not even know what Victor looks like underneath the mask, it allows them to still have a big mystery in 2026.

For comic book fans, who know that Doctor Doom is disfigured behind his mask, it allows them to imagine what Downey Jr. may look like with Victor’s famous scars after The Fantastic Four: First Steps ending. It’s also impressive that Downey Jr. filmed the scene himself, even though the movie could have easily used any stand-in actor for Doctor Doom’s mᴀssive cameo.

Our Take On Vanessa Kirby’s Doctor Doom Comments

Fantastic Four Just Raised The Bar For Avengers: Doomsday

With Kirby’s confirmation, it finally allows The Fantastic Four: First Steps‘ mystery about Doctor Doom to be concluded, while also getting the hype up for Avengers: Doomsday. As The Fantastic Four: First Steps‘ box office journey has just begun, time will tell how the Doctor Doom cameo continues to be received worldwide.

Given that Doctor Doom is more than likely going to take Franklin, it already sets up huge stakes for the Fantastic Four in Avengers: Doomsday. As The Fantastic Four: First Steps continues its theatrical run, there will hopefully be more details soon on Doctor Doom’s MCU return in Avengers: Doomsday.

Source: Variety