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Credit: Universal, MarvelFor an extended period, Kevin Feige has held the position of President at Marvel Studios, overseeing the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) within The Walt Disney Company. The MCU’s substantial influence on the superhero film genre and the wider cinematic panorama has left a lasting mark, differing opinions notwithstanding.
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The extensive narrative, commonly referred to as the Infinity Saga, reached its peak with the debut of Avengers: Infinity War (2018) and Avengers: Endgame (2019), signifying the end of Phase Three in the MCU. The franchise’s remarkable expansion and its unrivaled supremacy in the superhero genre have firmly established it as a prominent, if not the primary, force in the film industry.
The Avengers are set to confront significant challenges as the franchise ventures into the Multiverse Saga, unfolding throughout Phases Four, Five, and Six. This extensive storyline is poised to culminate with the upcoming films, notably Avengers 5, AKA Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, and Avengers 6, AKA Avengers: Secret Wars.
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At present, the MCU is on the brink of unveiling brand-new superhero teams, including the much-adored Fantastic Four and X-Men, affording them the opportunity to take center stage.
Marvel’s Beloved Fantastic Four
The Fantastic Four is a legendary foursome of heroes crucial to the Marvel Comics universe. A defining aspect of this group lies in their roster: Reed Richards, known as Mister Fantastic, assumes the role of the ingenious leader; Sue Storm embodies the nurturing figure and adopts the alias Invisible Woman; Johnny Storm, characterized by impulsiveness and fiery powers, becomes the Human Torch; and the amiable giant Ben Grimm is commonly known as The Thing.
These iconic characters have occupied a significant position in Marvel Comics for an extended period, standing alongside other renowned figures like the X-Men and Spider-Man. Their presence predates the emergence of beloved personalities such as Iron Man/Tony Stark and Captain America/Steve Rogers, portrayed by Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans, respectively, in the MCU. Notably, John Krasinski has previously portrayed Reed Richards in an alternate Marvel universe, appearing as a Multiversal Variant in Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021).
Doctor Doom Diminished in Fantastic Four
The cinematic adaptations of the Fantastic Four, produced by 20th Century Fox (now 20th Century Studios under Disney’s ownership), commenced in 2005 with the release of a film titled Fantastic Four. The cast included Ioan Gruffudd portraying Mister Fantastic/Reed Richards, Jessica Alba as Invisible Woman/Sue Storm, Chris Evans in the role of Human Torch/Johnny Storm, and Michael Chiklis as Ben Grimm/The Thing, with Tim Story directing. A subsequent installment, titled Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, hit theaters in 2007. Both films garnered a mixed reception from critics and audiences alike.
According to Marvel insider MyTimeToShineHello, Disney is eyeing Oppenheimer (2023) star Cillian Murphy for the role of Fantastic Four iconic villain, Doctor Doom.
Now, it appears as if other known insider, CanWeGetSomeToast, is shedding some light on the likely casting, as well as the upcoming Fantastic Four movie.
The course reports that Doctor Doom’s role is in fact much shorter than anticipated — with the character cameoing “at best” during the film:
Doctor Doom will most likely NOT appear in Matt Shakman’s ‘FANTASTIC FOUR’.
He will cameo at best.
(quoted) Cillian Murphy is Marvel’s top choice to play Doctor Doom in the MCU
Doctor Doom will most likely NOT appear in Matt Shakman’s ‘FANTASTIC FOUR’.
He will cameo at best. https://t.co/uSAh1SshbB pic.twitter.com/xQofVVylAh
— CanWeGetSomeToast (@CanWeGetToast) November 26, 2023
It appears as if Marvel Studios are cooking something unprecedented up for the upcoming Fantastic Four movie. This could be a sign of the studio expressing uncertainty about the Doctor Doom character.
However, if Doctor Doom is indeed not going to take on a major villain role, the news that Anya Taylor Joy is being eyed for the role of the project’s villain — as either a female Silver Surfer or Nova/Frankie Raye — seems more likely than ever.
Perhaps Marvel is saving a Cillian Murphy Doctor Doom for Avengers: Secret Wars — either way, Marvel fans are going to have to wait a little more for confirmation from the superhero media giant themselves.
What do you think of the Doctor Doom role being cut down? Do you think Cillian Murphy would make a good Doom? Share your thoughts in the comments below!