Doctor Doom’s equivalent of the Infinity Gauntlet was quietly revealed in The Fantastic Four: First Steps only one year before Avengers: Doomsday. Robert Downey Jr.’s MCU Doctor Doom is set to be the Multiverse Saga’s main villain, fighting the Avengers, the Fantastic Four, the X-Men, and the New Avengers in 2026’s Avengers: Doomsday. Like Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Doomsday might lead to the heroes’ defeat.
Both Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars are likely to adapt several elements from all eponymous comic book storylines. Since Doctor Doom is Phase 6’s main antagonist, he’ll probably embark on a quest similar to God Emperor Doom’s. In 2015’s Secret Wars, God Emperor Doom, wielding the power of the Beyonders, shapes the multiverse to his image.
The MCU Just Pulled Off A Doomsday Weapon Tease At The Very Last Second
Thanos triumphed in Avengers: Infinity War using the Infinity Gauntlet, which he completed with the six Infinity Stones introduced throughout the Infinity Saga. The idea of Thanos snapping half of all life in the universe was gradually built up across three phases, with Thanos making one supporting appearance and two post-credits scene cameos before his main villain role. Meanwhile, Doctor Doom was introduced only a year and a half before Avengers: Doomsday‘s 2026 release.
Yet, the MCU teases Doctor Doom’s greatest weapon in the very scene he’s introduced. In The Fantastic Four: First Steps‘ post-credits scene, Doom appears to capture Franklin Richards in front of Sue Storm. Between the events of The Fantastic Four: First Steps and the beginning of Avengers: Doomsday, Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom will likely achieve what Galactus failed to do with the powerful child.
Doctor Doom’s Infinity Gauntlet Is Far More Terrifying Than Thanos’
The MCU introduced Doctor Doom’s equivalent of the Infinity Gauntlet very late in the game, but Franklin Richards is even more dangerous than all six Infinity Stones. Not even the complete Infinity Gauntlet is able to resurrect the dead or permanently change reality. Franklin Richards revived Sue Storm instinctively, and he’ll likely be able to modify the space-time continuum like his comic book counterpart.
Unlike the Gauntlet, Franklin Richards can reshape existence across multiversal boundaries with nothing but his imagination. In Avengers: Doomsday, Franklin could demonstrate his full range by destroying or permanently changing entire universes under Doctor Doom’s command. If Doom wishes to create a single universes where he’s the ultimate emperor, Franklin can make it happen.
Franklin Richards’ Role In Avengers: Doomsday Might Make Doctor Doom The MCU’s Most Twisted Villain
Whereas Thanos had to activate each Stone in the Infinity Gauntlet to impose his will, Doctor Doom’s plan will likely hinge on exploiting a vulnerable child. As powerful as he may be, Franklin Richards is still an innocent boy. Doom will need to constantly manipulate Franklin and convince him to turn against his own family. This slow, insidious corruption requires a level of cruelty beyond Thanos’.
Thanos cloaked his violent desires behind a calculated mission until he was caught at a disadvantage. Doctor Doom thrives in deceit. Doom’s most dangerous weapon in Avengers: Doomsday, besides Franklin Richards, will be his mastery of psychological manipulation to twist Franklin’s trust and innocence into a tool for his conquest.
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Avengers: Doomsday
- Release Date
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December 18, 2026
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Vanessa Kirby
Sue Storm / Invisible Woman
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Johnny Storm / Human Torch
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Ebon Moss-Bachrach
Ben Grimm / The Thing
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The Fantastic Four: First Steps
7/10
- Release Date
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July 25, 2025
- Runtime
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115 minutes
- Director
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Matt Shakman
- Writers
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Jeff Kaplan, Josh Friedman, Ian Springer, Eric Pearson, Kat Wood, Jack Kirby, Stan Lee
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Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic
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Vanessa Kirby
Sue Storm / Invisible Woman
This story originally appeared on Screenrant
