Marvel Confirms Fantastic Four Will Appear in Avengers: Doomsday

The Fantastic Four: First Steps has landed in theaters with a cosmic bang and both fans and critics seem to agree it’s a strong debut for Marvel’s first family. As of now, Rotten Tomatoes shows an impressive 92% audience score and an 89% critic score. According to Deadline, the film pulled in a solid $23 million during its Thursday night previews a promising start for these long-awaited MCU newcomers.

But while First Steps is still fresh in theaters, Marvel Studios is already looking ahead and yes, they’ve confirmed it: the Fantastic Four will officially be part of Avengers: Doomsday.

From One Universe to the Next

Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige recently shed some light on the future of these characters in a chat with Comicbook.com. According to Feige, not only do the Fantastic Four travel from their own universe (dubbed Earth-828) to the MCU’s main timeline (Earth-616), they’re also heading back again and they might not be alone.

Feige teased that Avengers: Doomsday will include scenes set inside the Fantastic Four’s Baxter Building including the iconic kitchen and living room fans just got to see in First Steps. But this time, there will be more familiar faces in the mix. “There are a lot more people in that kitchen in Avengers,” Feige said.

For younger Marvel fans, this crossover moment could feel as exciting as when the Avengers first met the Guardians of the Galaxy a merging of worlds that brings characters together in ways that spark imagination and awe.

A Smart Move: Literally

One particularly exciting element for families and young viewers is the clear spotlight on Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic), portrayed as “the smartest man alive.” Marvel seems to be setting him up as a key figure in the battle to save the multiverse. This includes building advanced technology, like multiversal teleportation portals a neat concept that opens the door for meaningful conversations about science, leadership, and teamwork.

While Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness introduced a different Reed Richards (briefly and… tragically), the new version is getting the narrative depth he deserves. For parents with curious tweens or teens, this new portrayal might be a great entry point into science-themed storytelling and aspirational role models.

A Bigger Battle is Brewing

So, why are the Fantastic Four (and maybe the Avengers) universe-hopping?

It all seems to point to one looming threat: Doctor Doom. Marvel is gradually positioning Doom as the next major villain, shifting away from the previously planned Kang arc (a pivot likely influenced by real-world controversies surrounding actor Jonathan Majors).

If rumors are true including reports from Cosmic Circus Doom may be after the TVA (Time Variance Authority) and even Loki, who is currently holding the fragile multiverse together. It’s a plot twist that raises the stakes dramatically and introduces a bit of complexity for younger viewers but the themes remain clear: good versus evil, protecting what matters, and working together to overcome seemingly impossible odds.

And for families who’ve followed Marvel’s storytelling closely, this expanding multiverse arc offers a fun way to revisit earlier films, piece together clues, and bond over speculation. (Just maybe hold off on Loki for the youngest viewers that series has some heavier thematic content.)

What About the X-Men?

The multiverse’s expansion also includes another long-awaited debut: the X-Men. While details are still under wraps, current buzz suggests they’ll also play a role in the fight against Doctor Doom. And yes Black Panther characters and Wakanda are reportedly part of the mix as well.

If you’re keeping score, that means Avengers: Doomsday could feature the Avengers, the Fantastic Four, the X-Men, and characters from Wakanda essentially a superhero all-star lineup.

Parental Takeaway

While it’s too early to know how Avengers: Doomsday will be rated or how intense the content might be, families should expect some action-heavy moments and possibly emotional stakes. But based on Marvel’s usual approach, we anticipate a PG-13 rating, plenty of action, but (hopefully) themes that reinforce resilience, problem-solving, and unity.

And for parents of younger Marvel fans? The introduction of characters like Reed Richards a leader who values intellect as much as power is a refreshing development. He may quickly become a fan-favorite for curious minds who dream big.

Final Thoughts

Marvel’s multiverse is getting crowded and that’s a good thing. As Fantastic Four: First Steps continues its theatrical run, the confirmation of their role in Avengers: Doomsday adds a whole new layer of excitement for longtime fans and new audiences alike.

The bigger question for families will be: how do we keep up with all the timelines?

Don’t worry we’ve got you covered.

Stay tuned to Parentguiding.com for future updates, age-appropriateness guides, and breakdowns of what these universe-sized crossovers mean for Marvel-loving families everywhere.