Spoiler alert! This article contains spoilers for The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
WithTheFantastic Four: First Stepsnow released, theMCUhas begun laying the groundwork for Marvel’s First Family and even more of their iconic villains. The film featured several of the Fantastic Four’s greatest villains. Yet beyond these top-tier threats, the Fantastic Four’s comic history is packed with thrilling foes waiting for their cinematic debut.
The Fantastic Four: First Stepsfeatured the cosmic titan Galactus, a brief appearance by Mole Man, anda post-credits glimpse of Doctor Doom. Asthe MCU timelinemoves into its next phases, there’s major potential to introduce more of the team’s unique foes. From cosmic to psychological terrors, there are several foes who would be perfect after Galactus and Doom.
10Annihilus
Ruler Of The Negative Zone
A fan-favorite cosmic tyrant, Annihilus is one of the most iconic Fantastic Four villains yet to appear on-screen. Ruler of the Negative Zone, Annihilus hasbattled the team multiple times. This is usually in stories involving Reed Richards’ explorations into alternate dimensions.
He’s long been rumored to appear in the MCU, particularly during the multiverse and quantum storylines, but nothing materialized. With Fantastic Four now firmly established and Galactus introduced, Annihilus would bethe perfect follow-up villain for a sequel. His insectoid design, relentless pursuit of power, and ties to the Negative Zone make him a unique, terrifying antagonist.
As the Fantastic Four traverse the multiverse to come to arth-616, Annihilus isprimed for an introduction. He could also help deepen the MCU’s cosmic lore and potentially even tie into Kang-related multiverse remnants. Plus, Annihilus' “Annihilation Wave” arc would provide massive stakes for the entire Marvel Universe.
9Firelord
Herald Of Galactus
One of Galactus’s lesser-known Heralds, Firelord presents a fantastic opportunity for the MCU to explore more cosmic characters post-First Steps. Originally a Xandarian named Pyreus Kril, Firelord gained his powers as a successor to the Silver Surfer, wielding flames and a cosmic staff. He’s fought the Fantastic Four multiple times and even battled Thor.
This gives him natural crossover potential within the MCU’s existing cosmic pantheon. His fiery visuals and tragic backstory could make him a standout character. This would be especiallycompelling if Marvel explores how Galactus affects his Heralds emotionallyand morally.
After the Silver Surfer rebelled against Galactus inFirst Steps, the world-devourer will presumably need a new herald. Firelord couldserve as a darker foil– or even the Surfer’s rival. He’d be a visually dynamic addition and offer a fresh cosmic challenge that’s more personal than apocalyptic.
8Terrax The Tamer
Terrax is another formidable Herald of Galactus, known for his brutal nature and cosmic axe. Unlike the noble Silver Surfer or conflicted Firelord, Terrax embraced Galactus’ power andused it to conquer planets. His appearances often highlight his rebellion against Galactus.
This could be used in the MCU to explore the dynamics between Galactus and his Heralds in more depth. Terrax would be a natural choice for a sequel. It would show thatGalactus’s arrival has lasting consequences– and that not all of his former agents want to disappear quietly.
His arrogance and brute-force fighting style would contrast well with the more science-minded Fantastic Four. This would deliver a villain who challenges the team physically and philosophically. Plus, his design and cosmic originsmake him ideal for visually stunning MCU sequencesin space.
7Diablo
A 9th Century Alchemist
Diablo, the alchemist of evil, is a lesser-known but visually rich villain from Fantastic Four lore. His mastery of ancient alchemy and manipulation of mystical elements could make him a compelling threat. This is especially pertinent now that the MCU hasintroduced darker magical characters like Mephistoand Agatha Harkness.
With his mysterious Transylvanian castle and centuries-old knowledge, Diablo is a unique threat. He could be used as a magical counterpoint to Reed Richards’ science-driven logic. His manipulative nature and ability to create unstable, transformative potionscould wreak havoc on the teamin ways few villains have.
If the MCU wants to explore more mystical threats without diving straight back into the multiverse, Diablo offers a unique lane. He’s theatrical, dangerous, andripe for reinvention. In a post-Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness Marvellandscape, Diablo could be a perfect addition.
6Puppet Master
One Of The Fantastic Four’s First Foes
Puppet Master is one of the earliest and most psychologically disturbing Fantastic Four villains. Puppet Master uses radioactive clay to control others against their will. He’s alsodeeply connected to the team through his stepdaughterAlicia Masters, who has long been a love interest for the Thing.
His creepy, low-tech abilities provide a welcome contrast to the usual cosmic or magical threats. Puppet Master could be introduced in a grounded, character-driven story thatfocuses on emotional manipulation and the dangers of obsession. His twisted familial ties could add layers of tension within the Fantastic Four.
This would be particularly effective if the MCU leans into his creepy obsession with power and control. He may not be a universe-level threat, but he’s a villainwho turns allies into enemies. Puppet Master could therefore offer a chilling and intimate type of danger.
5Red Ghost
Cut From The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Red Ghost and his Super-Apes are among the weirder but classic villains in the Fantastic Four’s history. He was originally announced and cast with John Malkovich forFirst Stepsbutwas ultimately cut. Though a few apes still remained in the narrative, it leaves the door open for a full future appearance.
A Soviet-era scientist who gains intangible powers, Red Ghost represents Cold War paranoia and bizarre science gone wrong. His talking, superpowered apesmake him delightfully absurd. He’s a perfect candidate for the kind of weirdness the MCU has leaned into with the retro-futurist tone inFirst Steps.
He’s a throwback villain that could be modernized with Cold War flashbacks or multiverse versions of Soviet-era experiments gone rogue. Leaning into the campier aspects of his character could provide a memorable, unique flavor. Bringing Malkovich back as a primary villainwould be a fitting next step.
4Wizard
Leader Of The Frightful Four
The Wizard, aka Bentley Wittman, is a persistent foe of the Human Torch. He’s also theleader of the villainous Frightful Four.While he may not have the raw power of Galactus or Doom, he’s one of the most enduring tech-based villains in the Fantastic Four’s history.
As the MCU explores more technologically driven antagonists (like the High Evolutionary or Kang variants), Wizard would fit right in. His ego, intellect, and talent for manipulationmake him a natural foil for Reed Richards. More importantly, he could pave the way for the Frightful Four.
The Frightful Four are Marvel’s villainous counterpart to the Fantastic Four. By introducing Wizard asa charismatic, if slightly washed-up, genius, the MCU could build him up into a recurring antagonist. He would challenge the team on both intellectual and emotional fronts.
3Kala
Queen Of The Netherworld
Kala, the Queen of the Netherworld, has strong ties to both Mole Man and Namor. This makes her an excellent candidate for a villain with connections to multiple MCU subplots. She rules an underground civilization and hasfrequently clashed with the Fantastic Fourover their interference in subterranean affairs.
Her connection with Mole Man (and his alliance with the surface world) lays the groundwork for her eventual debut. Kala’s characterblends high fantasy with geopolitical ambition. This is something the MCU is increasingly exploring through characters like Namor and the Mole Man.
Introducing her could also further expand the “Earth beneath Earth” concept, tapping into DC-like mythologies with Marvel’s flair. She also boastsa regal presence and romantic tensionwith characters like the Human Torch. Kala could easily therefore become a complex, recurring figure in future Fantastic Four projects.
2Trapster
Paste-Pot Pete
Trapster, formerly known as Paste-Pot Pete, may sound like a joke. However, he’s a surprisingly important member of the Fantastic Four’s rogues’ gallery. His weaponized adhesives and clever gadgets havemade him a thorn in the team’s side since the early days, particularly against the Human Torch.
He’s often played for laughs in the comics. Yet theMCU has a track record of taking quirky, lesser-known charactersand turning them into fan favorites. Trapster could be reimagined as a clever, tech-savvy street villain who poses a unique challenge for the team, especially in urban environments.
Trapster’s inclusion would also help set up the Frightful Four, alongside Wizard. Plus, there’s something satisfying about seeingeven the goofiest classic characters get their momentin the spotlight. A modern twist could make him highly compelling.
1Psycho-Man
A Scientist From The Microverse
Psycho-Man is one of the most visually and thematically unique villains in the Fantastic Four mythos. A scientist from the Microverse (or Quantum Realm, in MCU terms), hemanipulates fear, doubt, and hate through emotion-controlling technology. Psycho-Man could serve as the perfect follow-up threat to wrap up dangling plot threads left byAnt-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.
Given how the Quantum Realm was so heavily featured and set up to be a major feature moving forward, it should be revisited in some form. Of course, the MCU has pivoted away after Kang was dropped, but thatstill leaves some narratives incomplete. Psycho-Man could be the perfect way to revist the Quantum Realm one last time.
He offers a different kind of challenge – attacking the team’s minds and emotions rather than their bodies. Psycho-Man’s design and origins could allow for some visually psychedelic sequences. As afinal boss of sorts for the Quantum Realmera of Marvel storytelling, Psycho-Man has the potential to be both an unsettling and unforgettableFantastic Fourvillain.
