Vanessa Kirby Calls Robert Downey Jr. the “Godfather” of ‘Avengers: Doomsday’

Fantastic Four: First Steps hit theaters recently, and it’s a major hit with critics and fans. But it’s not just the cosmic battles and iconic characters grabbing attention. The movie’s mid-credits scene, directed by the Russo Brothers, connects straight to the upcoming blockbuster Avengers: Doomsday.

That scene marks the first appearance of Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Vanessa Kirby, who plays Sue Storm, explained in Variety how working on both films back-to-back has been intense, especially since she’s pregnant. “I’m lying flat today! … I haven’t known that for a long time,” she said, joking about squeezing in rest between press events and filming. Despite the exhaustion, Kirby says she feels grateful and inspired.

Kirby also praised Robert Downey Jr. for his new role. “We call him our Godfather. He’s looked after us,” she said. She added he’s doing “amazing work”, both as Doctor Doom on screen and as a supportive leader behind the scenes.

Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to release on December 18, 2026. It replaces the previously planned Kang Dynasty storyline, and now features Doctor Doom as the main antagonist, played by Downey Jr., marking one of the boldest shifts in MCU casting and direction.

The film brings together a massive ensemble: the Fantastic Four cast, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss Bachrach, and Vanessa Kirby, joins returning Avengers like Chris Hemsworth, Paul Rudd, Anthony Mackie, and even former X-Men actors such as Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen.

For Kirby and her co-stars, the post-credits cameo in First Steps isn’t just a tease, it’s a promise of the bigger clash to come. With Doctor Doom revealed, the stage is set for Avengers: Doomsday to redefine the stakes for Phase Six of the MCU.

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