Vanessa Kirby: “We Call Robert Downey Jr. the ‘Godfather’”
According to CinemaDrame news agency, Vanessa Kirby has confirmed a rumor about the final scene of The Fantastic Four: First Steps. The 37-year-old British actress stars as Sue Storm, also known as the Invisible Woman, in the film.
First Steps, which grossed $218 million in its opening three days, marks the launch of Phase Six in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film introduces Mr. Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn), and The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) to the MCU for the first time.
The film’s main villain is Galactus, but fans have speculated that an even greater antagonist appears in the post-credits scene. In a new interview with Variety, Kirby confirms the rumor: the caped figure who approaches his child in the scene is indeed Robert Downey Jr., appearing as Doctor Doom.
Asked whether Downey Jr. was present during filming, Kirby responded: “Yes! Robert is never absent from set. He’s always there. He’s our leader. We call him ‘the Godfather.’ He takes care of us.”
The sequence was directed by the Russo Brothers, who are currently filming Avengers: Doomsday. Kirby spoke about working with the Russos: “Working with the Russos and with him [Downey Jr.] was a joy, since they have such a long-standing collaboration. Being pregnant while shooting Avengers was incredible. The care they showed me was so motivating and reassuring.”
A year ago at Comic-Con, it was confirmed that Downey Jr. would portray Doctor Doom in Doomsday. For nearly two decades, he played Tony Stark, aka Iron Man, before his character sacrificed himself in the battle against Thanos in Avengers: Endgame.
Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled for release on December 26, 2026.
