Hold onto your hats, Marvel fans! Fantastic Four: First Steps has secretly introduced a host of classic Stan Lee villains into the MCU, and you might have missed them! This is a big deal, as it opens the door for some truly epic showdowns in the future.
Robert Wood, the author, a writer and editor based out of Cheshire, England, is the author of 'The False Elephant: and 99 Other Unreasonably Short Stories' - 100 stories, each told in exactly 100 words. Rob's journey into the world of comics began with Brian Michael Bendis' Ultimate Spider-Man and the UK anthology The Mighty World of Marvel, which featured Frank Miller's Daredevil, classic Hulk stories, and the Contest of Champions II. Before diving into journalism, he honed his skills in copywriting and copyediting at Oxford University Press.
In the newly established reality of Earth-828, Fantastic Four: First Steps is packed with villains, many of whom were co-created by the legendary Stan Lee. While the movie focuses on Galactus and the Silver Surfer, several other Lee creations get a subtle introduction.
Five of the Fantastic Four's most formidable foes are mentioned in First Steps, only fully revealed in the end-credits scene of the animated show based on the film's heroes.
But don't let their low-key entrance fool you; these villains are now officially part of the MCU. Let's dive into these underrated Stan Lee villains.
5. The Wizard (aka Bentley Wittman)
Debuting in Strange Tales #102, the Wizard, brought to life by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber, and Jack Kirby, is a mad genius with a unique obsession: creating a superior race. He's a master of technology, crafting gadgets that appear magical. His signature invention is the gravity disc, allowing him to fly, and he's also created mechs and an army of robots.
4. Diablo (aka Esteban Corazón de Ablo)
Introduced in Fantastic Four #30 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, Diablo is one of Marvel's most dangerous villains. This ancient alchemist has achieved immortality and can shapeshift, control minds, and animate water. He's also known for long-term plans that take decades to unfold.
3. The Red Ghost (aka Ivan Kragoff)
Appearing in Fantastic Four #13 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the Red Ghost, originally planned to be played by John Malkovich, is a Russian villain who commands three super-powered apes. Inspired by the Fantastic Four's origin, the Red Ghost sought to harness Cosmic Rays but wanted to keep the power for himself. He gained intangibility, while his apes developed super strength, shapeshifting, and magnetic abilities.
2. The Puppet Master (aka Phillip Masters)
From Fantastic Four #8 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the Puppet Master is a master manipulator. He discovered radioactive clay that allows him to control anyone, provided he molds a puppet resembling them. He's used this power to control everyone from Mister Fantastic to the Hulk.
1. The Mad Thinker (aka Julius)
Introduced in Fantastic Four #15 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the Mad Thinker is a brilliant strategist who can predict the future. He has a long-standing rivalry with Reed Richards, as the FF are the one variable he can't account for. He's used his henchman, the Awesome Android, and even messed with the FF's DNA.
These five villains are now part of the MCU.
Fantastic Four: First Steps is set to be released on July 25, 2025, with a runtime of 115 minutes, directed by Matt Shakman, and written by Jeff Kaplan, Josh Friedman, Ian Springer, Eric Pearson, Kat Wood, Jack Kirby, and Stan Lee. The producers are Kevin Feige. The film features Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic and Sue Storm / Invisible Woman. The movie features Marvel's First Family navigating their dual roles as superheroes and family members in a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world. They defend Earth from a formidable space god, Galactus, and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer, testing their familial bonds and heroic resolve.
So, what do you think? Are you excited to see these villains in future MCU movies? Which one are you most looking forward to seeing on the big screen? Let us know in the comments!
