*This article contains spoilers

Easter eggs are hidden details placed by creators in entertainment products, often referencing other works or hinting at future installments. According to ScreenRant, The Fantastic Four: First Steps has about 60 details introducing characters from the comics, while also hinting at future Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) projects.

Doctor Doom

Actor Robert Downey Jr. appears as Doctor Doom on stage at San Diego Comic-Con 2024. He is set to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as a villain in "Avengers: Doomsday" and "Avengers: Secret War", releasing in 5/2026 and 5/2027, respectively. _Photo: San Diego Comic-Con_

A staple of Marvel films is the after-credits scene, which always keeps fans waiting until the very end. "Fantastic Four: First Steps" uses this to reveal Doctor Doom, the main villain of the MCU's phase six. Four years after the four superheroes stop the planet-eating entity Galactus, Doom unexpectedly appears next to Franklin Richards, the son of Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal) and Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby). This detail surprised many fans and lays the groundwork for the future multiverse war.

Earlier, the film features a news report mentioning Latveria, the homeland and base of the supervillain. However, this location is not marked on the Future Foundation map run by Sue, implying that Doom is still hiding in the shadows. At the end of the film, Galactus's defeat opens up a path for Doctor Doom's character development.

The interdimensional bridge

Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards. _Photo: Marvel Studios_

Reed Richards's blackboard appears several times, showing his progress in developing the "interdimensional bridge", allowing travel between dimensions. Initially, it helps people escape the threat of Galactus, but quickly fails due to the interference of the herald Shalla-Bal. By the end of the film, this invention proves crucial in the battle.

According to ScreenRant, if completed, Reed's invention could help the team enter the main MCU timeline, connecting with other storylines. This potential becomes clearer after the after-credits scene when Doctor Doom appears, suggesting the family might have to flee to protect Franklin.

Franklin Richards

The family of Reed Richards and Sue Storm. _Photo: Marvel Studios_

Sue Storm giving birth to her son is a turning point that leads to many events. In the film, the team only briefly showcases Franklin's abilities when he revives his mother. The after-credits scene suggests he will play a major role in the future of the MCU when Galactus arrives at Sue's family home. In the original comics, the character is a mutant, paving the way for the X-Men and events like Secret Wars to join the main timeline.

Mole Man

Mole Man in "The Fantastic Four: First Steps". _Photo: Marvel Studios_

Played by Paul Walter Houser, this character is the leader of the underground world of Subterranea in the comics. In the film, Sue Storm convinces him to sign a peace treaty thanks to her diplomatic skills. In one scene, Mole Man helps New York residents evacuate before the planet-eating Galactus arrives.

Future Foundation

Vanessa Kirby portrays superhero Sue Storm, who has the ability to become invisible. _Photo: Marvel Studios_

Led by Sue Storm, the Future Foundation operates as a non-profit research institute aiming to promote global peace. The team plays an important role in science before becoming superheroes. Having Sue Storm lead the organization instead of Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic) – as many comic versions have done – is a notable adjustment, showing the female character's proactive role in the new phase of the MCU.

Superman's car

A scene from "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" (left) and the cover of "Action Comics #1". _Photo: Marvel Studios/Marvel Comics_

The film features a scene where Ben Grimm lifts a blue Volkswagen Beetle in front of a group of children, recreating Superman's image in Action Comics #1. Some critics consider this scene a crossover between the Marvel and DC universes, paying tribute to superhero comics.

Tribute to comic book artist Jack Kirby

Comic book artist Jack Kirby (1917-1994). _Photo: FandomWire/Marvel_

In Fantastic Four: First Steps, New York City on planet Earth-828 is built as a tribute to Jack Kirby, co-creator of the Fantastic Four. One of the prominent tributes is the Oog Lives Again movie poster appearing in Times Square, recalling the monster Oog that first appeared in Tales of Suspense #17 (1961).

The film also introduces Herbie, one of the last characters he created. The number 828 in "Earth-828" implicitly refers to Jack Kirby's birth date (28/8/1917).

The Fantastic Four (1994) film

The superhero quartet in the 1994 film version. _Photo: Constantin Film_

According to GameRant, one interesting easter egg is the segment introducing the 1994 film version. At the beginning of the film, actors Alex Hyde‑White (Reed Richards), Rebecca Staab (Sue Storm), Jay Underwood (Johnny Storm), and Michael Bailey Smith (Ben Grimm) appear to thank The Fantastic Four.

The 1994 project tells the origin of the quartet and their first battle with Doctor Doom. However, the film was not widely released due to conflicts regarding brand ownership. Despite several reboots, Marvel Studios still acknowledges this lesser-known film.

The Ted Gilbert Show

Mark Gatiss as MC Ted Gilbert. _Photo: Marvel Studios_

The Ted Gilbert Show is where the superhero team appears as pop culture stars. Unlike the Avengers, who were once doubted by the public, the Fantastic Four are hailed for their superhero identities, emphasizing the group's pioneering role in the MCU.

The stage image with arrows pointing at each member recalls The Beatles' debut on The Ed Sullivan Show. The character Ted Gilbert, played by Mark Gatiss, is based on MC Ed Sullivan, famous for introducing artists in the 1950s and 1960s.

Que Chi _(via ScreenRant, GameRant)_