Did THE FANTASTIC FOUR Tease Another Tony Stark Variant?

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First Steps” marked the debut of Marvel’s original family within the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the universe inspired by Jack Kirby named Earth-828. Although a character resembling Reed Richards was briefly seen in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” portrayed by John Krasinski from “The Office,” he felt more like an oddity or out-of-place element, considering Wanda Maximoff transformed him into spacetime spaghetti. However, the main point is whether “First Steps” hinted at the introduction of another Tony Stark character besides Robert Downey Jr., who will be seen as Doctor Doom in an upcoming film titled “Avengers: Doomsday.

Discussing a potential Easter egg hinting at a new version of Iron Man appearing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This revelation might satisfy numerous fan theorists, particularly those who have been eagerly speculating since before the release of “Multiverse of Madness.” However, be cautious if you haven’t watched “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” as some spoilers may follow shortly.

How Did Fantastic Four Tease a Tony Stark Variant?

Incorporating a ’60s-style Space Age ambiance, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” brought a refreshing vibe to the Marvel Cinematic Universe while maintaining ties to the broader narrative of the Multiverse Storyline. The closing scene subtly hinted at the appearance of Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom, and the film featured brief appearances by different versions of the Fantastic Four (in the strictest sense). Nevertheless, our search for another Tony Stark delves into a detail so minute that it might escape notice without the assistance of Pym Particles.

Initially, Sue Storm discovers she’s carrying a child who would later be known as Franklin Richards. This pregnancy sets significant events in motion for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Interestingly, the home pregnancy test Sue uses is labeled “Stark Sure,” leading many viewers to speculate a connection with Stark Industries. The presence of Stark Industries in Earth-828 suggests that characters like Howard Stark and possibly Tony Stark may also exist within this universe.

In the 1960s scenario, it’s quite possible that Tony Stark hasn’t been born yet in this specific timeline. Although Tony Stark and the Fantastic Four are contemporaries in the comics, we usually encounter a more contemporary Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, this is not Earth-616 or Earth-199999; it’s another universe altogether. So, t Doomsday will revisit Earth-828 to delve deeper into that universe.

Who Could Play the Iron Man Variant in Secret Wars?

It’s not going to be straightforward, like Robert Downey Jr. appearing in two different places simultaneously. Since his time as Tony Stark has ended, it’s puzzling why he is now portraying Victor Von Doom. This could be a clever strategy to introduce another popular actor who fans have longed to see as Tony Stark since the 90s: Tom Cruise, much like John Krasinski playing Reed Richards in Multiverse of Madness.

Indeed, you’re correct. Back in 1998, it was rumored that Tom Cruise would play Iron Man, but the project ultimately didn’t take off. The reason behind this is quite straightforward: it boiled down to financial matters. As reported in “MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios” by Joanna Robinson, Dave Gonzales, and Gavin Edwards, the asking price from Cruise was more than even a profitable studio like Fox was prepared to risk on an unproven superhero property at that time.

Indeed, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has transformed dramatically compared to its earlier days. As Marvel appears to be shifting away from high-profile actors for their future projects, they might not hesitate to invest in a cameo to wrap up the Multiverse Saga, offering some long-awaited fan service. After all, better late than never, right? Given that Multiverse of Madness writer Michael Waldron previously attempted and failed to secure Cruise for an Iron Man variant role in that film, it seems this opportunity might still be on the table.

Could Tom Cruise Actually Appear in the MCU?

During a conversation with Rolling Stone, Waldron expressed, “I’m a big fan of Tom Cruise and suggested to Kevin, ‘Could we possibly have Tom Cruise as Iron Man?’ However, it seemed that Mission Impossible had scheduling conflicts, making it unlikely for him to be involved. I believe the opportunity never truly materialized due to availability issues.

After wrapping up the thrilling conclusion of the Mission: Impossible saga with “Mission: Impossible – Fallout,” it’s tempting to imagine Tom Cruise trading his IMF suit for the Iron Man armor and squaring off against Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom in an epic showdown within the pages of Avengers: Secret Wars. Whether time and interdimensional timelines will allow this dream collaboration remains to be seen. For now, we’re left speculating wildly over every hint and clue dropped in the background, much like how Mephisto somehow managed to make his way into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Here’s hoping that Tom Cruise gets his chance too!

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2025-08-01 17:27