The Fantastic Four: First Steps Mid Credit Scene: Russo Brothers Take the Helm

Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps is generating buzz as its July 25, 2025, release date approaches, and director Matt Shakman has dropped a major reveal about the film’s mid-credits scene.

In a recent interview, Shakman confirmed that Joe and Anthony Russo, the acclaimed directors behind Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, directed The Fantastic Four: First Steps mid-credit scene.

This exciting collaboration sets the stage for the Fantastic Four’s integration into the broader Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), particularly with the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. Here’s everything we know about this pivotal moment in the MCU’s Phase Six.

Key Takeaways:

• Matt Shakman confirms Joe and Anthony Russo directed The Fantastic Four: First Steps mid-credits scene.

• The scene was filmed during Avengers: Doomsday production, hinting at a connection to the 2026 film.

• The Russo Brothers were heavily involved in First Steps production to ensure character continuity.

• The mid-credits scene teases the Fantastic Four’s role in the MCU’s Earth-616 timeline.

• The Fantastic Four: First Steps releases in theaters on July 25, 2025.

Why Did the Russo Brothers Direct the Mid-Credits Scene?

Matt Shakman, known for his work on WandaVision, revealed that the Russo Brothers directed The Fantastic Four: First Steps mid-credits scene to ensure a seamless transition into Avengers: Doomsday.

In an interview with ComicBook, Shakman described the process as a “relay race,” where he passed the baton to the Russos, who are directing both Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.

The scene was filmed concurrently with Doomsday production, which began earlier in 2025, allowing the Russos to leverage the presence of the First Steps cast, including Pedro Pascal (Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic), Vanessa Kirby (Sue Storm/Invisible Woman), Joseph Quinn (Johnny Storm/Human Torch), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Ben Grimm/The Thing). This logistical move ensured continuity and coherence across the MCU’s interconnected narrative.

What Role Did the Russos Play During Production?

The Russo Brothers didn’t just step in for the mid-credits scene; they were actively involved throughout the production of The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Shakman noted that Joe and Anthony visited the film’s sets, observed scenes as they came together, and familiarized themselves with the characters.

This hands-on approach was driven by their desire to “treat them well” and “do right by them” in Avengers: Doomsday. Shakman praised the Russos as “lovely, generous people” and highlighted their collaborative spirit, emphasizing their reputation as “protectors of these characters.”

This involvement underscores the MCU’s commitment to maintaining character integrity across its sprawling cinematic universe.

What Can Fans Expect from the Mid-Credits Scene?

While specific details about The Fantastic Four: First Steps mid-credits scene remain under wraps to avoid spoilers, reports suggest it sets up the team’s integration into the MCU’s main Earth-616 timeline.

The scene is likely to tease the Fantastic Four’s debut alongside the Avengers in Avengers: Doomsday, potentially hinting at a confrontation with Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom, a key antagonist in the upcoming film.

Fans speculate that the scene could mirror the approach taken with Thunderbolts’ post-credits scene, also directed by the Russos, which depicted the New Avengers witnessing the Fantastic Four’s arrival in Earth-616.

This connection suggests the mid-credits scene may be a direct excerpt from Doomsday, heightening anticipation for the 2026 release.

How Does This Fit into the MCU’s Phase Six?

The Fantastic Four: First Steps marks the official launch of the MCU’s Phase Six, a critical phase concluding the Multiverse Saga.

Set in a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, the film follows the Fantastic Four as they battle the planet-devouring Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his Herald, the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner).

The Russo-directed mid-credits scene serves as a narrative bridge, linking the self-contained conflict of First Steps to the multiversal stakes of Avengers: Doomsday.

With the Fantastic Four confirmed to appear in both Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, this scene is a pivotal setup for the team’s expanded role in the MCU.

Why Is This Collaboration Significant?

The Russo Brothers’ involvement in The Fantastic Four: First Steps mid-credits scene signals Marvel Studios’ strategic approach to its cinematic universe.

By entrusting the Russos, who have a proven track record with blockbuster MCU films, Marvel ensures that the Fantastic Four’s introduction aligns with the high stakes of Phase Six.

Shakman’s willingness to “pass the baton” reflects the collaborative ethos of Marvel’s filmmaking process, where directors work together to maintain a cohesive narrative.

This move also builds excitement among fans, who associate the Russos with some of the MCU’s most iconic moments, raising expectations for a game-changing mid-credits scene.

The revelation that the Russo Brothers directed The Fantastic Four: First Steps mid-credits scene has sent ripples of excitement through the Marvel fanbase.

Some Closing Thoughts:

As the film prepares to hit theaters on July 25, 2025, this collaboration promises to deliver a tease that will leave audiences eager for Avengers: Doomsday.

With the Fantastic Four poised to become linchpin characters in the MCU’s future, this mid-credits scene is a must-watch moment that could redefine the franchise’s trajectory.

Stay tuned for more updates as Marvel’s First Family takes their first steps into the spotlight.