Joseph Quinn has revealed that fans expecting a single antagonist in the upcoming Marvel film will be surprised, confirming that Galactus is not the only threat in Fantastic Four: The First Steps. This news adds to the anticipation around Joseph Quinn confirming a new Fantastic Four villain as the movie approaches its release in July 2025.
Unexpected Villains Set to Challenge the Fantastic Four
While many have focused on Galactus as the main adversary, Joseph Quinn, known for his role as Johnny Storm, recently disclosed during CCXP Mexico that another villain, Mole Man, will make an appearance in Marvel’s Phase 6 film. According to reports from Culture Crave, Quinn described Mole Man’s role in the story as significant and expressed particular admiration for the character’s involvement.
Mole Man, the original foe from the debut issue of Fantastic Four in 1961, is notorious for his subterranean activities—rarely coming to the surface except to launch attacks. Although frequently dismissed as a comical or less dangerous opponent, Mole Man has sometimes allied with the Fantastic Four and other Marvel heroes in the past, hinting at a complex character dynamic in the upcoming film.
Cast Speculation and Ongoing Rumors
The identity of the actor portraying Mole Man remains officially unrevealed. There has been ongoing speculation around John Malkovich being linked to the character Red Ghost, which leaves actor Paul Walter Hauser as a likely candidate for this more unconventional villain. Hauser’s previous roles and stature have led Marvel fans to consider him well-suited for a character as eccentric as Mole Man, although no confirmation has emerged to date.
The cast for Fantastic Four: The First Steps includes Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Joseph Quinn, and Ralph Ineson, a lineup that has energized both longtime fans and newcomers alike. In the wider Marvel Cinematic Universe, these actors will join an ensemble of iconic characters such as Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Franklin Richards.
Leaks and Spoilers Generate Buzz and Tension
The upcoming Fantastic Four film has not escaped a series of unusual leaks and spoilers ahead of its theatrical release. Fans quickly noticed clues in the initial trailer that hinted at Sue Storm’s pregnancy—a detail Marvel seemingly attempted to conceal. Additional leaks, such as a Lego set unveiling Galactus in full form and Funko revealing a glimpse of baby Franklin Richards, have fed online discussion and speculation.
Joseph Quinn’s confirmation of additional villains does little to quiet the rumors swirling around the production. As the film’s release date approaches, the ongoing leaks continue to frustrate both fans and the creative team, casting a sense of tension over what should be a celebratory build-up to a major Marvel event.
What the New Villains Mean for Marvel’s Future
The inclusion of multiple villains, particularly classic antagonists like Galactus and Mole Man, signals Marvel’s intent to introduce fresh dynamics and surprises as the Marvel Phase 6 storyline unfolds. By leveraging characters that have occasionally crossed from enemy to ally, the film could explore more nuanced themes of heroism and conflict among the Marvel First Family and their adversaries. All eyes will be on cinemas on July 25, 2025, to see how these threads come together and what impact they will have on the future of the franchise.
