The Marvel Cinematic Universe is no stranger to change. Over the years, we’ve seen beloved characters rise, fall, and sometimes even return in unexpected ways. However, few losses have hit quite as hard, or left as deep a void, as the death of Tony Stark, aka Iron Man.
Since his iconic snap in ‘Avengers: Endgame’, fans have been left wondering: who could possibly fill his shoes. Now, it seems that question finally has an answer. With the upcoming film ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’, the MCU appears to be placing Reed Richards in a role that mirrors Tony Stark’s in more ways than one. And it makes perfect sense.
Reed Richards Is Picking Up Where Iron Man Left Off
Tony Stark’s legacy in the MCU is monumental. He was the first superhero to headline a film in the interconnected universe. His journey also became the backbone of the entire Infinity Saga. He was a flawed man, arrogant, impulsive, and often reckless, but also deeply human. And that humanity is what made him such a powerful and relatable figure. His story was never about perfection; it was about growth, responsibility, and redemption.
Fast forward to 2025, and the MCU is preparing to center its next saga around another genius inventor: Reed Richards. In the trailers for ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’, we see hints of Reed’s complicated path. Much like Tony, Reed is a man of science who pushes the boundaries of what’s possible, and like Tony, he pays a heavy price for it.
In a particularly important moment from the trailer, Reed publicly declares, “We will protect you,” taking on the mantle of responsibility in the face of a world-shaking threat: Galactus. This indicates that Reed is willing to put himself on the front lines for the greater good, despite the consequences of his own actions. This mirrors Tony’s own arc, especially his creation of Ultron and the guilt that followed.
Why Reed Richards Is The Right Choice For MCU’s Next Chapter
There’s a lot of pressure that comes with being the “next Iron Man.” But Reed Richards isn’t a clone, he’s his own kind of hero. And he brings something new to the table. The Fantastic Four are famously known as Marvel’s First Family. Their dynamic is less about solo missions and more about collaboration, unity, and emotional connection. This opens up a fresh storytelling angle for the MCU.
In case you missed it: How Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards Portrayal In ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Is Inspired By An Octopus
Reed’s arrival also reintroduces one of Marvel’s greatest rivalries: Reed Richards vs. Doctor Doom. Robert Downey Jr. playing Doom makes the whole ordeal even more poetic. Downey made Tony Stark iconic. To now have him return as the dark reflection of Reed Richards would reinforce his centrality to the story. Moreover, Reed vs. Doom is essential to understanding why Mister Fantastic is the perfect successor to Iron Man.
Both are hyper-intelligent, but their values diverge. Doom seeks power and control. Reed seeks understanding and progress. This ideological clash has the potential to drive the MCU’s next major saga in much the same way Tony’s rivalry with Thanos once did. In the end, this shift feels natural. The MCU is evolving, and while nostalgia for the past is strong, there’s something undeniably exciting about the future.
