Robert Downey Jr. is making a sensational return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but in a twist that no one anticipated, he will not be reprising his role as Iron Man. Instead, Downey is set to embody the iconic villain Doctor Doom in a new “Avengers” movie titled “Avengers: Doomsday.” This unexpected casting will see Downey take on the mantle of Victor von Doom, marking a dramatic shift from his heroic portrayal of Tony Stark. The film, which is already generating immense buzz as a highly anticipated “Doctor Doom Film,” will be directed by the Russo brothers, Joe and Anthony Russo, who are also making their comeback to Marvel.
The directing duo is slated to helm two significant “Avengers” movies: “Doomsday,” which will introduce Victor von Doom/Doctor Doom to the forefront, and “Avengers: Secret Wars.” While Downey had hinted at being open to a Marvel return in recent interviews, fans and industry insiders alike naturally assumed this would be a comeback as the beloved Iron Man. Therefore, the revelation that Downey will be portraying the villainous Doctor Doom has sent shockwaves through the fandom. The announcement was met with an ecstatic reaction at Marvel’s presentation at San Diego Comic-Con, where Downey made a surprise appearance to unveil his return in this new capacity.
Robert Downey Jr. at Comic-Con announcing his return to Marvel as Doctor Doom
Downey’s journey with Marvel began with his groundbreaking portrayal of Tony Stark in 2008’s “Iron Man,” the film that launched the interconnected Marvel Cinematic Universe under the guidance of Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige. Over the subsequent 11 years, Downey became synonymous with Iron Man, reprising the role in ten Marvel films. His performances in movies like “Iron Man 2,” “Iron Man 3,” “The Avengers,” and culminating in “Avengers: Endgame,” solidified his place as a cornerstone of the MCU.
“Endgame” delivered a poignant farewell to Iron Man, with the character’s heroic sacrifice. Kevin Feige himself emphasized the significance of this moment, stating to Vanity Fair in December that there were no plans to revisit or undo Iron Man’s death. “We are going to keep that moment and not touch that moment again,” Feige affirmed, respecting the emotional weight of Iron Man’s departure. This declaration further amplified the surprise surrounding Downey’s return, particularly as Doctor Doom.
Close-up of Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark in Iron Man, highlighting his past MCU role
However, Downey’s recent statements indicated a willingness to return to the Marvel fold, albeit without specifying a role. In an interview with Esquire magazine following his Oscar win for “Oppenheimer,” when questioned about a potential MCU return, Downey responded affirmatively without hesitation. “Happily. It’s too integral a part of my DNA,” Downey explained, acknowledging the profound impact of his Marvel journey. He also expressed unwavering faith in Kevin Feige’s vision, stating, “Never, ever bet against Kevin Feige. It is a losing bet. He’s the house. He will always win.” This openness, now contextualized by his Doctor Doom casting, reveals a long-term plan orchestrated by Marvel.
The news of Downey embodying Victor von Doom caps off an impressive period for the actor. His critically acclaimed performance as Lewis Strauss in Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” earned him the Academy Award for best supporting actor in March. Additionally, Downey showcased his versatility in Park Chan-wook’s mini-series “The Sympathizer” on HBO, where he played multiple roles, earning an Emmy nomination for supporting actor in a limited series. These recent accolades underscore Downey’s current standing in Hollywood, making his foray into the “doctor doom film” as the lead villain an even more momentous event. Fans are eagerly awaiting more details about this exciting new chapter for both Downey and the MCU, anticipating how he will bring the complex character of Doctor Doom to life on screen.
