In a surprising twist Robert Downey Jr. is making a highly anticipated return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) but not as Tony Stark. Instead, he will be stepping into the shoes of the infamous Doctor Doom in the upcoming film Avengers Doomsday.
The announcement came during the Marvel panel at San Diego Comic-Con, held in the event’s largest venue, Hall H. Downey Jr. stunned the audience with his appearance on stage and shared his excitement for the new role. “New mask, same task,” he said, as seen in video footage posted online. “What did I tell ya? I like playing complicated characters.”
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“Avengers: Doomsday” is slated for a May 2026 release, with directing duties falling to Anthony and Joe Russo, the talented duo behind four previous Marvel films. The Russo brothers will also helm “Avengers: Secret Wars,” set to debut in May 2027. Joe Russo emphasized the significance of Downey Jr.’s return, calling it “proof of the unimaginable possibilities in the Marvel [Multiverse]” and noting that Downey Jr. is “the one person who could play Victor Von Doom.”
Robert Downey Jr.’s legacy in the MCU began with his iconic portrayal of Iron Man in the 2008 film, which spawned two sequels. His character also played pivotal roles in various Marvel movies, including “Infinity Wars” (2018) and “Spider-Man: Homecoming” (2017). Despite his character’s emotional death in “Endgame” (2019), Downey Jr. has expressed a willingness to rejoin the MCU, stating in an Esquire interview in April that he would “happily” return because the MCU “is too integral a part of my DNA.”
While Marvel Studios often keeps its future plans under wraps, the introduction of Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom raises intriguing questions about how the MCU will navigate this new dynamic. The expansive Marvel Multiverse offers endless storytelling possibilities, hinting at creative ways to manage Downey’s dual roles.
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“Avengers: Doomsday” replaces the previously announced “Avengers: The Kang Dynasty” on the MCU release calendar. The change follows the studio’s decision to drop Jonathan Majors, originally set to star in “The Kang Dynasty,” after his 2023 conviction for assault and harassment.
With Downey Jr. taking on the role of Doctor Doom, fans can look forward to a thrilling new chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, blending familiar faces with fresh, exciting narratives.
