Robert Downey Jr. is making a surprising return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this time as the iconic villain Doctor Doom instead of his well-known character Iron Man.
Marvel Studios announced at San Diego Comic-Con that Downey will reprise a role in two upcoming films, “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Avengers: Secret Wars,” scheduled for release in May 2026 and May 2027, respectively.
Downey, known for his portrayal of Iron Man, remarked, “New mask, same task,” emphasizing his enjoyment of complex characters. His return follows the confirmation of the Russo brothers, directors of “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame,” to direct the new installments. “Doomsday” will replace “The Kang Dynasty” as the fifth Avengers film, with Doctor Doom taking over as the primary antagonist after Jonathan Majors, who previously portrayed Kang the Conqueror, departed.
“Secret Wars” is expected to draw inspiration from various comic book series, particularly the 2015 storyline where Doctor Doom controls a world formed from the remnants of destroyed universes. It remains uncertain whether Downey will portray a version of Tony Stark from an alternate universe or specifically Victor Von Doom. Marvel comics feature numerous narratives connecting Iron Man and Doctor Doom, including a storyline where they swap identities.
Reactions to Downey’s casting have been mixed on social media. Some fans expressed disappointment over his return after the emotional conclusion of Iron Man’s story in “Endgame,” while others believe his involvement could reinvigorate the franchise amid recent box office challenges. Jordan Maison, editor of Cinelinx, acknowledged the mixed feelings but remained optimistic about the potential for something special.
Marvel’s Future Plans
The Russo brothers’ return ends a lengthy search for new directors for the Avengers franchise. Alongside Downey’s announcement, Marvel revealed details about upcoming films, including “Captain America: Brave New World,” “Thunderbolts,” and “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.” The excitement around Downey’s return coincides with the successful opening weekend of “Deadpool and Wolverine,” which grossed an estimated $438 million globally. This suggests that Marvel is leaning into nostalgia while navigating recent challenges in the box office.
As Marvel prepares for its next phase, Downey’s return as Doctor Doom signifies a bold and intriguing direction for the franchise, blending the past with future storytelling possibilities.
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