Robert Downey Jr. Returns to Marvel as Doctor Doom

Big news hit at the 2024 San Diego Comic-Con: Robert Downey Jr. is coming back to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). But this time, he won’t be playing the hero Iron Man. Instead, he’s taking on the role of the villain Doctor Doom. This surprise has made fans very excited and curious about what will happen next.

“Can you believe it?” one fan exclaimed at Comic-Con. “Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom! This is going to be wild!”

Downey Jr. will appear as Victor von Doom in two new Avengers movies: Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.

These movies will be directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, who also directed Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. At Comic-Con, Downey Jr. walked onto the stage wearing Doctor Doom’s mask and green cloak. When he took off the mask, the audience went crazy.

“Same mask, new task,” Downey Jr. said with a smile, referring to his new role.

Fans have mixed feelings about this news. Many are excited to see Downey Jr. back in the MCU, even if he’s playing a villain. But some are not sure if this casting choice will work. People on social media are talking about how this change might affect the story and the characters they love.

Some fans think Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom could bring new, interesting stories, especially with the idea of multiple universes where Iron Man and Doctor Doom could meet.

“Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom? I never saw that coming,” one fan tweeted. “But it could be really cool, especially if they play with the multiverse!”

Downey Jr.’s return comes after his character, Tony Stark, died in “Avengers: Endgame.” He sacrificed himself to save everyone. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige had said they wouldn’t undo Stark’s death because it was an important moment. Downey Jr. had also said he was open to coming back to Marvel because it was such a big part of his career.

“It’s too integral a part of my DNA,” Downey Jr. told a reporter. “That role chose me.”

Seeing Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom will be a new experience for fans. He’s known for playing complicated characters well, and this role will be no different. Doctor Doom is a smart but evil character, and Downey Jr. is expected to bring a lot of depth to the role.

“I love playing complicated characters,” Downey Jr. said at Comic-Con. “Doctor Doom is definitely one of them.”

The first movie, “Avengers: Doomsday,” is set to come out in May 2026, followed by “Avengers: Secret Wars” in May 2027. These movies will explore different universes, opening up new storylines and character developments. Having Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom might help the MCU move past some recent issues and give fans something exciting to look forward to.

“We’re in for a treat,” one fan said. “Robert Downey Jr. always delivers, and I can’t wait to see his take on Doctor Doom.”