Robert Downey Jr. is set to make a surprising return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), but not as the beloved Iron Man/Tony Stark. Instead, Downey will portray the villainous Doctor Doom in a new Avengers movie titled “Avengers: Doomsday”. This film will be directed by the acclaimed duo Joe and Anthony Russo, marking their own return to Marvel. The Russos are also on board to helm another highly anticipated movie, “Avengers: Secret Wars”.
While Downey had previously expressed openness to rejoining Marvel, fans naturally assumed he would reprise his iconic role as Iron Man. However, his comeback as Victor von Doom has sent shockwaves through the fandom, particularly among the ecstatic audience at Marvel’s presentation at San Diego Comic-Con. Downey made a triumphant appearance in Hall H on Saturday evening to announce his return.
Downey’s first portrayal of Tony Stark came in 2008’s “Iron Man”, the inaugural instalment in the interconnected MCU devised by Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige. Over the next 11 years, Downey reprised his role in numerous Marvel films, including “Iron Man 2,” “Iron Man 3,” “The Incredible Hulk,” “The Avengers,” “Captain America: Civil War,” “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” “Avengers: Infinity War,” and “Avengers: Endgame.” “Endgame” notably featured the death of Iron Man, a moment Feige has emphasized will remain untouched.
“We are going to keep that moment and not touch that moment again,” Feige told Vanity Fair last December regarding Iron Man’s death. “We all worked very hard for many years to get to that, and we would never want to magically undo it in any way.”
Downey’s decision to return to Marvel, but in a new role, has been a significant development this year. After winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance as Lewis Strauss in Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” in March, Downey hinted at his willingness to rejoin the MCU. In an interview with Esquire magazine, he was asked if he would return to Marvel now that he is an Oscar winner. Downey didn’t hesitate to respond affirmatively.
“Happily. It’s too integral a part of my DNA,” Downey said. “That role chose me. And look, I always say, ‘Never, ever bet against Kevin Feige.’ It is a losing bet. He’s the house. He will always win.”
The news of Downey’s role as Victor von Doom adds to an already remarkable year for the actor. Besides his Oscar win, Downey has been featured in Park Chan-wook’s mini-series “The Sympathizer” on HBO, where he played CIA operative Claude and several other roles. His performance earned him an Emmy nomination for supporting actor in a limited series or anthology.
Downey’s return to the MCU as Doctor Doom is a significant shift and promises to bring a new dynamic to the ever-evolving Marvel universe. Fans eagerly await to see how this new chapter unfolds in “Avengers: Doomsday.”
