Robert Downey Jr. is set to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), but this time he won’t be donning the Iron Man suit.
During a surprise announcement at San Diego Comic-Con, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige revealed that the Oscar-winning actor, now 59, will take on the role of the iconic villain Victor von Doom, also known as Doctor Doom, in the upcoming Avengers movies: Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.
The announcement took place in Hall H, where Downey’s entrance was as theatrical as the news itself. Emerging from behind a group of masked actors, Downey quipped, “New mask, same task. What did I tell ya? I like playing complicated characters.” This statement set the tone for what promises to be a riveting portrayal of one of Marvel’s most complex antagonists.
Kevin Feige, 51, shared the stage with Downey and confirmed that the acclaimed directors Anthony and Joe Russo will helm Avengers: Doomsday.
The Russo brothers, renowned for their previous work on Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, expressed their excitement about Downey’s new role. “Doctor Doom is a character of immense depth and nuance,” Joe Russo commented. “We needed the greatest actor in the world to bring him to life, and Robert is that actor.”
The announcement has set the Marvel fanbase abuzz, especially since Downey’s departure from the MCU in Avengers: Endgame left many speculating if he would ever return. His new role as Doctor Doom marks a significant shift from hero to villain, promising a fresh and dynamic narrative for the forthcoming Avengers films.
The excitement didn’t stop there. Earlier in the week, other MCU stars, including Chris Evans and Chris Hemsworth, made their own appearances at Comic-Con to promote their upcoming projects. Evans, known for his role as Captain America, was present to discuss Deadpool & Wolverine, while Hemsworth spoke about his involvement in Transformers One.
As San Diego Comic-Con continues through July 28, fans eagerly await further announcements regarding the next phase of Marvel films. The MCU’s future looks bright, with Captain America: Brave New World slated to hit theaters on February 14, 2025, and the anticipation for Downey’s portrayal of Doctor Doom already building to a fever pitch.