Marvel Studios has confirmed that Robert Downey Jr. will take on the role of Doctor Doom, also known as Victor von Doom, in the upcoming films Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars. This casting decision marks a significant shift in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s direction, especially following the departure of Jonathan Majors as Kang the Conqueror.
While fans have mixed reactions to Downey Jr.’s return in this iconic villain role, new fan art has provided a glimpse into what his version of Doctor Doom might look like, sparking further speculation and excitement.
Highlights
- Robert Downey Jr. will play Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday & Secret Wars. New fan art gives fans an idea of what his iconic armor could look like.
- Marvel Studios confirmed Downey Jr.”s return as Doctor Doom, named Victor von Doom, signaling a new direction.
- There are mixed reactions as fans wait to see if Downey Jr. can impress as Doctor Doom in the upcoming Avengers films.
Robert Downey Jr. will play Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars, and new fan art offers fans a glimpse at what the actor could look like in the Marvel villain”s iconic armor.
Avengers 5 and Secret Wars were rumored to undergo story changes after Marvel Studios fired Jonathan Majors from his role as Kang the Conqueror–the MCU”s overarching villain for the Multiverse saga–hours after the actor was found guilty of two misdemeanor counts of assault and harassment. At San Diego Comic-Con 2024, Marvel Studios confirmed plans to move in a new direction when Downey Jr. appeared on stage to announce his return to the MCU as the Fantastic Four villain Doctor Doom.
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Although fans learned that Downey Jr. will appear in Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars, and the character was named Victor von Doom (implying Doctor Doom won”t just be an evil Iron Man variant), there are still unanswered questions about the actor”s return. Among the mysteries regarding Downey Jr.”s Doctor Doom is how the character”s armor will be designed. Fortunately, digital artist @spdrmnkyxxiii created artwork that imagines Downey”s version of Doctor Doom in a fairly comic-accurate outfit. Downey Jr.”s face also bears the scars Victor von Doom is known for, which canonically prompts him to don his signature mask in the first place.
Does it make sense? No. Am I excited? [F**K] YES! I”m probably just riding the high that was the SDCC Marvel Panel. Felt like the old days with all the reveals. The Doom one in specific felt a lot like in Hall H. We”ll see how they explain it. I hope there is a multiversal explanation as opposed to just a ” RDJ is just playing a different role”
After Majors was fired, Marvel Studios was forced to reconsider its plans for the Multiverse Saga”s overarching villain. Many fans proposed replacing Kang by introducing Doctor Doom to the MCU. Few likely would have predicted Marvel Studios would cast a returning actor as Doctor Doom, much less Downey Jr. While the Comic-Con attendees at Marvel Studios” Hall H presentation cheered when Downey Jr. announced his return, the reactions from online fans have been more mixed. Most believe Downey Jr. will deliver an excellent performance, but even many of those fans think Marvel Studios has wasted an opportunity.
Doctor Doom is one of the most iconic villains in Marvel Comics lore, with a compelling backstory and characterization. After multiple failed attempts in panned Fantastic Four films, fans want to see Marvel Studios properly adapt Doctor Doom in the MCU. To some, casting Robert Downey Jr. instead of a new actor deprives writers of the opportunity to translate Doctor Doom”s rich comic book history onto the screen, particularly if this version of Doom is merely an evil Tony Stark variant. Some fans are also upset that a Romani actor wasn”t cast as Doctor Doom considering the character”s heritage in the comics.
Regardless, Marvel Studios is moving forward with this interpretation of Doctor Doom. Fans may have mixed reactions, but they must wait to see if any concerns will be well-founded or if Downey Jr. can impress even the skeptics. Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars is bringing the Russo Brothers and screenwriter Stephen McFeely, so at least everyone involved has a proven track record with the MCU.
Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to be released in theaters on May 1, 2026.
Avengers 5
Avengers: Doomsday is the fifth Avengers film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and will bring together heroes, new and old, to face off against Victor von Doom – played by the returning Robert DOwney Jr. Avengers 5 will also mark the beginning of phase 6 of the MCU.
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