Marvel Shocks Fans: Robert Downey Jr. Returns to the MCU as Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday

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Late Saturday at SDCC, Marvel surprised fans by announcing that Robert Downey Jr. is returning to the MCU, but not as Tony Stark. Instead, he will be playing Doctor Doom in the new film, Avengers: Doomsday.

This reveal sparked an explosive reaction from the crowd, quickly followed by widespread confusion. How is this going to work? What is Marvel planning?

There seem to be two main possibilities, one more plausible than the other. The less favorable option is that Doctor Doom will appear in the upcoming Fantastic Four movie, set in a non-MCU universe. In this alternate reality, Tony Stark may have taken a different path, becoming a villain instead of a hero.

This idea isn’t entirely without precedent. In the comics, there’s a storyline called Infamous Iron Man where Victor Von Doom takes up the Iron Man mantle. Another storyline features Anthony Stark of Earth-11029, where Doom and Stark switch minds, with Doom inhabiting Stark’s body. This could technically align with the Russo Brothers’ statement that Downey Jr. is playing Victor Von Doom, not Stark, because in this scenario, he technically would be.

The more straightforward explanation is that Downey Jr. is a versatile actor capable of playing multiple roles. He could be cast as Victor Von Doom and deliver a performance distinct from his portrayal of Tony Stark. They would likely alter his appearance significantly, possibly removing his iconic goatee.

Additionally, Doctor Doom wears a mask most of the time, meaning the role would primarily involve voice work. This approach would allow Downey Jr. to play a new character without any multiverse complications involving Tony Stark. However, given the multiverse storyline, anything is possible.

While I have my preferences, I’m uncertain about what the final answer will be. This casting choice is risky. Many fans had hoped for someone like Cillian Murphy, considering Doctor Doom’s legendary status and the desire to move on from Kang. Downey Jr.’s casting has generated excitement, confusion, and some anger, with some viewing it as a desperate move to revive interest in the MCU. At this point, it’s hard to say whether this decision is good or bad. But the two possibilities outlined above seem to be the only logical explanations.

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