Doctor Doom: Robert Downey Jr. returns to the Marvel universe

Robert Downey Junior's departure from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) wasn't meant to last forever. The actor is returning to the MCU with a new role: as villain Victor von Doom, aka Doctor Doom. Downey will be the eponymous antagonist in the fifth "Avengers" film "Avengers: Doomsday", which is scheduled for release in 2026. This will be followed in 2027 by "Avengers: Secret Wars", also featuring Doctor Doom.

The film will be directed by the Russo brothers Anthony and Russo, who have directed some of the most successful Marvel films:

• "The Return of the First Avenger" ("Captain America: The Winter Soldier")
• "The First Avenger: Civil War"
• "Avengers: Infinity War"
• "Avengers: Endgame"

Downey last appeared as Iron Man in "Avengers: Endgame", but then turned his back on the franchise to play more serious roles. The project was a success: Downey won his first Oscar in 2024 as a supporting actor in "Oppenheimer".

Now the actor is turning the iconic line from "The Dark Knight" on its head: "You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain" – and promptly embodies both sides.

No trickery through the multiverse

At Comic Con, the Russo brothers confirmed that Doctor Doom will not be a multiverse version of the Iron Man character Tony Stark in the MCU. Accordingly, a transition from Iron Man to Doctor Doom would have to take place solely on Earth-199999 – the universe of the Avengers films –. There is no trailer or teaser yet.

Doctor Doom is originally an antagonist from the "Fantastic Four" film series. This will get a new spin-off in 2025 with "The Fantastic Four: First Steps", where Downey could possibly make an appearance as Doctor Doom. The comic book character also has connections to the "X-Men".

(mma)