Doctor Doom: Robert Downey Jr. returns to the Marvel universe
Probably the best-known MCU actor Robert Downey Jr. is getting a new Marvel role - as the antagonist in "Avengers: Doomsday".
![Robert Downey Jr unveiled as Doctor Doom](https://heise.cloudimg.io/width/610/q85.png-lossy-85.webp-lossy-85.foil1/_www-heise-de_/imgs/18/4/6/4/1/4/9/2/GTjafg-agAA2BpD-8ec66607276ea76c.jpeg)
Robert Downey Jr. at Comic Con as Doctor Doom.
(Image: Marvel Studios)
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.
(Image: Marvel, Artwork von Joshua Cassara und Marte Gracia)
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)