Robert Downey Jr.’s casting as Doctor Doom in the MCU has caused some confusion, but a shocking new theory could explain how he is both Victor von Doom and Tony Stark. Marvel Studios confirmed at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con that Robert Downey Jr. will be playing Doctor Doom, the MCU veteran who temporarily left the series following Tony Stark’s death in 2007. Avengers: End GameUnder the guidance of the Russo brothers, Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom will become a terrifying threat in the Marvel Universe, but this casting has been controversial.
From the first Marvel Universe feature film to 2008’s Iron Manand 2019 Avengers: End GameIn the upcoming film, Robert Downey Jr. plays Tony Stark’s Iron Man. As one of the cornerstones of the Marvel Universe, no one expected Robert Downey Jr. to be recast as an entirely new character, let alone one of Marvel’s most iconic and recognizable super villains. Although this casting has sparked controversy, there may be a reason why Robert Downey Jr. plays Doctor Doom, which may be detailed in the upcoming Marvel Universe movies. Avengers: Armageddon and Secret War.
Robert Downey Jr.’s MCU movies | Year | Role |
|---|---|---|
Iron Man | 2008 | Tony Stark’s Iron Man |
The Hulk | 2008 | Tony Stark’s Iron Man |
Iron Man 2 | 2010 | Tony Stark’s Iron Man |
the Avengers | 2012 | Tony Stark’s Iron Man |
Iron Man 3 | 2013 | Tony Stark’s Iron Man |
Avengers: Age of Ultron | 2015 | Tony Stark’s Iron Man |
Captain America: Civil War | 2016 | Tony Stark’s Iron Man |
Spider-Man: Homecoming | 2017 | Tony Stark’s Iron Man |
Avengers: Infinity War | 2018 | Tony Stark’s Iron Man |
Avengers: End Game | 2019 | Tony Stark’s Iron Man |
Avengers: Armageddon | 2026 | Victor von Doom’s Doctor Doom |
Avengers: Secret Wars | 2027 | Victor von Doom’s Doctor Doom |
Robert Downey Jr.’s first appearance as Doctor Doom caused some confusion
Robert Downey Jr. has already played one of the most important characters in the Marvel Universe
After the news broke that Robert Downey Jr. would be returning to the Marvel Universe as Doctor Doom, various theories began to emerge as to how the super villain might be related to Robert Downey Jr.’s previous role as Tony Stark. Most notably, a Marvel Comics superhero If what The storyline sees Tony Stark and Victor von Doom swap bodies, with Stark becoming Doctor Doom. There has been speculation that this storyline could be adapted into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but Downey Jr. revealed The Hollywood Reporter He wants “Restore Victor Von Doom to normalcy.”
[Kevin Feige] said, “I’ve always wondered, if you came back…” Susan said, “Wait, wait. Back to what?” How can we not go backwards? How can we not live up to expectations? How can we continue to exceed expectations? He mentioned Victor von Doom. I researched the character. Later, he said, “Let’s get Victor von Doom right…” What’s happening now is far beyond my expectations of what could happen.
This would seem to indicate that Robert Downey Jr. will indeed be playing Victor von Doom, rather than a variant of Tony Stark. Of course, this recasting is likely to be ignored in-universe — Chris Evans recently reprised his role as Johnny Storm’s Human Torch in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Deadpool and Wolverine No one noticed, even though no one in the Netherworld knew he was Steve Rogers’ Captain America. It would be different when Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom fought Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, because they all knew, or knew, Tony Stark’s Iron Man.
Doctor Doom in Phase 6 was originally Tony Stark, but was trained to be Doctor Victor von Doom: Marvel Universe Theory Explained
Robert Downey Jr. May Play Tony Stark Variant Adopted by Latvian Family
While some have expressed confusion as to how Robert Downey Jr. could be playing Victor von Doom for the first time in the Marvel Universe after playing Tony Stark for over a decade, Naidist could offer an explanation. Rather than sidestepping the idea that Downey Jr.’s new MCU character is Tony Stark from an alternate reality, this theory relies on that idea but distorts the character’s origins significantly. In the MCU’s Earth-616, Stark’s parents were killed by the Winter Soldier in 1991, but if it had happened earlier, Stark’s life would have been very different.
The theory posits that Howard, Maria, and Tony Stark may have been on a business trip to the Eastern European country of Latvia when the Starks were killed. This left young Tony Stark orphaned and alone in Latvia, where he could perhaps be taken in, adopted, and raised as a child by a brand new family, possibly the Von Dooms. On the surface, this theory is easy to laugh off, but considering the huge similarities and significant differences between Tony Stark and Victor von Doom, it actually makes a lot of sense.
In Latveria, Tony Stark grew up in poverty as Victor von Doom, a far cry from the luxurious life enjoyed by Tony Stark of Earth-616. Victor would be more empathetic to the suffering of those around him and would be prepared to go out of his way to help those in need, while Tony took a long time to realize the benefits of helping others due to his own privilege. Stark would become Iron Man, while von Doom would become Doctor Doom, attempting to overthrow the Latverian tyrant Baron Fortunov and take his place.
Tons of MCU theories explain the similarities between Tony Stark and Doctor Doom
Iron Man and Doctor Doom in Marvel Comics have very similar personalities and traits
While this theory may seem too far-fetched for the MCU, it actually makes a lot of sense. Doctor Doom and Iron Man have very similar personalities, and this theory shows exactly why – because they started out as the same person, with the same brain and early upbringing. Tony Stark’s genius is often described as an innate quality, so it’s no surprise that the MCU’s Doctor Doom also has that trait, while also having Tony Stark’s arrogance, ego, and confidence.
Robert Downey Jr. to play Doctor Doom in 2026 film
Avengers: Armageddon
and 2027
Avengers: Secret Wars
replacing Kang as the main villain of the multiverse saga, although he is also speculated to appear in 2025’s
Fantastic Four: First Steps
.
These character traits are essential to both Iron Man and Doctor Doom, and the two sometimes share the same goals, albeit with very different methods of achieving them. Both fight against injustice and cruelty against the less fortunate, but Doctor Doom could be a variation of Tony Stark, who grew up in Latveria and experienced this cruelty firsthand, and is a more sadistic and unrepentant antihero. This theory gives new meaning to Robert Downey Jr.’s character “New Mask, Same Mission” comment, because his Iron Man and Doctor Doom can actually perform the same tasks and are indeed the same person.
Marvel Cinematic Universe
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is a multimedia superhero film franchise that began in 2008 with Paramount’s Iron Man, starring Robert Downey Jr. The franchise quickly became a hit, and Disney eventually acquired Marvel Entertainment in 2009. The MCU consists of dozens of films and television shows, most notably Avengers: Endgame, WandaVision, and Loki.