Summary
- In the upcoming Avengers movie, RDJ will return to the Marvel Universe as Doctor Doom instead of Iron Man.
- It has been revealed which version of Doctor Doom Downey will play.
- Marvel should have kept RDJ’s Doctor Doom’s appearance simple to avoid additional complications in the multiverse saga.
Robert Downey Jr. is returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe by casting as Doctor Doom, and I’m glad Marvel made the best choice. Without Downey, there would be no MCU. That much is obvious, the actor helped build the foundation of the franchise and was one of the main stars of the Infinity Saga during the MCU’s best years. So when the MCU was struggling after Kang the Conqueror star Jonathan Majors was fired, it made sense for Marvel to go back to Downey to help the MCU.
I do find it interesting that Marvel decided the best way to bring Downey back was to play Doctor Doom instead of Iron Man. Even though Earth-616’s Tony Stark is dead, there are still several versions of the hero from other universes that could appear in a range of MCU projects to go up against the new actor playing Doctor Doom. I think the casting was good, though, because Downey has the ability to play Doctor Doom and have him be as nuanced as he is in the comics. Thankfully, Marvel used an idealized version of the character as well.
Key Background
- After a period of low fan attention, Marvel announced that Robert Downey Jr. will play the new Doctor Doom, returning to people’s attention.
- The decision sparked mixed reactions online.
- As the MCU struggles, it makes sense for Marvel to bring back RDJ
- This has led many to speculate that his character could be a variation of Tony Stark becoming Doctor Doom.
Robert Downey Jr. to Play Victor von Doom in Marvel Universe
Rumors about Tony Stark variants can now be put to rest
Downey’s casting as Doctor Doom immediately sparked speculation about how the actor might play a villain in the Marvel Universe, since he has breathed life into Iron Man for more than a decade. Due to his past roles in the Marvel Universe, many fans believe that Marvel might use the multiverse to allow a variation of Tony Stark to become the MCU’s Doctor Doom. I’ve also considered this possibility, as there have been several versions of Marvel villains associated with Iron Man in the comics, so there should be precedent for this choice.
RDJ explained that his process of returning to the MCU began a year ago when Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige suggested the actor could return to play Victor von Doom.
However, Robert Downey Jr. has spoken about his casting as Doctor Doom, revealing key details about his return to the Marvel Universe and which version of Doctor Doom he will be playing. Downey has revealed that he will play Doctor Victor von Doom, the classic version of the Marvel Comics villain, in both of the upcoming Avengers films, with 2026’s Avengers 3 and 2026’s Avengers 4 all-new. Avengers: Armageddon and 2027 Avengers: Secret WarsRDJ explained that the process of his return to the MCU began a year ago when Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige suggested that the actor could return as Victor von Doom, rather than Tony Stark.
Robert Downey Jr. was originally considered for the 2005 film Doctor Doom.
Fantastic Four
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Downey also shared another positive anecdote, revealing a comforting statement Feige made to him, “Let us understand Victor von Doom correctly” While RDJ proved to be a controversial choice for Doctor Doom as some fans wanted a new actor to play the villain, I can’t say I feel bad about the casting. Downey just won an Oscar for his role in Doctor Doom. Oppenheimer As one of the film’s villains, the actor has played many roles in his career, showing that he can bring the complex, authoritative, and intense Victor von Doom to life, just as he does in the comics.
I think the classic version of Doctor Doom is better than the Iron Man version
The Marvel Cinematic Universe doesn’t need a complicated origin for Doom
I’m glad we got Downey to play Victor von Doom instead of having the actor come back to play the Iron Man variant that later became Doctor Doom. There are a few reasons for this. The most important one is that the MCU doesn’t need to make the changes to its main villains more confusing. So far, the multiverse saga has set up Kang the Conqueror and the Council of Kang for the next two Avengers movies. With Doctor Doom suddenly taking on this role, I think the transition needs to be as simple as possible.
Marvel has yet to reveal whether Kang the Conqueror or the Council of Kang will be recast or completely forgotten by the Marvel Universe.
Of course, the multiverse could be used to explain why RDJ is Doctor Doom, as there are countless variations of Tony Stark that could become Doctor Doom. Some theories about possible story lines have caused some reactions among fans, including Iron Man and Doctor Doom swapping bodies like in the comics, with Doctor Doom projecting his conscience into the MCU’s deceased Iron Man. However, Marvel had to quickly set up Doctor Doom and pit him against the heroes of the MCU. Avengers: ArmageddonI believe a simple introduction works better.
How RDJ Plays Victor von Doom After Tony Stark in the Marvel Universe
The multiverse should still be used to introduce Doctor Doom
While Downey will be playing Victor von Doom, rather than the Iron Man variant Doctor Doom, the villain could still be from an alternate universe. I believe this is the only way Marvel can explain why Doom and Stark are played by the same actor, and considering Downey’s high salary, it’s hard to believe Marvel will keep Doctor Doom’s mask. Fantastic Four: First Steps‘ mid/end credits scene, which would explain everything about his casting.
Since the Fantastic Four reboot takes place in an alternate universe with a retro-futuristic version of 1960s New York, RDJ’s Doctor Doom could also be from that reality. The MCU has already established that the same character can be played by different people, with multiple actors playing both Loki and Spider-Man. Fantastic Four: First Steps Revealing which universe Downey’s Doctor Doom is from helps establish that different Earths may also feature other characters played by past MCU actors, which would open the door to a lot of exciting multiverse returns.
I’d like to see Downey’s two MCU characters interact at least once
Iron Man and Doctor Doom must fight
Even though Downey is playing Victor von Doom, I’d still like to see the actor reprise his role as Iron Man in one or both of the upcoming Avengers movies. Avengers: Secret Wars would be the perfect movie to accomplish this goal, as it would allow RDJ to solidify himself as Doctor Doom, first of all Avengers: Armageddonpossibly defeating the Avengers and any other multiverse heroes that might be in it, and then the rest of the characters seek help to take him down Avengers: Secret Wars Downey once again plays Iron Man.
That being said, I don’t expect to see the MCU resurrect Tony Stark because his story ended in epic fashion. Instead, Marvel should have Downey play a variant that’s similar to Earth-616 so fans can relate to this Iron Man while still being different and making both Tony Starks their own. Rumor has it that the MCU will be rebooting in 2017. Avengers: Secret Warsso this could be Downey’s last chance to play Iron Man. Downey’s Iron Man helping him defeat Doctor Doom would be a huge moment.