Robert Downey Jr.’s departure from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) doesn’t have to last forever. The actor has returned to the MCU with a new role: the villain Victor Von Doom, aka Doctor Doom. Downey will be the eponymous antagonist in the fifth “Avengers” film, “Avengers: Doomsday,” to be released in 2026. “Avengers: Secret Wars” will follow in 2027, which will also feature Doctor Doom.
Advertisement
It is directed by the two Russo brothers, Anthony and Russo, who have directed some of the most successful Marvel films:
- “The Return of the First Avenger” (English “Captain America: The Winter Soldier”)
- “The First Avenger: Civil War”
- “Avengers: Infinity War”
- “Avengers: Endgame”
Downey most recently appeared as Iron Man in “Avengers: Endgame,” but then turned his back on the franchise to pursue more serious roles. The plan was a success: In 2024, Downey won his first Oscar as a supporting actor in “Oppenheimer.”
Now the actor turns the iconic “The Dark Knight” line on its head: “You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become a villain” — and instantly embodies both sides.
An artwork from the “X-Men” comic (issue 28, “Fall of X”). Doctor Doom comes from the fictional Eastern European country of Latveria.
(Image: Marvel, artwork by Joshua Cassara and Marte Gracia)
No trickery through the multiverse
At Comic Con, the Russo brothers already confirmed that Doctor Doom will not represent a multiverse version of Iron Man character Tony Stark in the MCU. Accordingly, the transition from Iron Man to Doctor Doom will have to happen entirely on Earth-199999 – the universe of the Avengers movies. There is no trailer or teaser yet.
Doctor Doom is originally an antagonist from the “Fantastic Four” film series. It will have a new branch in 2025 with “The Fantastic Four: First Steps”, where Downey could possibly make an appearance as Doctor Doom. The comic character also has a connection to “X-Men”.
(MMA)
