‘Avengers Doomsday’ will see Robert Downey Jr return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Dr Doom

Robert Downey Jr. is set to make a surprising return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this time portraying the iconic villain Doctor Doom. The announcement came during San Diego Comic-Con 2024, where Downey and Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige revealed the news. RDJ appeared at Hall H dressed as Doctor Doom, a key antagonist in the Marvel universe, confirming his new role in the upcoming film Avengers: Doomsday.

Notably, this film will also mark the return of the Russo Brothers, Joe and Anthony Russo, to the MCU. The directors, known for their work on major Marvel hits, will helm Avengers: Doomsday. During the announcement, Anthony Russo highlighted the significance of bringing Doctor Doom to the screen, describing him as one of fiction’s most intricate and engaging characters. He emphasized the need for an exceptional actor to embody the role, leading to the introduction of Downey as Victor von Doom.

A video from the event, which quickly went viral, captured the moment RDJ, clad in Doctor Doom’s signature green robe and metal mask, removed the mask to confirm his comeback. His appearance was met with an enthusiastic response from fans, and Downey quipped, “New mask, same task,” alluding to his penchant for playing complex characters.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Downey’s return to the MCU will span at least two films. Besides Avengers: Doomsday, set to release in May 2026, he is also expected to appear in Avengers: Secret Wars, which is targeted for a May 2027 release. This reunion with the Russo Brothers is particularly noteworthy, as they have previously collaborated on significant MCU projects, including Captain America: Civil War (2016), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), and Avengers: Endgame (2019).

Downey had originally retired from the MCU after Avengers: Endgame, in which his character Tony Stark, also known as Iron Man, met his end. This marked the conclusion of Downey’s decade-long portrayal of Iron Man, a character that became central to the MCU’s success. His return as Doctor Doom adds a new chapter to his Marvel legacy, exciting fans about the future of the franchise.