The Big Marvel Condition That Helped Robert Downey Jr. Return as Doctor Doom

Many of the many unanswered concerns regarding the MCU’s future were addressed at the 2024 San Diego Comic Con. By returning to their origins and selecting reputable directors like Joe and Anthony Russo to helm Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, Marvel took a significant step forward. The news of Robert Downey Jr.’s MCU comeback was arguably the biggest reveal in Hall H. Rather than taking on the character of Tony Stark again, Downey is set to play one of the most well-known villains from comic books: Doctor Doom. It seems that certain requirements, including a significant one, were met to guarantee Downey’s comeback to superhero prominence.

Variety believes that more than just an intriguing role was necessary to persuade Downey to rejoin the MCU in a recent story. According to reports, the Oscar winner’s deal guaranteed him more than $80 million in addition to extra benefits like private plane travel and a security detail to feature in both movies. Money may talk, but the return of partners Joe and Anthony Russo to the series was what really made the deal. An insider informed the media outlet:

He would only collaborate with them.

It appears that Downey has a great deal of confidence in the Russos’ ability to deliver two Avengers pictures that will satisfy audiences and performers alike. Previously, the filming team behind the critically acclaimed MCU blockbusters Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame. Many discussions about the quality of movies made after Endgame have been had in relation to the series, and Downey appears more at ease experimenting with superhero stuff now that the Russos are back at Marvel directing more projects.

In this new MCU chapter, Downey returns as Doctor Doom, much to the delight of many fans. Former MCU partners Mark Ruffalo and Gwyneth Paltrow have congratulated their friend on the new role. Some, on the other hand, were a little more pessimistic about the significant Marvel change, claiming that Iron Man’s legacy is retrospectively harmed by the new role. We are not sure how Marvel intends to tie Downey’s previous character, Tony Stark, into this new one or how much multiverse storytelling will be used to connect the dots with Avengers: Endgame’s conclusion. The amount that this would hurt poor Peter Parker’s heart is another worry shared by fans.

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Marvel is apparently very confident in the directors’ ability to bring the series back to its former glory, as seen by the $80 million it reportedly paid for the Russo Brothers to return. The fact that Downey is willing to go back farther demonstrates how at ease he is with the directors and how well they can cast him in the new part. While Disney still appears to be focused on developing original comic book storylines and trying out new characters, revitalizing the MCU fandom appears to be gaining precedence. Hopefully, this is a step forward rather than a step backward for Marvel and that everyone finds this investment worthwhile.

Robert Downey Jr. will be seen in Avengers: Doomsday, which opens in theaters on May 1, 2026, and Avengers: Secret Wars, which opens on May 7, 2027. See our forthcoming MCU movie guide for more details on other Marvel films that will soon be released in theaters. You may also rewatch Downey’s earlier roles in the Avengers films that are currently available for Disney+ members to view.

Whoa, Robert Downey Jr. Is Returning to The MCU For the Next Two Avengers Movies, But It Won’t Be as Iron Man

Something major is sure to happen when Marvel Studios takes over Hall H at San Diego Comic-Con. And it did, wow! Alongside the Russo Brothers, Robert Downey Jr. said on stage that he would be joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe once more. However, since this is the Multiverse Saga, he will not be returning as Tony Stark.

In the two upcoming Marvel flicks, Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, Robert Downey Jr. (RDJ) will reprise his role as none other than Doctor Doom. Watch the moment Downey stepped onto the stage:

Notably, the Russos, who were earlier this month believed to be returning for the Avengers films, were behind Captain America: Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War, and Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame. Joe Russo cried out to the assembly, “We miss you guys.”

Joining the filmmakers on the Hall H stage was a bunch of folks decked up as Doctor Doom. Subtly, they unveiled Robert Downey Jr. as the main character. The actor approached the front covertly with the other actors dressed like Doom masks. With a cheer, RDJ removed his hood and sent the panel into flames. That is a Hall H moment.

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Enjoying his round of applause, the Iron Man actor quips, “New mask. Same task” and adds that he enjoys “playing complicated characters.” The Fantastic Four—Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing, and Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards—will be set up in their own film next summer, with Doctor Doom serving as a major antagonist to them.

Formerly known as Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, Doomsday is a new primary enemy that Marvel has adopted in response to Jonathan Majors’ legal troubles.

The Russo Brothers Might Be Back for More Avengers Movies, And as A Fan I am So Relieved

Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame filmmakers The Russo Brothers are reportedly eyeing two more installments.

Both Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame were enormous hits; for a while, the latter became the highest-grossing movie ever. Since then, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has expanded steadily (in cinemas and on streaming services for Disney+ subscribers), although opinions regarding its caliber have been divided. I am relieved as a fan that it was just disclosed that The Russo Brothers may return for two more Avengers films.

Like many others, I binge-watched the Marvel films for years on end, never missing a program or film production.

However, a lot of fans are upset that the shared world, unlike the Infinity Stones and Thanos, does not have a grand narrative that it is developing. However, according to THR, Joe and Anthony Russo may return for two next Marvel films, taking on the massive task of producing an Avengers production once more. And I believe that the shared world may benefit greatly from their professional supervision to regain its previous splendor and continue to flourish.

It is crucial to remember that the Russo Brothers are still just in the early stages of discussions about producing two more Avengers films. However, their entries into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, such as their first Captain America: The Winter Soldier, are widely regarded as some of the best Marvel films. Furthermore, I for one am ecstatic about the prospect of them reclaiming the Avengers title after a hiatus.

The role was offered to Shawn Levy, whose film Deadpool & Wolverine is anticipated to gross a huge amount of money at the box office, according to the THR article. Though The Russos’ contribution to the shared universe speaks for itself, he seems like an excellent pick.

Given the shaky state of the Avengers franchise, it is even more exciting to bring back strong, seasoned MCU veterans like the Russo Brothers. Avengers: The Kang Dynasty was supposed to be the title of the fifth film, but after Jonathan Majors was fired by the studio, there have been rumors that the title and potentially the plot had been discarded. The Russos would undoubtedly be a useful resource if a completely new course is being considered.

The thought of The Russo Brothers returning for not one, but two separate Avengers films excite me much, though I do not want to get ahead of myself. Eventually, fans like me will have to wait for official word from the studio, but it seems obvious to bring on the well-known directors as a potential means of reuniting with returning stars like Chris Pratt.

Deadpool & Wolverine, which opens in theaters on July 26, is the next MCU film to be released. Check out the 2025 movie release dates for now.

After Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom Role in The MCU Was Revealed, Fans Shared All Kinds of Thoughts

Fans across the Internet are not holding back.

This weekend at San Diego Comic-Con, Marvel Studios made a triumphant return to Hall H. The mammoth company’s very simple presentation regarding upcoming Marvel movies concluded with a boom. In addition to being confirmed that Robert Downey Jr. will portray Doctor Doom in the upcoming Avengers films, it was also reported that the character will be introduced into the Marvel Cinematic Universe! It goes without saying that many fans were undoubtedly left stunned by this outcome. Naturally, series fans have never been one to keep quiet about issues like these for very long, and they are currently voicing a wide range of opinions.

Numerous fans have expressed their opinions regarding Robert Downey Jr.’s portrayal of Victor Von Doom in Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars on X since last night. After all, there were conflicting opinions among fans over Downey’s potential comeback as Tony Stark. It would be an understatement to say that there are differing views over his Doom casting, given the volume of those who have voiced their dissatisfaction on the social networking platform. See some of their responses in the section below:

I do not think Robert Downey Jr. was the only guy who could portray Doctor Doom, call me a cynic! – Criswell

It is not necessary for Robert Downey Jr. to be Dr. Doom. It just does not make sense to me, even though I know he will be excellent in the role. Get another performer to play Doom. Someone else, anyone? Forever, RDJ will be Iron Man. – @kinsoloofficial
I would still see the movies because I adore Robert Downey Jr., but I was really hoping that a fresh actor would be cast as Doctor Doom��‍♀️. – @TvKhaleesi
Okay, fine, if RDJ is just a Dr. Doom variation and nothing more. But using him throughout the MCU as the real Doom? It seems to be a rainstorm for his Iron Man legacy. Bryan Cranston, Cillian Murphy, and I am not sure who else should go. Marvel Studios, this felt like too much of a cop out. – @tuzziiman1