Summary
There have been concerns about Robert Downey Jr.’s surprise casting as Doctor Doom in theMCU, but one returning hero inDeadpool & Wolverinealready proved that this casting can work perfectly. After playingTony Stark’s Iron Man, the face of the MCU, for over a decade, it seemed as though Robert Downey Jr.’s time with Marvel Studios was over. This meant that Downey Jr.’s casting announcement by Kevin Feige and the Russo brothers at this year’s SDCC came as a huge surprise, and has led to division among fans of the MCU.
Following 2023’s dramas surrounding Jonathan Majors, it seemed necessary for Marvel Studios toreplace the multiversal villain Kang the Conquerorand his variants with a new threat in Phase 6.Doctor Doom is the perfect replacement, as he has been one of Marvel’s most iconic, consistent and complex villains since his comic debut in 1962’sThe Fantastic Four #5. As one of the most recognized and acclaimed actors of his generation,Robert Downey Jr. will surely deliver a powerful Doctor Doom, but his casting has still caused some controversy.
2008
2010
2012
2013
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2026
2027
Robert Downey Jr.’s Return To The MCU Has Caused Some Confusion
Robert Downey Jr. Has Confirmed He Is Playing Victor Von Doom
Almost immediately after Robert Downey Jr. was confirmed to be bringing Doctor Doom into the MCU, speculation began to emerge about how Marvel Studios could actually pull this off.Downey Jr. previously played one of the franchise’s most significant and central superheroes, so it’s difficult to imagine him making the switch to become one of Marvel’s biggest villains. While theories have arisen suggesting he could be playing avariant of Tony Stark who became Doctor Doom, Downey Jr. seems to have confirmed that he will, indeed, be Victor Von Doom himself.
Robert Downey Jr. Addresses MCU Return As Doctor Doom, Confirms Which Version Will Be In Avengers 5
After his big announcement at San Diego Comic-Con 2024, Robert Downey Jr. opens up on how his return to the MCU, but as Doctor Doom happened.
This has been a huge cause of confusion among audiences, as many struggle to understand how an actor as pivotal to the MCU as Robert Downey Jr. can return as an entirely new character with no connection to his previous role. The fact thatDowney Jr. has confirmed he’ll be playing Victor Von Doom - as did the Russo brothers at SDCC - means that it’s very unlikely the villain will be related to Tony Stark in any way. While this might be hard to wrap our heads around, Marvel Studios has already proven this can work.
Chris Evans Already Proved An MCU Legend Can Return As A Completely Different Character
Chris Evans Returned As Johnny Storm’s Human Torch In Deadpool & Wolverine
Alongside Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark in the MCU’s Infinity Saga was Chris Evans' Steve Rogers, a.k.a. Captain America. Steve Rogers also left the MCU inAvengers: Endgame, retiring in the past with Peggy Carter, andChris Evans has been very consistent in his comments about not reprising his role of Captain America just yet. However, this didn’t stop him coming back as his other Marvel hero,Johnny Storm’s Human Torch, in 2024’sDeadpool & Wolverine, and Evans' two MCU characters have no connection to each other whatsoever.
Chris Evans previously appeared as Johnny Storm’s Human Torch in 2005’sFantastic Fourand its 2007 sequel,Rise of the Silver Surfer. Interestingly, Robert Downey Jr. was reportedly in talks to appear as Doctor Doom inFantastic Four, before Julian McMahon was cast instead.
The fact that Chris Evans, another MCU legend, can return as a whole new character with no link to his former role means that Robert Downey Jr. can easily do this, too.Deadpool, who has become famous for his fourth wall breaks and meta comments, was the only character to notice the link between Steve Rogers and Johnny Storm, so the similarities betweenDowney Jr.’s Tony Stark and Victor Von Doomcould simply be ignored by everyone but Deadpool, should they meet. In fact, there are major benefits to having Robert Downey Jr. portray the MCU’s Doctor Doom.
Why Robert Downey Jr. May Be The Best Choice To Play Doctor Doom (For Now)
Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom Can Get The MCU Back On Its Feet
It’s undeniable that Marvel Studios fell into something of a lull followingAvengers: Endgame. The massive increase in content being produced meant that workers behind the scenes were stretched too thin, culminating in a noticeable drop in visual effects, writing and narrative quality. Marvel Studios is finally starting to earn back its stellar reputation, especially afterDeadpool & Wolverinevery quickly became the highest-grossing R-rated movieof all time. This streak needs to continue, andbringing back safe bets like the Russo brothers and Robert Downey Jr. is a surefire way to accomplish this.
Iron Man Just Lost His Top 3 Marvel Box Office Position To Deadpool
Following another incredible weekend for Deadpool & Wolverine, the titular heroes have become some of Marvel’s most profitable characters.
Aside from helping the MCU get back on its feet, Robert Downey Jr.’s casting as Doctor Doom ensures that one of modern cinema’s most talented and committed actors will be portraying one of Marvel’s greatest villains. The foe needs to be done justice in the MCU, particularly since previouslive-action adaptations of Doctor Doomhave fallen flat, and Downey Jr. can deliver that.It’s unlikely Downey Jr. will be Doctor Doom permanently, as a fresher face may assume the role afterAvengers: Secret Wars, but Downey Jr. may be the best choice for the legendary villain right now.
Deadpool & Wolverine
Cast
A follow-up to the highly successful Deadpool and Deadpool 2 films starring Ryan Reynolds as the Merc with a Mouth. The third film will be the first in the franchise to be developed under the Marvel Studios banner following Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox.
