SDCC 2024 made every Marvel fans stand on their feet as the studio announced Robert Downey Jr as Doctor Doom for the next two Avengers movies. But, it could have been a reality 20 years back when Downey Jr auditioned for the said role in Fantastic Four movie.
Robert Downey Jr Auditioned For Doctor Doom 20 Years Back
Robert Downey Jr. Image Credit: Paramount Pictures/Marvel Studios
The recent San Diego Comic-Con brought a seismic shock to the Marvel Cinematic Universe when Robert Downey Jr. was unveiled as the iconic villain, Doctor Doom. However, what might surprise fans even more is the fact that this casting could have been a reality over two decades ago.
In a video released by Marvel Entertainment last year, director Jon Favreau and Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige reminisced about the creation of the first MCU film, 2008’s Iron Man. Favreau disclosed that Downey had been involved with Marvel long before his iconic role as Tony Stark, initially being considered for the character of Doctor Doom.
“I remember that Robert had come in for a general [meeting] on [‘Iron Man’] and you had already met with him for Doctor Doom or something,” Favreau told Feige, who was an executive producer on both the 2005 and 2007 Fantastic Four films.
Favreau continued, mentioning how Downey had made an impression during the casting for Fantastic Four. As the memory resurfaced, Feige nodded, recalling the moment they both recognized Downey’s potential. “I remember sitting down with the guy and I was like, ‘He’s got that spark in his eye and he’s ready.’ That’s when we were in your office and we were putting to his headshot and saying we’ve gotta try and figure this out [for ‘Iron Man’].”
While the role of Doctor Doom eventually went to Julian McMahon in the 2005 Fantastic Four film, fate has taken an unexpected turn. The long-awaited opportunity to see Robert Downey Jr. embody the complex and powerful Doctor Doom is finally within reach, promising an electrifying performance from the talented actor.
Matt Shakman Knew About Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom
Robert Downey Jr at SDCC. Image Credit: Marvel Entertainment/YT
Marvel Studios is renowned for its collaborative filmmaking approach, where directors often contribute to multiple projects. Given the interconnected nature of the MCU, it’s common for filmmakers to be involved in various stages of production.
Director Matt Shakman, who is helming the highly anticipated Fantastic Four reboot, recently dropped a surprising revelation. According to reports, he was aware of Robert Downey Jr.’s casting as the iconic villain, Doctor Doom, well before the official announcement.
It’s no secret that Doctor Doom shares a deep-rooted connection with the Fantastic Four, and their paths are set to converge in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. While the extent of Shakman’s knowledge about the casting before joining the Fantastic Four project remains unclear, his excitement about the news is palpable.
In an interview with Comic Book at the SDCC, the director said that Downey’s involvement had been known to him “for a while,” but the information had to be kept “under wraps.” He described the experience as incredibly exciting, mentioning his admiration for Robert Downey Jr. and acknowledging that he had known about it for some time but had to keep it a secret. He expressed his excitement about the opportunity and noted that he managed to keep it confidential.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps slated for July 25, 2025 release.
