In a surprising twist at San Diego Comic-Con 2024, Marvel Studios announced that Robert Downey Jr. is set to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Dr. Doom. This unexpected move will see the fan-favorite actor, known for his iconic portrayal of Iron Man, take on one of Marvel’s most complex villains. While no new details of the narrative of Avengers: Doomsday are known, there is a storyline where Tony Stark becomes Doctor Doom. The story follows the Infamous Iron Man comic book series created by Brian Michael Bendis and drawn by Alex Maleev also, parts of it were inherited from Marvel Studios’ What If… line.
Dr. Doom and Tony Stark as Roommates
Tony Stark and Doctor Doom. Image Credit: Marvel Comics
The storyline begins with a significant departure from the main Marvel Universe, an alternate reality. Instead of Dr. Doom being roommates with Reed Richards, he shares a room with Tony Stark. This setup immediately sets the stage for an intense and captivating narrative. Tony Stark, known for his playboy lifestyle and lack of seriousness, contrasts sharply with the laser-focused and determined Victor Von Doom. Their initial interactions are filled with tension, as Doom demands order and discipline, while Stark remains blasé and carefree.
Doom’s disciplined approach stems from his challenging past, where he fought for every grant and scholarship which was also quite contradictory to Stark, who was born into privilege. Despite their differences, Stark quickly demonstrates his intelligence, which leads to a grudging respect from Doom. Their dynamic relationship eventually established the foundation for their complex relationship, where mutual respect and competition continued to grow.
The Dawn Of Telekinetic Technology
Doctor Doom and Tony Stark mind swap. Image Credit: Marvel Comics
Doom has been busy with his secret project which he has been developing as a contingency plan. But one day Doom finally reveals his secret project to Stark. It was a fascinating machine designed to trigger dormant telekinetic abilities in people.
Doom’s ambition to develop the project was primarily because of finding his way out of any situation as he pleases which stems from falsifying administrative documents to serve his purpose alongside doing several other things that would serve him dearly. But Doom was quite obsessed with the project and has been relentless and ever ready to take any extreme measure.
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Upon the revelation, Stark, who was initially skeptical decides to help Doom with the project with his wordplay. Stark, who is also known for his sense of honor and curiosity, couldn’t help but get into Doom’s ambition.
With a series of back-and-forth intellectual exchanges, their partnership was seemingly growing. Stark provides valuable insights that improve Doom’s formula. However, Doom’s true intentions behind engaging Stark are revealed when he traps Stark and attempts to switch their minds.
Tony Stark Becoming Doctor Doom
A snap from Infamous Iron Man. Image Credit: Marvel Comics
The mind-swapping experiment is successful. Tony Stark, now in Doom’s body, is exiled to Latveria, while Doom, in Stark’s body, enjoys his newfound freedom and power. The narrative explores the stark contrast between their new lives. Stark, with no memory and resources, struggles initially but soon finds purpose and meaning. His relentless drive and intelligence enable him to rebuild his life, earning respect and multiple PhDs, eventually becoming Dr. Victor Von Doom.
Meanwhile, Doom, in Stark’s body, exploits his position to further his ambitions. His ruthless and unscrupulous methods, including intimidation and extortion, allow him to amass wealth and power, making Stark Industries even more formidable. The story dwindles between their characters’ traits—Stark’s resilience and philanthropy versus Doom’s cunning and ruthlessness. Still, both are dormant.
Confrontation
Doctor Doom vs Tony Stark in Infamous Iron Man. Image Credit: Marvel Comics
Now as Doom controls Stark’s resources and everything he ever possessed, he plans a direct attack to destroy Stark’s new energy advance, the arc reactor. Stark gets the waning of the attack from one of his employees. He dons a protective suit and confronts Doom. Their battle is intense, with Stark leveraging his ingenuity to counter Doom’s superior firepower. Finally, Stark realizes that Doom’s suit is controlled by his brainwaves, reacting to everything lighting-fast.
Later, Doom offers Stark the chance to reclaim his identity, but Stark refuses. He chooses to remain as Victor Von Doom, valuing the name for its new associations with peace and compassion as it evolved following their mind shift. This decision is crucial to what the future will hold, Stark’s transformation, and his rejection of his past persona are utterly driven by the altered identities that have shifted their personas to a different level.
Now, it would be hard to predict if Russo Brothers who returned to the MCU to direct Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars after five years, would pick the same narrative. RDJ’s Doom could be very different without any exclusive relationship to Stark. But the possibilities are endless and with the multiversal angle, the upcoming Avengers movies might go wild with a surprising twist.
