What a surprise from Marvel Studios at SDCC 2024 and it’s an absolute treat for the fans. Iron Man Robert Downey Jr. is back in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and in such a way. Along with two new Avengers movie, Marvel Studios announced that Downey Jr. will make his comeback to the MCU as Doctor Doom.
Robert Downey Jr. Is Back To The MCU
Robert Downey Jr. Image Credit: Marvel Entertainment
In an exciting twist, Robert Downey Jr. is making a comeback to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but this time as Doctor Doom in the upcoming Avengers movie titled Avengers: Doomsday. This film will be directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, marking their return to Marvel as well. The Russo brothers are set to direct Avengers: Doomsday, which will introduce the character Victor von Doom/Doctor Doom.
Downey, surrounded by others dressed as Doctor Doom, revealed his identity on stage at the end of the presentation. The Academy Award winner, last seen in the MCU as Tony Stark/Iron Man, stated, “New mask, same task.” He expressed his fondness for portraying complex characters.
“New mask, same task.”
Robert Downey Jr. surprises Hall H to announce his return to the MCU as Doctor Doom. pic.twitter.com/j1SEjzse3p
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) July 28, 2024
Despite Downey hinting at a potential Marvel return in recent interviews, fans naturally assumed he would reprise his role as Iron Man/Tony Stark. His return as the villainous Victor von Doom shocked the fandom, especially the thrilled audience at Marvel’s San Diego Comic-Con presentation.
Robert Downey Jr. first appeared as the charismatic genius Tony Stark in 2008’s Iron Man, which was the inaugural film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, conceptualized by Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige. Over the following 11 years, Downey reprised his role in ten Marvel films, including Iron Man 2, Iron Man 3, The Incredible Hulk, The Avengers, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame.
After retiring from his role as Tony Stark/Iron Man in 2019’s Avengers: Endgame, where his character died saving the universe, Marvel faced the challenge of filling the significant void left by Downey. This makes the announcement of his return even more significant for fans and the franchise.
Who Is Doctor Doom In The Marvel Universe?
Doctor Doom. Image Credit: Marvel Comics
First appeared in Fantastic Four #5 (July, 1962), Doctor Doom was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. In his comic book appearances, Doctor Doom is portrayed as the ruler of Latveria, whose mission is to conquer the entire world and establish order for humanity.
He is the archenemy of Reed Richards and the Fantastic Four, but he has also faced off against Spider-Man, Iron Man, Doctor Strange, Black Panther, the X-Men, and the Avengers, among other superheroes in the Marvel Universe. Though he is typically portrayed as a villain, Doom has occasionally served as an ally, cooperating with heroes only when it is beneficial to him.
Doctor Doom’s formidable power is a result of a potent blend of innate brilliance and relentless pursuit of knowledge, all fueled by an insatiable ego. Originally, his scientific aspirations were directed towards a desperate attempt to reunite with his deceased mother. When this endeavor proved fruitless, he shifted his focus to the mystical realms, embarking on arduous journeys to uncover ancient secrets. These explorations not only expanded his understanding of the occult but also equipped him with the knowledge to craft his iconic armor and create lifelike duplicates known as Doombots.
While Doctor Doom is often recognized for his technological prowess, his mastery of the supernatural is equally impressive. The graphic novel Doctor Strange and Doctor Doom: Triumph and Torment showcases his magical abilities, culminating in a deceptive ploy that convinced Doctor Strange he had been chosen as the Sorcerer Supreme. This elaborate deception was a calculated move to enlist Strange’s aid in rescuing his mother from the clutches of Mephisto. Doom’s obsession with power reached a chilling climax in Fantastic Four #67 when he made a horrific sacrifice to enhance his supernatural abilities, transforming his former lover, Valeria, into a living suit of armor. Since then, he has diligently cultivated both his scientific and magical talents, establishing himself as a formidable force in both realms.
The time has come to consider the various scenarios in which RDJ could truly make a comeback as Doctor Doom in the near future of the MCU.
