Robert Downey Jr. is returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) not as Iron Man but as the malicious supervillain Doctor Doom. This surprising announcement has left fans in a bitter-sweet feeling. Read this also: The Doctor Doom era is loading: Revisiting Robert Downey Jr.’s best grey roles ahead of his Marvel return
Her casting was announced by MCU president Kevin Feige during San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday. He also announced the return of directing duo the Russo Brothers, best known for making Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame. They are coming back to direct two more Avengers sequels – Secret Wars and Doomsday, the latter of which will introduce Robert Dexter’s Doom.
Strong reaction from casting
Robert plays Victor Von Doom, a brand new character in the MCU. His character Iron Man died in Avengers: Endgame. Social media users have reacted with surprise to the news, with some citing the return of Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine to the universe as another example.
“Both of these scenes don’t make any sense anymore,” wrote a user on Twitter, whose name is X. Reacting to the post, one user said, “No, it’s not. Tony Stark and Victor Von Doom are completely different characters. The Wolverine we have now is not the same as Logan. It’s just a variant”, while another shared, “No, both those characters are dead. We have variants now. Also, welcome to the world of comic books”.
One social media user said, “I understand it’s the multiversity and blah blah blah, but Iron Man being Doctor Doom makes absolutely no sense to the MCU as we know it and it does nothing for the character of Doctor Doom. It’s just to sell tickets. It’s boring, disrespectful to my favorite, and doesn’t make sense next”. Another wrote, “Some people are trying to say that the casting of Robert Downey as Doctor Doom is so stupid it’s brilliant and that’s how I feel right now”.
“I’m at a loss for words, but the way the MCU has reduced itself entirely to cash in and nostalgia, with no sense of creativity, needs to be studied”, said one, adding, “This is the craziest thing ever”.
About his return to the MCU
Robert will play the villain Victor Von Doom, or Doctor Doom, in at least one upcoming Avengers film. He kicked off Marvel’s movie success with Iron Man and played the popular character in nine films, but appeared on Saturday wearing Dr. Doom’s mask and green cape. “New mask, same thing,” Downey said to frenzied cheers.
His return comes after winning his first Oscar for his role in Christopher Nolan’s 2023 film Oppenheimer. He bid farewell to the character of Tony Stark after more than a decade of anchoring the MCU in 2019’s Avengers: Endgame, in which Tony gave his life to save the universe.
