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It’s been five years since Robert Downey Jr. bid farewell to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) with Tony Stark’s sacrificial finale in Avengers: Endgame (2019). Yet, the MCU’s golden star is poised for a dramatic return – one that may have a larger impact on his career.
Robert Downey Jr. Cast as Doctor Doom
This time around, Downey Jr. won’t reprise his role as Iron Man but will instead step into the villainous shoes of Victor Von Doom—better known as Doctor Doom.
Credit: Marvel Studios
Downey Jr.’s casting as Doctor Doom, the new major antagonist of the Multiverse Saga, follows the exit of Jonathan Majors as Kang the Conqueror. First revealed at San Diego Comic-Con, Downey Jr. will star in two key upcoming films, including Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027).
Rumors suggest that Doctor Doom might actually make his debut in The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025), although this remains unconfirmed. Much like Thanos in the Infinity Saga, Doctor Doom is expected to take center stage as the narrative’s central figure, with Downey Jr. reportedly earning over $100 million for the role.
Credit: Marvel
According to industry insider MTTSH, Doom’s character may be more complex than typical MCU villains. He reportedly views his mission to unify the Multiverse under his rule as a way to prevent incursions and ensure survival—a morally gray ideology reminiscent of Thanos.
Could Playing Doctor Doom Cost Downey Jr. Another Big Role?
While many fans are excited about Downey Jr.’s casting, reactions are mixed. Some critics view it as a calculated move by Marvel to restore relevance amid recent struggles, while others see potential for a groundbreaking storyline. However, the decision to return to Marvel may come at a professional cost for the actor.
Downey Jr. recently won widespread acclaim, including a Best Supporting Actor Oscar, for his role as Lewis Strauss in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer (2023). The performance was heralded as a career milestone, shedding his Iron Man persona and showcasing his dramatic range.
Credit: Universal Pictures
Following this success, rumors surfaced that Nolan intended to reunite with Downey Jr. for his next major project, a star-studded film featuring Tom Holland, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, Charlize Theron, Lupita Nyong’o, and Matt Damon. Scheduled for release in 2026, the film would have marked Downey Jr.’s second collaboration with the acclaimed director.
However, industry insider Daniel Richtman reports that Downey Jr.’s commitment to playing Doctor Doom makes this collaboration unlikely. Described as the “main character” in Avengers: Doomsday, Doom is expected to dominate nearly every scene, leaving little time for the actor to take on other projects.
MCU Priorities Leave Questions About Downey Jr.’s Career Path
With the MCU back at the forefront of his schedule, Downey Jr.’s decision to prioritize Marvel over Nolan has sparked debate. Will his return as Doctor Doom solidify his legacy, or will it hinder opportunities to further diversify his career post-Iron Man?
Credit: Marvel Studios
Fans will have to wait until Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters in 2026 to see how Downey Jr.’s return unfolds. In the meantime, the question remains: has Marvel made the right call in bringing back one of its most iconic stars?
What’s your take on Robert Downey Jr.’s MCU comeback?
