Robert Downey Jr as Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday.
Robert Downey Jr confirms he is returning to the MCU but not as Iron Man. Instead, the actor will be seen playing Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday.
Robert Downey Jr is returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe to play Doctor Doom. The actor, who previously played Iron Man in the MCU, will be seen playing Dr Doom in Avengers: Doomsday. Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige and Robert Downey Jr confirmed the news at San Diego Comic-Con 2024. RDJ went to Hall H at the SDCC and unveiled himself as Fantastic Four villain Doctor Doom on stage.
Not only is Robert Downey Jr returning to MCU, Kevin Feige also confirmed that the Russo Brothers, Joe and Anthony Russo, are also making a comeback into the MCU. The director-duo will be helming the Avengers: Doomsday film. They were present in the Hall H when the news was announced.
“If we’re going to bring Doctor Doom to the screen — he is one of the most complex characters, most entertaining characters in all of fiction,” Anthony Russo said, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. “If we’re going to do this … then we are going to need the greatest actor in the world.”
“As proof of the unimaginable possibilities of the Marvel Universe, we give you the one person who could play Victor von Doom…” he added before RDJ took centre stage and unveiled himself as Doctor Doom.
In a video that went viral from the Comic-Con event, RDJ was seen sporting the iconic green Doctor Doom robe and a metal mask. He took off the mask to announce his return, leaving fans in the room screaming. “New mask, same task,” he said, as he confirmed his MCU comeback. “What can I say, I like playing complicated characters,” he teased.
Watch the video below:
The Hollywood Reporter stated RDJ is returning for two Avengers films. The Oppenheimer actor will be working with the Russo Brothers in Avengers: Doomsday, set to release in May 2026, and will seemingly reprise his role for Avengers: Secret Wars, eyeing a May 2027 release. Robert Downey Jr and the Russo Brothers have worked in Captain America: Civil War (2016), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), and Avengers: Endgame (2019).
Robert Downey Jr announced his retirement from the MCU after Avengers: Endgame. He played Iron Man through the 10 years of MCU. Tony Stark aka Iron Man died in Avengers: Endgame, opening the door to RDJ’s exit.
