Robert Downey Jr. is set to make his highly anticipated return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), but not as Iron Man. Instead, he will take on the role of Doctor Doom, the iconic villain from the Fantastic Four. This surprising twist has sent waves of excitement through the MCU fanbase.
When Will Robert Downey Jr. Debut as Doctor Doom?
Marvel recently confirmed that Robert Downey Jr. will appear as Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday, but fans wonโt have to wait that long to see him. He is expected to first make an appearance in Avengers: Secret Wars, which will set the stage for his role in the upcoming films. This suggests that Downey Jr.’s return to the MCU will play a pivotal part in the unfolding narrative.
There is also speculation that Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom could be a version of Tony Stark from an alternate universe, one who chose a darker path. This theory could explain why the MCU’s first Doctor Doom shares the same face as Iron Man, possibly offering a fresh perspective on the character within the Earth-616 reality.
Originally, Kang was selected as the main antagonist for the Multiverse Saga, but due to legal issues surrounding Jonathan Majors, Marvel has reportedly re-evaluated their plans. This led to the decision to bring Robert Downey Jr. back as Doctor Doom. His first appearance as Doctor Doom is rumored to be in the Fantastic Four: First Steps film, which will serve as a precursor to Avengers: Doomsday and tie his character into the larger story.
Itโs speculated that this version of Doctor Doom might originate from a reality like Earth-838, where the Ultron project was successful, as hinted in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. This could explain why Doctor Doom turns into a villain bent on seeking revenge against the Earth-616 Avengers.
Marvel initially planned to introduce Doctor Doom in a cameo at the end of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, but this did not come to pass. Instead, Robert Downey Jr.โs official entry as Doctor Doom into the MCU will happen in Fantastic Four: First Steps, likely setting him up as the main villain in Avengers: Doomsday. However, whether this Doctor Doom hails from the primary universe or an alternate reality remains to be seen.
