Iron Man is Now Doctor Doom! Robert Downey Jr. Returns to MCU, Epic Entry Goes Viral - Watch

Robert Downey Jr. (RDJ) made an exciting statement at San Diego Comic-Con 2024, revealing that he will be returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)—but not as Iron Man—as the infamous antagonist Doctor Doom. During the event, RDJ himself and Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige verified the news. In the upcoming movie Avengers: Doomsday, RDJ will play one of Marvel's most complex characters, which is an intriguing development.

A New Era for RDJ in the MCU

After winning hearts for more than ten years as Tony Stark/Iron Man, Robert Downey Jr. stunned fans by taking the stage in Hall H costumed as Doctor Doom. MCU shared the video of Robert Downey Jr. revealing the new role with the caption, "New mask, same task," as he removed the iconic green robe and metal mask to confirm his return.

The Russo Brothers' Return

The announcement by Kevin Feige that Joe and Anthony Russo, the Russo Brothers, will be joining the MCU again raised anticipation. The filmmaker team behind Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame will also be directing Avengers: Doomsday. Anthony Russo called Doctor Doom "one of the most entertaining and complex characters in fiction" and underlined the importance of bringing him to life. He referred to RDJ as "the greatest actor in the world" and emphasised how ideal he is for this part.

Doctor Doom Unveiled

Prior to revealing RDJ as Doctor Doom, Anthony Russo lauded the boundless potential of the Marvel Universe. He prepared the audience for the big revelation, in which RDJ appeared in full Doctor Doom attire and took centre stage. Fans expressed their happiness and excitement at RDJ's return to the MCU in this new avatar, and the response from the crowd was incredible.

Future MCU Projects

The Hollywood Reporter claims that RDJ will feature in two upcoming Avengers films. In addition to starring in Avengers: Doomsday, which is slated for release in May 2026, he is anticipated to return for Avengers: Secret Wars, which is slated for release in May 2027. RDJ will be collaborating with the Russo Brothers once more on this project; they were his collaborators on Captain America: Civil War (2016), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), and Avengers: Endgame (2019).