Iron Man legend Robert Downey Jr has confirmed he’s returning as Doctor Doom in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the upcoming film Avengers: Doomsday.
The movie star made a surprise return at San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday, and took to the stage wearing a mask and green cloak before unveiling he was the face behind Doctor Doom – welcome back Robert Downey Jr.
The Marvel star reveal came after it was announced Joe and Anthony Russo will also return to direct the next two Avengers movies. Avengers 5, originally titled Avengers: The Kang Dynasty had been scrapped, and is now called Doomsday.
Robert Downey Jr’s casting as Doctor Doom is “proof of the unimaginable possibilities in the Marvel multi-universe” the Russos said. Downey Jr played Marvel legend Tony Stark, known as Iron Man, in the nine films.
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‘Robert Downey Jr is the greatest actor in the world to play Doctor Doom’
“I mean, this is potentially one of the more entertaining characters in all of fiction,” they teased before the celebrity‘s unveiling.
“If we’re gonna do this, if we’re gonna bring him to movie theaters worldwide, then I think were gonna need the greatest actor in the world to play that character.”
After he revealed himself to the crowd, he said: “New mask, same task. What’d I tell you, I like playing complicated characters”.
Avengers: Doomsday will be the start of the end of the MCU’s Phase 6, set to release in May 2026. Avengers: Secret Wars will follow in May 2027.
Fans are ecstatic over the news, with one writing: “Historic. He’s the GOAT ladies and gentleman”.
Another said: “The real Marvel Jesus,” followed by someone else who echoed: “Standing ovation, baby!”
But not all are convinced. One Twitter user declared: “I have a hard time seeing Robert Downey Jr as Doctor Doom, it’ll be too weird in my opinion”.
“I’m gonna be the only one who thinks this isn’t good news lol,” quipped another.
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