Robert Downey Jr. returns to the Marvel Universe as Dr. Doom.
Tl;dr
- Robert Downey Jr. returns to the Marvel Universe as Dr. Doom.
- The film Avengers: Doomsday will highlight this character.
- The Marvel multiverse would allow RDJ to play a dark version of Tony Stark.
- Doom will first be introduced as an antagonist for Fantastic Four.
Robert Downey Jr.: An unexpected return to the Marvel universe
Thrilling the entire audience at San Diego Comic-Con, Marvel Studios revealed that iconic Iron Man actor Robert Downey Jr. is set to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)… but this time, as Doctor Doom.
The fifth major installment of the Marvel saga, initially titled Avengers: The Kang Dynastywas renamed Avengers: Doomsdayfocusing on the classic and fearsome Victor von Doom. One might rightly wonder how RDJ, who has long been one of the MCU’s greatest heroes, could embody one of its greatest villains.
The Role of the Multiverse in RDJ’s Return
Currently, the MCU is in the thick of its multiverse saga. The concepts of multiple variants of heroes and villains from other realities, timelines, and dimensions have been clearly established. Therefore, the idea of RDJ returning as Doctor Doom, a darker version of Tony Stark, seems entirely plausible in this context.
As the Russo brothers pointed out at San Diego Comic-Con: “As proof of the unimaginable possibilities of the Marvel Multiverse, we present to you the one person who could play Victor von Doom.” That’s when RDJ appeared, revealing his new role.
The Fantastic Four alternate setting
While Doctor Doom is a major threat to several heroes in the Marvel Universe, he is first and foremost the arch-rival of the Fantastic Four and the true enemy of Reed Richards, aka Mr. Fantastic. It has already been confirmed that Fantastic Four: First Steps will take place in an alternate retro-futuristic reality than the main MCU, which could facilitate the introduction of RDJ as a dark variant of Iron Man becoming Doom in that timeline.
What do you think?
Robert Downey Jr.’s return to the Marvel Universe is a bold and intriguing choice. His portrayal of Dr. Doom, a complex and fascinating character, will be a real challenge for the actor. It could also open the door to some interesting new dynamics and unexpected twists in the MCU. Fans are certainly eager to see how this storyline plays out.
