As you know by now, the great Robert Downey Jr is returning to the world of the MCU not as a superhero but rather as a villain. And we are not talking about just another ordinary villain from Marvel Comics. The former Iron Man actor has been chosen as the new Victor Von Doom, aka Doctor Doom.
Downey’s return to the MCU seemed inevitable, considering the Marvel fanbase’s growing demands to bring the actor back to the superhero franchise and the lackluster performances of many recent Marvel theatrical releases. But no one expected the Academy Award-winning actor to play one of the greatest villains in the history of Marvel Comics.
The recently concluded San Diego Comic-Con completely belonged to Marvel Studios, with exciting announcements and updates about many upcoming projects, including Captain America: Brave New World, The Fantastic 4: First Steps, Thunderbolts, Blade, Shang-Chi 2, Avengers: Doomsday, Avengers: Secret Wars, and more.
Speaking of Avengers: Doomsday, Kevin Feige disclosed that the project would primarily focus on Doctor Doom and lay the foundation for its highly-anticipated follow-up, Secret Wars. Fans went berserk after discovering RDJ’s face behind Doom’s mask at the event.
The reveal of Robert Downey Jr as Doctor Doom. pic.twitter.com/zvDBeMrrvN
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) July 28, 2024
But here’s the issue, people! Do we really need Robert Downey Jr to play Doctor Doom? As much as we welcome his return to the MCU, Downey’s addition to Avengers: Doomsday also displays Marvel’s desperation to replicate the success and hype of Infinity War and Endgame.
Downey immortalised Iron Man (Tony Stark) in the eyes of many Marvel fans, which is why it will be a nearly impossible task for the actor to repackage himself as Doctor Doom. Another concern about this scenario is related to the origins of Doom. RDJ’s return indicates that Marvel may alter Doom’s origin story, possibly making him an evil variant of Tony Stark from another timeline. It does not make any sense, tbh!
Although, directors Joe and Anthony Russo have confirmed that Doctor Doom’s real name will be Victor Von Doom in the upcoming Avengers movies, not Tony Stark. It means that Downey’s version of the popular villain may not end up sharing any link to Iron Man at all. Doom has a scarred face, which forces him to wear a mask. It is also possible that we may not even see the actor’s face for the majority in both of these Avengers movies.
“The Fantastic 4: First Steps” will take place in an alternate timeline, different from the MCU’s Sacred Timeline. In this alternate timeline, Victor Von Doom may happen to have the face of Tony Stark but shares no connection with him whatsoever. We don’t know how Marvel will play this game. Let’s hope they do well with Doctor Doom! Stay tuned for more updates.
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