Actor Robert Downey Jr. discusses his Marvel comeback as Doctor Doom
Fresh take on Marvel's Villain
Hey there! Get ready for some mind-blowing news from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)! Robert Downey Jr., who famously played Iron Man, will be stepping into a completely new role as the notorious villain, Doctor Doom, in the 2026 blockbuster, Avengers: Doomsday. While the dough may have been a factor, Downey himself has revealed that there were other compelling reasons behind this exciting reunion with Marvel and Disney.
The actor, who has been on close terms with key MCU bigwigs like Kevin Feige, shared his thoughts on the Hollywood Reporter's Awards Chatter podcast. He reminisced about their camaraderie and how the idea of returning to the MCU wasn't just about hauling in more dosh; it was also about the deep bonds they'd forged and the incredible advancements in filmmaking technology that Disney has been pioneering.
"Kev and I are pals," Downey explained. "Favreau, Feige, and I have stayed in touch. I'm tight with the Russo Brothers; we're doing other stuff together. I figured I'd pitch an idea to Bob Iger for enhancing Disney's location-based entertainment."
The conversation took an unexpected turn when Feige brought up the prospect of Downey returning to the MCU. Susan, his wife and producing partner, was taken aback. "Susan asked, 'Wait, come back as what?' I was like, 'Whaaaat?' It took us some time to grasp the sheer brilliance of Feige's idea. And voila - Doctor Doom!"
Before sealing the deal, Downey recalled, he and Susan discussed the proposition with Feige. "I said to Kevin, 'Can I talk to Bob Iger?' He asked, 'About what?' I said, 'About everything.' And that's how we found ourselves at Iger's pad, discussing the potential return to the MCU."
Feeling bowled over by the state-of-the-art technology at Disney's research and development hub, Disney's Imagineering Campus, Downey couldn't help but tease the exciting things they experienced. "Let's just say that they managed to amaze not one, but two hard-to-please fellas like me and Iger!" he said, leaving fans itching to find out more.
So, what's the lowdown on this mysterious return? Guess we'll have to wait until May 1, 2026, when the Russo Brothers-directed Avengers: Doomsday hits the screens to decode this enigma!
Curious to know where the MCU is headed? Check out the latest updates on upcoming Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, the future of the DC Universe on film and TV, and the latest dope on Doctor Who, right here.
- Robert Downey Jr., famed for his role as Iron Man, will be portraying Doctor Doom in the Marvel Cinematic Universe's (MCU) upcoming 2026 film, Avengers: Doomsday.
- Downey expressed his excitement about rejoining Marvel and Disney, citing not only financial gains but also the bonds he'd formed and advancements in filmmaking technology.
- During a conversation with Feige, Downey was surprised when the topic of his return to the MCU came up, and his wife Susan was taken aback when asked about his potential new character.
- After discussions with Feige and Iger, Downey and his wife felt enthused by the technology they witnessed at Disney's research and development hub, leaving fans eager to learn more about future advancements in the industry.
