Robert Downey Jr. is set to make a return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), but not as Iron Man. Instead, Downey will portray the villainous Doctor Doom in a new “Avengers” film titled “Avengers: Doomsday,” directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, who are also making their return to Marvel. The Russo brothers will lead two upcoming “Avengers” movies: “Doomsday,” which will introduce Victor von Doom/Doctor Doom, and “Avengers: Secret Wars.”
Although Downey hinted in recent interviews about a potential return to Marvel, fans assumed he would reprise his iconic role as Tony Stark/Iron Man. His comeback as the antagonist Doctor Doom took everyone by surprise, especially the enthusiastic crowd at Marvel’s San Diego Comic-Con presentation. Downey made a triumphant appearance at Hall H on Saturday evening to announce his return.
Downey first appeared as the charismatic genius Tony Stark in 2008’s “Iron Man,” the inaugural film of the MCU created by Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige. Over the next 11 years, he played Stark in 10 Marvel films, including “Iron Man 2,” “Iron Man 3,” “The Incredible Hulk,” “The Avengers,” “Captain America: Civil War,” “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” “Avengers: Infinity War,” and “Avengers: Endgame.”
Now, Downey returns to Marvel, but as Doctor Doom. The actor had been vocal this year about his willingness to rejoin the franchise. In an interview with Esquire magazine after his Oscar win for “Oppenheimer,” Downey was asked if he would consider returning to the MCU as an Academy Award winner. He responded without hesitation.
“Happily. It’s too integral a part of my DNA,” Downey said. “That role chose me. And look, I always say, ‘Never, ever bet against Kevin Feige.’ It is a losing bet. He’s the house. He will always win,” he added.
Earlier, this year, Downey received an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Lewis Strauss in Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer”. Recently, he appeared in Park Chan-wook’s HBO miniseries “The Sympathizer,” where he played CIA operative Claude and several other roles, earning an Emmy nomination for Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Anthology.
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