The most stunning news to come out of Comic-Con thus far was the Marvel Cinematic Universe bringing back Robert Downey Jr. to play Doctor Doom in a pair of upcoming Avengers films.
The decision to recast the actor, one of the MCU’s biggest stars, as one of its greatest villains was met with applause, backlash, and even confusion, including from Downey Jr.’s Iron Man co-star Gwyneth Paltrow.
In Downey Jr.’s Instagram post announcing his intention to play Doctor Doom, Paltrow — who is notoriously unaware of the intricacies of the MCU and has, at times, forgotten what Marvel movies she’s appeared in — jumped into the comments to admit, “I don’t get it, are you a baddie now?” (Via Variety.)
It’s currently unclear what Marvel’s plans are with Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom, whether he’s an evil multiverse version of his trademark Tony Stark or if he’ll play a Victor Von Doom that happens to bear a strong likeness to the man in the Iron Man suit; various comic book series allow for either possibility.
For now, Downey Jr.’s Doom is first set to appear in the newly announced Avengers: Doomsday — which takes the place of the canceled Avengers: Kang Dynasty — out May 1, 2026, followed by Avengers: Secret Wars on May 7, 2027. Both films will be directed by the Russo brothers, who will also rejoin the MCU after last helming Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.
Michaela Coel in ‘The Christophers.’Claudette Barius/NEON
