After over a decade of portraying “Iron Man” (Tony Stark) in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Robert Downey Jr. is making a bold shift, stepping into the role of Doctor Doom (Victor Von Doom), the iconic villain from the Fantastic Four comics, in two upcoming Marvel films.
In a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, co-directors Joe and Anthony Russo were asked about working with Downey again for Avengers: Doomsday and how he’s preparing for the villainous role. Joe Russo shared, “It’s a very intense process developing the character. He’s so immersed in it. He is so dialed in.” Anthony Russo added, “[Downey’s] writing backstory, costume ideas … I think he just loves really rich, three-dimensional characters and I think he sees a real opportunity here with that character.”
The announcement that Downey would return to the MCU was made at Comic-Con in July, where Downey surprised the crowd by removing his mask to reveal the sinister visage of Doctor Doom. Fans had assumed his time in the MCU had ended with Iron Man’s sacrifice in Avengers: Endgame, but Downey addressed the audience with a cryptic “New mask, same task.” Joe Russo, who was also onstage, remarked, “If we’re going to bring Victor Von Doom to the screen — he is one of the more complex characters in all of comics … then we are going to need the greatest actor in the world.”
This unexpected transformation from hero to villain is generating massive excitement as Downey dives into the complex world of Doctor Doom, a character with both intellectual brilliance and a tragic backstory. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see how Downey will bring this iconic antagonist to life.
