SEAToday.com, Jakarta - Robert Downey Jr. is set to rejoin the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), but this time as the infamous villain Doctor Doom (Victor Von Doom) in two upcoming Marvel films, Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.

Joe and Anthony Russo, directors of the last two Avengers films, revealed in an interview with Entertainment Tonight how seriously Downey is approaching his return to the MCU.

"The character development process has been incredibly intense. He [Robert Downey Jr.] is deeply invested and extremely focused," Joe Russo said as quoted on Antara. "From character backstory to costume ideas… I think he really enjoys playing rich, three-dimensional characters, and he sees a real opportunity with this role."

At San Diego Comic-Con 2024, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige surprised fans by announcing Downey’s return—not as Iron Man, but as one of Marvel’s most beloved villains.

Fans had believed Downey’s time in the MCU ended with Iron Man’s death in Avengers: Endgame (2019). However, he shocked audiences at Comic-Con, appearing on stage at Hall H in a mask and cloak alongside other costumed actors.

"A new mask, but the same mission. What did I tell you? I love playing complex characters," Downey said, as quoted on Antara.

Doctor Doom has previously been portrayed by Joseph Culp in the unreleased 1994 Fantastic Four, Julian McMahon in Fantastic Four (2005) and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007), and Toby Kebbell in the ill-fated 2015 Fantastic Four reboot.

While the Infinity Saga centered around Thanos (Josh Brolin) as the primary antagonist, the Multiverse Saga will introduce Doctor Doom as the next major villain in Avengers: Doomsday.

Downey’s return marks a dramatic shift from his previous MCU role, as Iron Man sacrificed himself to save the world in Avengers: Endgame.

Avengers: Doomsday is slated for release in May 2026, followed by Avengers: Secret Wars in May 2027.

Writer: Andi Raisa Malaha Thambas