Why Robert Downey Jr is a Perfect Dr Doom
Robert Downey Jr. is set to portray Doctor Doom in several upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe films. Although the casting decision has sparked mixed reactions, the positives outweigh the negatives. Downey, a major star in the MCU, gained fame by launching the franchise in 2008 with Iron Man. After seemingly exiting the MCU in 2019’s ‘Avengers: Endgame,’ Marvel surprised fans at San Diego Comic-Con by announcing his return as Doctor Doom.
He will debut in ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps,’ appearing in a mid or post-credits scene, before taking a leading role in 2026’s ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ and 2027’s ‘Avengers: Secret Wars.’ Downey’s casting as Doctor Doom is one of the most thrilling in MCU history and here’s why it might just be perfect.
Also Read: Dr Doom: Everything You Need to Know
Robert Downey Jr. Can be a Great Villain
Robert Downey Jr. could excel as Doctor Doom, given his ability to use his voice to enhance a character’s presence. As Doom often wears a mask due to his scarred face, conveying emotion through voice is crucial. Downey’s portrayal of Iron Man in the MCU, where Tony Stark frequently appeared behind his suit of armour, showcased his talent for expressing a range of emotions.
This skill makes Downey a strong candidate to portray Doctor Doom, presenting a compelling villain both with and without the mask. Downey’s Doctor Doom is expected to debut in ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ next year, offering fans an exciting first look.
Kang the Conqueror
Though Doctor Doom and Kang the Conqueror are distinct villains, the MCU could still retain some of its initial plans for Jonathan Majors’ Kang. This could involve a multiverse team of villain variants confronting the Avengers and other heroes in ‘Avengers: Doomsday.’ The Council of Kangs might be replaced by the Parliament of Doom, a multiverse team comprising Victor von Dooms from various universes.
RDJ could assume Majors’ role, portraying multiple Doctor Doom variants in the MCU’s Avengers films. Downey’s versatility could ensure each Doctor Doom variant feels unique, preserving the positive aspects of Marvel’s plans and allowing Downey to fully explore the character.
Iron Man
With Robert Downey Jr. back in the MCU, there’s a good chance he might play Iron Man again, despite being announced as Doctor Doom. Downey has expressed interest in reprising his role as Tony Stark, after years away from the character. The Multiverse Saga presents opportunities for him to portray both Doctor Doom and Iron Man, possibly in the upcoming Avengers films.
The best scenario for this would be in the 2027 film, ‘Avengers: Secret Wars,’ which is expected to feature many MCU and multiverse characters. This could include an Iron Man variant played by Downey, setting the stage for a memorable showdown between the MCU’s original hero and its new main villain, both portrayed by RDJ.
The Russo Brothers
A recent report reveals that Robert Downey Jr. stipulated the return of the Russo Brothers as directors for the next two Avengers films as a condition for his return to the MCU. The Russo Brothers, who have directed Downey in ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier,’ ‘Civil War,’ ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ and ‘Endgame,’ have a proven track record with the actor.
Their collaboration has yielded significant success, making Downey’s comeback as Doctor Doom even more thrilling. Their previous films showcased Downey’s Iron Man in a pivotal role, particularly in ‘Civil War,’ which highlighted his most nuanced performance. This track record suggests that Downey’s portrayal of Doctor Doom under the Russo Brothers’ direction will be equally compelling.
The Multiverse Saga
The Multiverse Saga has featured only a handful of projects that explore the multiverse, but these have resulted in some of the franchise’s standout moments. By casting Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom, Marvel guarantees that this villain will be intricately connected to the multiverse. Downey’s version of Victor von Doom is expected to be a variant of Tony Stark.
When ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ arrives and the Avengers must confront Doctor Doom, Downey’s portrayal could bring unique and emotional moments, especially in scenes involving characters like Tom Holland’s Spider-Man or Don Cheadle’s War Machine. The new villain’s resemblance to Tony Stark will offer rich storytelling opportunities as heroes reconcile this new threat with their past connections to Stark.
