The world hasn't been the same ever since the San Diego Comic-Con 2024 Hall H event, where it was revealed that Robert Downey Jr. is returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe—but not as Iron Man. The actor was introduced as Doctor Doom, and it was announced that he will be the big bad in a movie titled Avengers: Doomsday. The chaos this news caused was unparalleled, leaving everyone shocked and full of questions. Many wondered how the studio would address the fact that Doctor Doom and Tony Stark look exactly the same. Initially, fans speculated that Doom might be a Tony Stark variant from another universe gone bad. However, RDJ has now confirmed that he is indeed playing Victor Von Doom, not Tony Stark.

Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom Is Victor Von Doom

For the uninitiated, Robert Downey Jr.'s Iron Man heroically dies in Avengers: Endgame while saving Earth-616 from Thanos. His return as Tony Stark has been one of the most anticipated events in the fandom. However, his return is not as Iron Man but as Doctor Doom. Now, he talks about his decision to take on the role and confirms that he is indeed playing Victor Von Doom, putting the Tony Stark variant theory to rest. Read on to know more.

According to Comic Book Movie, Robert Downey Jr. discussed the inception, confirmation, and execution of the idea of bringing him back as Doctor Doom in the MCU. He recalls how it all began with his desire to be of use to Bob Iger outside the MCU and to contribute to what was happening in the parks. The actor then recounted sitting down with Kevin Feige to discuss the demand for his return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe and how to make it worth the anticipation.

Speaking about how they arrived at the idea of Doctor Doom and how he is Victor Von Doom, Robert Downey Jr. said, “Then we both realized over time that it was another thing that just disproves any doubt anyone could ever have about that guy—a very sophisticated creative thinker—about how we can avoid going backwards, how we can avoid disappointing expectations, how we can continue to exceed expectations. And he brought up Victor Von Doom. I looked up this character and I was like, 'Wow.' Later, Kevin said, 'Let’s get Victor Von Doom right. Let's get that right.'"

"So then I said to Kevin, 'Can I go talk to Bob Iger?' He goes, 'About?' I go, 'About everything.' I'd gone to Bob's house, and I don't know how to describe that experience. I've had a lot of really cool experiences, but I go to Iger's pad, we sit down, and he goes, 'I like it.' I was like, 'He likes it.' He said, 'Come by the Imagineering Campus.' Feige and I go to the Imagineering Campus, and you want to talk about two guys who are not easily impressed—let alone at the same time...I can't say too much, but what’s going on there right now is so beyond my expectation of what was possible,” Robert Downey Jr. added.

Doctor Doom in the MCU

It’s clear that Doctor Doom has an Avengers movie named after him, Avengers: Doomsday, but how will he enter the MCU and eventually become the big bad who wreaks havoc in Doomsday? The latest rumors suggest that he will be introduced in the post-credit scene of The Fantastic Four, where he will be seen killing the entire Council of Kangs, effectively giving Jonathan Majors’ villain a farewell and paving the way for Doom to become the next major antagonist. Stay tuned to Mobile Masala for more information on this and everything else from the world of streaming and films.

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