Robert Downey Jr. was revealed to be cast as Marvel’s latest villain, Doctor Doom, — after playing the ironic debatable leader of the Avengers, Iron Man. 

Downey is all set to portray the character in the two upcoming Avengers movies, Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.  

After portraying Iron since 2008, Downey exited the franchise after his character’s death in 2019’s Avengers: Endgame, signifying the end of an era for both the actor and the Marvel Cinematic Universe.  

Beloved for his witty commentary and rich playboy lifestyle with a heart not of gold but Vibranium —Stark is a key figure in the MCU. Now, he’s ready to take on the role of a villain.  

Robert Downey Jr as Doctor Doom

Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige showed fans a sneak peek of the upcoming Avengers sequel “Avengers Dooms Day” releasing on May 1, 2026. Kevin Feige called actors in masks and robes on stage and also introduced the Russo brothers, Anthony and Joe Russo, as directors of the film. 

The Russo brothers called for the next villain forward in the Marvel Hall among the actors in masks and robes on stage to come forward, and to everyone’s surprise, Robert Downey Jr remove his mask, revealing himself as Doctor Doom. 

Downey said, “New mask, same task, what did I tell ya? I like playing complicated characters.” 

If you haven’t watched the Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom Marvel Hall H Reveal, here’s the video: 

Why is Downey the one playing Doom?  

Iron Man and Doctor Doom share a long history together in Marvel’s comic book universe. As we grapple with this surprise announcement, let’s explore the connection between Doom and Iron Man in the comics. 

In what comic do Iron man and Doom appear together? 

Doctor Doom is often seen as Fantastic Four villain, but he and Iron Man appear together in a number of comics.  

In a 1981 storyline, Doom quest, the two travel back in time to King Aurther’s court where the king team up with Iron Man to defeat Doctor Doom. 

In 2007, they starred in Mighty Avengers, where Stark is the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. and leads an invasion into Latveria, Doom’s home country, after Doom is accused of attacking on New York City. 

However, Iron Man and Doom aren’t always foes. After 2015’s Secret Wars, Doom changed his ways, restores his original appearance, and teams up with Stark in 2015’s Invincible Iron Man. 

Who is Doctor Doom? 

Doctor Doom’s (or Victor von Doom) origin has connection with the Reed Richards, the leader of the Fantastic Four or Mister Fantastic. They were once college roommates and competitors in school, where Doom obsessed with creating a machine to communicate with his dead mother.  

Despite Richards warnings, Doom proceeded with the machine and exploded it on his face, leaving him with scars. 

Though Mister Fantastic is Doom’s main nemesis, he also fought Iron Man several times. While Iron Man uses his genius mind and wealth to create his super suit, Doom uses his intelligence to learn magic in evil ways. Ironically, he also hides behind an iron mask. 

Let’s explore the superpowers he had that we never know. 

Doom superpowers we never knew 

• Time Travel 

• Resistance to telepathic control 

• Cosmic power 

• Teleportation  

• Mind Transference 

• Hypnotism 

• Sorcery  

• Genius-level intellect 

• Force fields 

• Summoning demons 

• Indomitable will 

• Technopathy  

• Possession 

• The infinity gauntlet and all its powers 

The MCU’s original Avengers, Chris Evans and Chris Hemsworth, appeared at Comic-Con on Thursday, July 25, promoting Deadpool & Wolverine and Transformers One, respectively and the next MCU film will be Captain America: Brave New World, to be released in theatres on Feb. 14, 2025.