Robert Downey Jr. Makes a Surprising Return to the MCU as Doctor Doom!
A New Chapter for Robert Downey Jr. in the MCU
Robert Downey Jr. is set to make a comeback in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but this time he won't be donning the Iron Man suit. Instead, he will take on the role of Victor von Doom, famously known as Doctor Doom, in the upcoming Multiverse Saga. The announcement by Kevin Feige caught many off guard, especially since fans had bid farewell to Tony Stark in Avengers: Endgame. However, not all Marvel veterans were on board with Stark's demise. Jon Favreau, who played a pivotal role in casting Downey as Iron Man, was particularly opposed to the character's death.
Jon Favreau's Influence on the MCU
Jon Favreau's Role in Casting
Jon Favreau is a key figure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, known for his portrayal of Harold "Happy" Hogan, Tony Stark's loyal bodyguard and friend. He was instrumental in bringing Robert Downey Jr. into the role of Iron Man.
Favreau's Concerns About Iron Man's Fate
Opposition to Iron Man's Death
In a recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Favreau shared his reservations about Iron Man's death during the planning of Endgame. He had cautioned directors Joe and Anthony Russo about the potential backlash from fans regarding the loss of such a cherished character. "I told the Russos, ‘I don’t know if people are gonna like this… it’s going to impact audiences because they grew up with that character,’" Favreau recalled while promoting his new Star Wars project, The Mandalorian and Grogu.
Despite his initial concerns, Favreau later praised the storytelling of the Russos, acknowledging the emotional weight of the scene. "It was handled so well by them. Gwyneth [Paltrow] and Robert [Downey Jr.] delivered such powerful performances, adding depth to the moment. I was wrong; I was genuinely moved! These characters have been a significant part of my life for years," he admitted.
Excitement Builds for Avengers: Doomsday
Marvel's Upcoming Film
Marvel is gearing up for the release of its highly anticipated film, Avengers: Doomsday. Recently, Disney unveiled exclusive footage at CinemaCon 2026, showcasing characters like Doctor Doom, Steve Rogers, and Thor. This film promises to merge the Avengers with the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, and the Thunderbolts, and is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on December 18, 2026.