Robert Downey Jr. Returns to MCU as Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday

Robert Downey Jr. Joins MCU as New Villain

Robert Downey Jr. is set to make his return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but this time he will not reprise his iconic role as Iron Man. Instead, he will portray the formidable villain Victor von Doom, also known as Doctor Doom, in the upcoming Multiverse Saga. The announcement made by Kevin Feige took many by surprise, especially since fans had previously said goodbye to Tony Stark in Avengers: Endgame. Interestingly, not all Marvel executives were on board with Stark's demise; Jon Favreau, who played a pivotal role in casting Downey as Iron Man and directed the first film, was particularly against it.

Jon Favreau's Role in Iron Man's Casting

Jon Favreau's Influence in the MCU

Jon Favreau is a key figure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, having not only directed the original Iron Man but also portrayed Harold "Happy" Hogan, Tony Stark's loyal friend and bodyguard. His contributions have been significant in shaping the franchise.

Favreau's Opposition to Iron Man's Death

Concerns Over Iron Man's Fate

During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Favreau shared his initial resistance to Iron Man's death during the planning stages of Endgame. He expressed his worries to directors Joe and Anthony Russo, fearing that the audience would not react well to the loss of such a beloved character. "I told the Russos, I don’t know if people are gonna like… it’s really going to impact people because they were kids that grew up with that character," he recalled while promoting his upcoming Star Wars project, The Mandalorian and Grogu.

However, Favreau later acknowledged the importance of the plot twist and commended the Russo brothers for their execution. He praised the performances of Gwyneth Paltrow and Robert Downey Jr., admitting, "I was wrong. I was choked up! Even though it’s a movie, those characters have been part of my life for so long."

Upcoming Marvel Project: Avengers: Doomsday

Marvel Prepares for Avengers: Doomsday

Marvel is currently preparing for the release of its next blockbuster, Avengers: Doomsday. Recently, Disney showcased exclusive footage at CinemaCon 2026, featuring 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 set to hit theaters worldwide on December 18, 2026.