Robert Downey Jr. returns to the MCU as Doctor Doom
Downey, who played Iron Man for over a decade, will play Doctor Doom in "Avengers: Doomsday," scheduled for release in May 2026.
Robert Downey Jr. has revealed that he will return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Doctor Doom in the upcoming film Avengers: Doomsday. The announcement was made by Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige and Downey Jr. at San Diego Comic-Con 2024.
Kevin Feige also confirmed that Joe and Anthony Russo will direct "Avengers: Doomsday." The Russo Brothers, who directed previous MCU films including "Infinity War" and "Endgame," were present at the announcement.
"If we’re going to bring Doctor Doom to the screen — he is one of the most complex characters, most entertaining characters in all of fiction," Anthony Russo said, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. "If we’re going to do this … then we are going to need the greatest actor in the world." Robert Downey Jr. then appeared on stage in an olive-green robe and revealed himself as Doctor Doom.
Downey, who played Iron Man for over a decade, will play Doctor Doom in "Avengers: Doomsday," scheduled for release in May 2026, and "Avengers: Secret Wars," set for May 2027.
The announcement follows a successful opening weekend for "Deadpool & Wolverine" and signals renewed interest in the MCU. The next "Fantastic Four" movie, starring Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic and Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, is scheduled for release in July 2025.
