Iron Man actor, Robert Downey Jr to return to Marvel as Doctor Doom
Robert Downey Jr is set to return to the Marvel superhero world after a five-year hiatus, but not as Iron Man, the role that catapulted the blockbuster franchise.
The actor will make his comeback as Dr. Victor Von Doom, a major villain in the comic books that inspired the film series.
Downey Jr will debut as Doctor Doom in “Avengers: Doomsday,” scheduled for release in May 2026, and will appear again in “Secret Wars” the following year.
The announcement was made at the Comic-Con event in San Diego, where Downey Jr appeared on stage hidden behind Doctor Doom’s iconic mask and green cloak before revealing his identity to the fans.
Speaking to reporters, he said: “I like playing complicated characters.”
The 59-year-old was instrumental in launching the Marvel movie universe, starring in its first film Iron Man in 2008.
He last appeared in a Marvel film in 2019’s Avengers: Endgame.
The American actor won an Oscar for his role in Oppenheimer earlier this year.
Marvel is set to release a further three films in 2025 before Avengers returns to big screens.
In “Captain America: Brave New World,” Harrison Ford will replace the late William Hurt as General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross.
Florence Pugh is set to take on a leading role in “Thunderbolts,” while Pedro Pascal will make his Marvel debut in “The Fantastic 4: First Steps.”
Disney’s Marvel movie series have grossed $30 billion (£23.3 billion) in box office takings, making it the first franchise to reach this milestone, although profits have slowed in recent years.
However, the recent release of “Deadpool & Wolverine,” starring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, has shown potential for a revival, earning $96 million on its opening day last Friday.
Last year, Marvel dropped actor Jonathan Majors, who played the villain Kang the Conqueror, following his conviction for assaulting his girlfriend.
“New mask, same task.”
Robert Downey Jr. surprises Hall H to announce his return to the MCU as Doctor Doom. pic.twitter.com/j1SEjzse3p
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) July 28, 2024