The rich tapestry of the Marvel Cinematic Universe has led to the buildup of some of the most riveting storylines and legendary endeavors that none have managed to replicate. With its multiversal element still intact and in full bloom, it provides an added possibility for an even grander narrative. So with the recent introduction of Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom, fans believe that Marvel is playing a long and pretty enticing game.
As per a recent fan theory floating around, RDJ might just be a stand-in for an even mightier Doctor Doom, potentially played by none other than Cillian Murphy. Thus, knocking Secret Wars right out of the park, the MCU, as per fans, is planning an even greater story than the 2019 blockbuster, Avengers: Endgame.
Fan Theory: Robert Downey Jr. is Just a Stand-In, the Worst is Yet to Come
Robert Downey Jr. gave fans one of the best superhero portrayals of all time when he starred as Tony Stark/Iron Man in the MCU. Credited to have laid the foundation of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Downey will forever and ever be known as the titular superhero. As fans continue to see him inseparable from his iconic Marvel role, he has a new challenge ahead of him: portraying another iconic character from Marvel mythos, Doctor Doom.
A debatable feat, RDJ’s casting has naturally raised the stakes for it would be hard for him to step aside from the shadow of his previous Marvel role. Yet, a fan theory believes this is exactly why he has been cast as one of Marvel’s greatest villains. As per a Reddit user, Downey’s Doom might just be a stand-in for the ‘real’ and truly invincible Victor Von Doom.
Casting the Oscar-winning actor would allow Marvel to portray him as an indestructible Doom, who does some extraordinary feats in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. Either kickstarting the creation of Battleworld or laying the foundation of Secret Wars, the theory states that Marvel could show RDJ’s Doom as the ultimate adversary only to end up with him being murdered by the ‘real’ Doom at the end of Doomsday, potentially played by the fan-favorite Cillian Murphy.
If Marvel does follow suit, such an event would not only cement the real Doom as the ultimate villain but also open up a thrilling sense of unpredictability, keeping fans on edge about who holds the true power as the saga unfolds.
Cillian Murphy as the Ultimate Doom: The Perfect Conqueror for Secret Wars
Not only would such a feat provide Downey with an ample amount of time to shine, but this twist could help symbolize the multiverse’s instability while allowing for an even more grand antagonist to come through. And as per popular fan-casting, Cillian Murphy would be the best choice to play the Ultimate Doctor Doom.
Renowned for his acting prowess and enigmatic presence, Murphy is an ideal candidate for the ultimate version of Doctor Doom. The Oscar-winning actor, as per the fans, can imbue Doom with an intellectual menace and intensity that would make him a worthy adversary for Earth’s mightiest heroes in Avengers: Secret Wars.
Can be poised as a mastermind lurking behind the scenes, this feat can get even more interesting if RDJ is to portray Doctor Doom as a reflection of Tony Stark’s shadow self — an arrogant genius turned tyrant, with Murphy being the purest and most dangerous form of Doom. Not only giving fans a villain who is not only powerful but nuanced, strategic, and terrifyingly intelligent, the MCU could elevate itself with such a thrilling set of narrative.
Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to be released on May 1, 2026, while Avengers: Secret Wars is scheduled to be released on May 7, 2027.
