Avengers: Doomsday will have Robert Downey Jr. coming back to the MCU but in a different role. The Iron Man alum will be essaying the role of Doctor Doom, and carrying the character over to the next Avengers film, Secret Wars.
Given that Marvel was trying to replace Kang the Conqueror as a villain for the upcoming Phases in the MCU, it would make complete sense that the Doom that comes to the Marvel Cinematic Universe is not your run-of-mill ruler of Latveria, but the God Emperor at the center of the Multiverse itself.
Robert Downey Jr. God Emperor Doom would merit the second coming of Thanos
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been known to make light of its biggest threats to set up the stakes for films to come. Given that God Emperor Doom might be making his way into the MCU, pulling one particular fight right out of the comics could see the multiverse monarch go up against the villain of the last saga in the MCU, Thanos.
In the comics, particularly in 2015’s Secret Wars #8, God Emperor Doom found himself challenged by Thanos, albeit without his Infinity Stones. Now, given that the Thanos in the comics is a lot more aggressive and unstable, the films will have to make the scenario a little different to pit the Mad Titan against the Emperor of the Multiverse.
It is possible that in a montage, similar to the one depicted in Deadpool & Wolverine, Doctor Doom could be shown conquering the multiverse, and one such shot in the montage could be him reflecting the exact panel from the comics pictures above.
How will Doctor Doom function in the MCU?
Usually, whenever Doctor Doom makes an appearance in any media, it is assumed that the Fantastic Four are close by. However, thanks to the nature of the announcements at Comic-Con, it seems that The Fantastic Four will not be as related to Doctor Doom as they are in other media.
First and foremost, it seems that the character is a replacement for Kang the Conqueror. He is going to serve as an enemy for the Avengers to assemble against. The Fantastic Four will probably be more focused on Galactus and other villains in their rogues gallery.
Given that Robert Downey Jr. will be playing Doctor Doom, it is much more likely that is stakes are going to concern the Avengers as opposed to the Fantastic Four, who will be from a completely different universe to begin with.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is set to hit theatres on July 25, 2025.
Avengers: Doomsday will hit theatres in May 2026
