“He would have been better than RDJ”: Upsetting Marvel Rumor Claims Marvel Went With Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom to Play it Safe Instead of Another MCU Star Who Was Born for the Role

The world rejoiced when Robert Downey Jr. removed his Doctor Doom mask at the San Diego Comic-Con 2024. It was finally time for Downey Jr.’s return to the MCU.

However, there was another, more capable actor who was in talks with Marvel Studios for the role of Doctor Doom. As per speculations, Marvel allegedly went ahead with the safer choice.

Marvel Allegedly Played It Safe With Robert Downey Jr.

In Hollywood, there are several actors who are meant to portray a villainous role. Be it Heath Ledger, Jared Leto, Joaquin Phoenix, or, Colin Farrell, these actors have a face that would suit a villain (not that they are villains in real life).

One actor amongst them is so iconic that he replaced Johnny Depp in the Fantastic Beasts franchise during the infamous defamation trial. We are talking about Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen.

Known for portraying the role of a young Hannibal Lecter in the TV show Hannibal and Gellert Grindelwald in the Fantastic Beasts franchise, Mikkelsen is truly a fascinating villainous actor. As per a report, the actor was in talks with Marvel Studios for the role of Doctor Doom.

Mads Mikkelsen was reportedly in talks with Marvel Studios to play Doctor Doom, but they went with the safe choice instead. 😡 pic.twitter.com/Tn3MjiC5W2

— Physical Media (@PhysicalMedia_) August 18, 2024

However, Marvel Studios allegedly decided to play it safe and hired (or rather re-hired) Downey Jr. for “New mask. Same task”. Sure enough, people were happy to see Downey Jr. return.

But, upon hearing that Mikkelsen was also considered for the role of Doctor Doom, the people had a different reaction as they took to their social media accounts to voice their opinions.

Fans Think Mads Mikkelsen Would Make A Great Villain!

Mikkelsen portrayed the role of Kaecilius in the 2016 film Doctor Strange and was much loved for his portrayal. Despite the actor already being a part of the MCU, fans stated that they had no problem with Mikkelsen portraying Doctor Doom.

Taking to their social media accounts on X, fans talked about how great Mads Mikkelsen would have been as Doctor Doom. Some even went as far as to claim that Mikkelsen would have been better than Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom!

He would have been better than RDJ tbh

— DudeBro (@imdudebro) August 18, 2024

Madds would have ben a perfect DOOM, even if he already played another MCU character.

— TKA (@TkaPublishing) August 18, 2024

Abysmal if true. We could have had peak.

— Chase (@CyberStrands) August 18, 2024

How the hell is Mads Mikkelsen unsafe?

— Perpetual Vanessa Brain Rot 🇺🇲 (@HollowAfro) August 19, 2024

Would have made a great Doctor Doom. Love RDJ but he’s too typecast as Iron Man.

— Duke (@DukeWoodson) August 19, 2024

I like RDJ a lot, but Mads would have been great without needing an "adjustment" moment for audience.

— Gregory (@gregzilla901) August 19, 2024

THAT WAS THE SAFE CHOICE!

— Squirrelmob (@Squirrelmob75) August 19, 2024

Marvel really missed the mark on this one. Mads Mikkelsen as Doctor Doom would've been perfect, but of course, they went for the safe option. Disappointing.

— Nekole🇺🇲 (@NekoleUnknown) August 19, 2024

Well, Marvel Studios surely must have their own sets of reasons for picking Robert Downey Jr. over Mads Mikkelsen. However, this is still a speculation as a confirmed report hasn’t been made available yet.

Downey Jr. is all set to portray the role of Doctor Doom in the upcoming MCU film Avengers: Doomsday. The film is currently set for a release date of 1 May 2026 in theaters across the world.

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