Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr. set the screens on fire with their incredible performances in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer this year. The two are expected to receive nominations and accolades in various upcoming award events. Audiences have been praising the exciting pairing of the actors and their intense chemistry on-screen.
While Downey Jr. has made a name for himself in the comic book world as Iron Man, Murphy himself has yet to delve into the fantasy world of superheroes. However, it seems that might change as rumors are swirling that he is eyed for an iconic Marvel villain role and a possible reunion with Downey Jr in the MCU multiverse.
Robert Downey Jr. and Cillian Murphy Rumored to Be in Avengers: Secret Wars
Back when Avengers: Secret Wars was announced in 2022, Marvel fans couldn’t contain their excitement as the Secret Wars storyline in the comics is one of the most beloved ones in the Marvel lore. However, with the current lull phase of the MCU and plans of rectifying potential mistakes in the future, delays and various reworkings are currently going on in the MCU.
The film is now scheduled for release in 2027 and many rumors have been circulated about who will appear in the film. A new rumor from a user on X named MyTimeToShineHello has suggested that Marvel is eyeing Cillian Murphy for the role of Doctor Doom in the MCU.
Robert Downey Jr. is also rumored to be returning as Superior Iron Man, a villainous variant of his MCU character in the film. This would provide an excellent opportunity for the two actors to reunite again after Oppenheimer. Fans took to X to give their approval of Murphy’s potential casting as Doctor Doom,
Finally something that makes sense
— Roy Glez (@theroygonzalez) November 26, 2023
Another blockbuster Lessgooo pic.twitter.com/1bx582DYtb
— 𝐒𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐲𝐚𝐬𝐌𝐒𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐧™ (@Itzshreyas07) November 26, 2023
Murphy is a great actor and I can see him playing Doctor Doom 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Uax8GDD1Wf
— Boodle (@BoodleNft) November 26, 2023
My goodness this would be great
— 𐌊𐌉𐌍Ᏽ 𐌁’𐌂𐋅𐌀𐌋𐌋𐌀 (@kingbchalla) November 26, 2023
please, this would be the best casting
— Vegod (@Vegod_) November 26, 2023
It has been also rumored that actor Mads Mikkelsen is also in the running for the Doctor Doom role. It remains to be seen if the character will appear in future MCU films (maybe introduced in Fantastic Four) and who they end up casting in the role.
Also read: Even Before Oscars, Cillian Murphy Has Already Won an Award for Oppenheimer
Robert Downey Jr. Has Never Seen A Greater Sacrifice As What Cillian Murphy Did
Robert Downey Jr. and Cillian Murphy appeared alongside each other in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer. For Murphy, it was a big undertaking as he had the enormous responsibility of portraying a figure who was a leading name in the scientific world, while also showing his vulnerable side.
Downey Jr. who played Lewis Strauss in the film was astonished with the level of dedication and commitment Murphy put into the role. He even went on to say that the level of sacrifice Murphy made by Murphy to perfect the role is something that he has never witnessed in his life. Downey Jr told People Magazine,
“He knew it was going to be a behemoth ask when Chris called him. But I think he also had the humility that is required to survive playing a role like this. We’d be like, ‘Hey, we got a three-day weekend.
Maybe we’ll go antiquing in Santa Fe. What are you going to do?’ ‘Oh, I have to learn 30,000 words of Dutch. Have a nice time.’ But that’s the nature of the ask. I have never witnessed a greater sacrifice by a lead actor in my career.”
Murphy’s performance received universal acclaim and people around the world celebrated his incredible performance playing J. Robert Oppenheimer. His unique way of showing emotion and vulnerability by doing so little was praised by all. The film also became a huge success at the box office.
