Despite numerous rumors that went around about Robert Downey Jr. returning to the MCU as Doctor Doom, the majority of fans never bought a single word of it because, first and foremost, he will always be Iron Man. Now, the illusion has been shattered after it was revealed at the San Diego Comic-Con that he’s playing Doctor Doom after all.
This revelation elicited varied reactions from fans. Doctor Doom is now tasked to be the menacing figure in the MCU after Jonathan Majors messed up and left Kang the Conqueror’s fate hanging by a thread.
Robert Downey Jr. Returns To MCU As Doctor Doom
For the past few months, Robert Downey Jr. expressed willingness to return to the MCU. He told Esquire that he would “happily” come back to the franchise because it is “too integral” in his life. He also added: “I always say, ‘Never, ever bet against Kevin Feige.’ It is a losing bet. He’s the house. He will always win.”
And winning, he did – Kevin Feige, the boss of the Marvel Studios, managed to bring back the Iron Man actor into the fold, but not as what fans hoped for. Many have been wishing for his return as Tony Stark, whether as a variant or in a flashback, literally anything just to see him once again. In the end, he comes back as the villain.
Industry insider Jeff Sneider previously shared a scoop about hearing Downey Jr. making a possible return in a future Avengers movie. The source claimed he would be a Stark Variant that would transform into Doctor Doom.
As bizarre as that sounds, the Oscar-winning actor actually attempted to win the role in 2005’s Fantastic Four so this is not his first brush with the character. In an interview via Marvel Entertainment, director Jon Favreau said to Feige: “I remember you had all met with [Downey] already for like Doctor Doom or something on another project.” Almost two decades later, he finally got the part.
The Doctor Doom revelation at the SDCC was not only shocking news but also a strategic plan, as per fans. They believe Feige set it up for everyone to forget about Jonathan Majors’ blunder. After all, whatever happened to Kang the Conqueror?
Fans Will Soon Forget Jonathan Majors After Doctor Doom Announcement
Majors was supposed to play Kang the Conqueror in a series of Marvel films. The character was meant to replace the void left by Thanos in the MCU, making him the big bad villain of the present and upcoming phases.
When the actor was charged with assault and subsequently convicted, Marvel Studios dropped him from their payroll. For months, fans have been wondering if they will recast Kang or head in a different direction.
They chose the latter, obviously, and with Downey Jr. taking up the mantle of Doctor Doom, fans believe everyone has forgotten about Majors. Check out their tweets below:
Kang who?
— 🖤🐧Merewyn🐧🖤 (@Merewyn1972) July 28, 2024
I had forgotten about him before this
— William CM (@WillyM79) July 28, 2024
Jonathan who now?
— The Carlos (@SpaceBump2) July 28, 2024
MCU fans to Jonathan Majors rn 😂 pic.twitter.com/gLRRCH5Kjk
— 🖤 (@773zo) July 28, 2024
Forget about who?
— Jaayde A (@Jaayde_xo) July 28, 2024
It remains to be seen how the former Iron Man star would fare as MCU’s new villain. Netizens are still having mixed emotions about Doctor Doom’s casting.
Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters on May 2026.
