As a lifelong Marvel fan who has witnessed the evolution of characters from their comic book origins to the big screen, I am beyond excited about the portrayal of Doctor Doom in the MCU. The rich history and depth of this character have always intrigued me, and Robert Downey Jr.’s interpretation seems poised to capture the essence of this complex villain.
It’s been approximately two months since it was revealed that Robert Downey Jr. will rejoin the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this time as Doctor Doom in not one but three upcoming films: “Avengers: Doomsday”, “Avengers: Secret Wars”, and possibly “The Fantastic Four: First Steps”. Even though we’re yet to see Downey Jr.’s portrayal of Doctor Doom on screen, discussions have already started about which comics might shape the MCU version of this character. Although he’ll be a unique take, the MCU often references and draws inspiration from various comics when creating their adaptations.
In Marvel Comics, Doctor Doom is renowned as one of the most formidable villains, making him an abundant source for compelling storylines in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This character is multifaceted, striking terror into the hearts of adversaries and allies alike while earning a measure of respect. His intricate connections with the Fantastic Four, where he serves as both antagonist and occasional ally, are particularly noteworthy. Additionally, he holds unique positions in their lives – being Valeria Richards’ godfather and even asking Mr. Fantastic to stand by his side during his wedding.
As a devoted movie enthusiast, I can’t help but marvel at the diverse portrayals of Doctor Doom across Marvel’s expansive multiverse. From the iconic 616 version that set the standard, to the captivating alternate takes on this complex character, each interpretation could significantly shape how Doctor Doom is brought to life in the MCU and potentially influence Robert Downey Jr.’s remarkable performance as the villain.
8 Demon in an Armor
Ever since Robert Downey Jr.’s casting as Doctor Doom was revealed, I, as a dedicated cinema enthusiast, have observed an instant surge of speculation among fans and media outlets. The widespread assumption is that Doctor Doom could be a variant of Tony Stark, which undeniably stirred curiosity about the 2010 comic, “What If? Demon in an Armor.” This one-shot comic takes an intriguing turn when Tony Stark becomes Victor Von Doom’s college roommate instead of Reed Richards. This unexpected twist results in a mind-swapping incident between Tony Stark and Victor Von Doom, with Tony’s consciousness finding itself in Latveria while Doom inhabits Stark’s body. The iconic illustration of Tony Stark donning the Doctor Doom outfit from this comic has been a popular screenshot among many.
Outlook Not So Good
“The main challenge for this comic’s potential adaptation lies in the fact that it seems improbable for Marvel Studios to base their major blockbuster on a single, lesser-known comic. Furthermore, Chris Evans portraying Deadpool and Wolverine doesn’t mean his characters are variants of each other.
Although the comic may have impacted Downey Jr.’s portrayal of Tony Stark by depicting a contrast between his privileged upbringing and Doctor Doom’s background, which involves being displaced from his homeland and marginalized, it underscores the concern about Marvel not choosing a Romani actor to embody Doom.
7 The Infamous Iron Man
In this new Iron Man/Doom collaboration titled “The Infamous Iron Man“, renowned writers Brian Michael Bendis and artists Alex Maleev deliver a 12-issue narrative. The story unfolds post-events of both Secret Wars and Civil War II, with Victor Von Doom stepping into the role of Iron Man following Tony Stark’s apparent demise. The tale revolves around Doctor Doom’s pursuit for redemption, as his former adversaries grow wary of a one-time foe now allied with heroes, while also grappling with suspicion from the hero community.
When a Villain Tries to Redeem Themselves
As a proponent, I’d like to propose an intriguing angle for Robert Downey Jr.’s portrayal of Doctor Doom, drawing inspiration from certain aspects of “The Infamous Iron Man.” One such element could be the visual similarity between Doom and Tony Stark. If Doom were to don a face reminiscent of Stark, he might capitalize on this deception to mislead the heroes of the MCU, leading them to believe he is none other than Iron Man. Only when they least expect it would he reveal his true intentions and turn against them.
As I sat down to watch the intense and thought-provoking film, Avengers: Doomsday, one aspect that truly stood out was the intricate portrayal of Doctor Doom’s character. This comic adaptation masterfully sheds light on the complexities of this villain, revealing his actions as a result of his unwavering conviction in his own righteousness.
6 Ultimate Universe Doom (Reed Richards)
When Robert Downey Jr. was confirmed to portray Doctor Doom within the MCU, writer Deniz Camp suggested on X that “To truly grasp Robert Downey Jr. as Doom, you should definitely check out Ultimates 4 on September 4th (or whenever it’s released).” As the comic indeed debuted on September 4th, 2024, one may wonder how significantly Ultimates has impacted the MCU’s Doctor Doom character. Was this simply a promotional tactic by Camp to generate buzz for the new comic, or had Marvel been strategizing this alignment for some time, with the comic serving as a subtle hint to what was yet to unfold?
It seems that the character portrayed as Ultimate Doom could be nothing more than a clever marketing tactic, revealing Reed Richards underneath. However, certain aspects from “The Ultimates” issue 4 may contribute to the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s interpretation of Doctor Doom.
A Doom Motivated by Tragedy
In the continuity of Jonathan Hickman’s reboot of the Ultimate Universe (Earth 6160), we find “The Ultimates”. An ominous character called The Maker, an evil counterpart of Reed Richards, has manipulated a universe to reflect his vision and thwart the rise of major superheroes. One of his schemes involves wrecking the Fantastic Four’s spaceship, leading to the tragic demise of all members except this universe’s version of Reed Richards. The Maker torments Reed, transforming him into Doom. Now, Doom and a band of heroes aim to confront and challenge The Maker.
In the MCU, Robert Downey Jr.’s portrayal of Doctor Doom may not be Reed Richards as seen in The Ultimates, but rather Victor Von Doom. However, this version could share a common thread with other interpretations, being characterized by a heartrending past. There’s speculation that Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom might hail from the same alternate reality where The Fantastic Four: First Steps is set to unfold.
In the movie where Galactus is the main character, there’s been talk that it concludes with Galactus conquering Earth in another dimension. This potential disaster might drive Doom to prevent Galactus and save his own world, but instead, he becomes consumed by the desire for power from across all realities, leading him into conflict with the Marvel Cinatic Universe’s heroes.
5 Fortnite Doctor Doom
A month after Robert Downey Jr.’s casting as Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday became public knowledge, the latest Fortnite Battlepass subscription was unveiled. This new season is Marvel-themed and titled “Fortnite Battle Royale Chapter 5, Season 4: Absolute Doom”.
It is possible that Fortnite had been working on a Doctor Doom-focused event for several months, but Marvel may have accelerated its development following their San Diego Comic-Con announcement to boost interest and engagement around Doctor Doom in the public eye. The game’s details might suggest that Doctor Doom plays a role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Doctor Doom Becomes the New Kang by Killing Avengers Across the Multiverse
Players of Fortnite observed that Castle Doom, Doctor Doom’s stronghold, has numerous trophies which seem to be the relics of fallen heroes. Among these are a throne crafted from The Thing, the flaming heart of the Human Torch on display, Mr. Fantastic contorted into a ball shape, an empty chair suggesting the Invisible Woman is trapped within it, a cracked helmet belonging to Magneto, and the fragmented board once used by the Silver Surfer.
As a seasoned movie critic, I find myself utterly captivated by this cold-blooded incarnation of Doom – a villain who’s left a trail of fallen heroes and nefarious foes in his wake. With the recent casting shakeup at Marvel Studios, Doctor Doom stepping into Kang the Conqueror’s shoes feels like a masterful stroke of serendipity, as if this role was tailored specifically for him all along.
In the teaser for “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” Kang poses the question, “Are you an Avenger? Have I eliminated you previously?” It’s possible that Marvel could instead have Doctor Doom step into Kang’s role as the main antagonist in a fifth “Avengers” film, not just as a villain but also as a multiversal assassin who poses a danger to the Avengers.
4 Mark Waid and Mike Weirigo’s Doctor Doom
The creative team of Mark Waid and Mike Weirigo’s tenure on Fantastic Four, particularly their storyline featuring Doctor Doom, is often praised as exceptional. Among the many significant stories they crafted, the “Unthinkable” arc in Fantastic Four vol. 3 #67 offers a fresh take on Doctor Doom, delving into his history and exploring relationships like the one he shared with Valeria, a woman he once loved and abandoned.
Initially appearing as if Doom was aiming for reconciliation with his long-lost beloved, he instead opted for a chilling sacrifice. The woman who cherished him was given over to two demonic entities in exchange for an extensive collection of mystical abilities. His armor, now imbued with the remnants of his past relationship, underwent a transformation. With a freshfound focus on magic, Doom launched an assault against the Fantastic Four, inflicting significant harm upon them before being cast into the depths of hell.
Doctor Doom’s Magic vs the Science of the Fantastic Four
In the majority of Doctor Doom’s backstory, he has predominantly relied on science as a counterpart for Reed Richards. However, other narratives have explored his connection with magic, positioning him not only as an adversary to Mr. Fantastic but also to Doctor Strange. In the comics by Waid and Weirigo, Doom’s use of dark magic was highlighted, making him the epitome of the antithesis to the scientifically-focused Fantastic Four.
Waid aimed to challenge the idea that Doom was a “heroic” antagonist, as expressed in his pitch for the Fantastic Four series at Marvel Comics, titled The Fantastic Four Manifesto.
Just wanted to mention, the idea that Victor von Doom is nobly-minded despite his villainous actions is entirely misguided, and I can cite countless instances in Stan and Jack’s work that support this view. A person driven primarily by jealousy is incredibly small-minded, not grandly noble.
Indeed, Doom often comes across as Noble, and he tends to portray an air of High Moral Integrity. He believes such qualities are characteristic of great individuals. On occasion, we have observed him displaying Honorable actions. However, when Doom mentions that a certain action “does not fit him,” what I interpret is that it has no connection with his animosity towards Reed Richards and thus is not worth his consideration.
Remember, most of the reportage we’ve heard about what Doom will or won’t do COMES. FROM. DOOM. I think ‘Doom the Noble’ would tear the head off a newborn baby and eat it like an apple while his mother watched if it would somehow prove he were smarter than Reed.”
This interpretation of Doctor Doom, played by Downey Jr., could significantly impact future portrayals. He’s a character steeped in magic, pursuing his mission to preserve or destroy the Multiverse not for altruistic reasons but to demonstrate that he can accomplish what Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic cannot.
3 Marvel Ultimate Alliance Doctor Doom
2006’s “Marvel Ultimate Alliance” features Doctor Doom as the main antagonist. He gathers an evil team of villains, The Masters of Evil, to launch a widespread assault across the Marvel Universe with the aim of obtaining Odin’s power and restructuring the universe according to his desires. Consequently, a group of Marvel superheroes must join forces to thwart him and protect the universe from destruction.
It’s simple and straightforward, and if you swap Odin’s power for Loki’s spot at the end of time, it would make for a solid outline for Avengers: Doomsday. So much so that we’ve already outlined how Marvel Ultimate Alliance might be the template for the upcoming Avengers movie.
Proto-Doctor Doom
In the third installment of Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3, Doctor Doom acquires divine power similar to his God Emperor status from Secret Wars, by tapping into the energy of a Celestial. Since Celestials have recently appeared in Eternals and are set to play significant roles in Captain America: Brave New World, this narrative could potentially tie in with Doctor Doom’s storyline within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Considering that a sequel for Eternals has been cancelled, this connection would provide an intriguing way to resolve plot threads established in Eternals.
In the Marvel Ultimate Alliance iteration, Doctor Doom is typically portrayed in a more traditional manner, drawing on decades of tales to encapsulate the character as fans recognize him. This makes it convenient for Downey Jr. to draw inspiration from.
2 Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s Original Doctor Doom
A logical starting point could be the origin itself, as Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s remarkable 102-issue stint on Fantastic Four is where the team was formed, Doctor Doom was born, and fundamental building blocks for the Marvel Universe were established. First appearing in Fantastic Four #5 in July 1962, Doctor Doom has consistently been the most formidable adversary of the Fantastic Four.
As a die-hard Marvel fan, let me tell you that this movie solidified Doctor Doom as the most formidable adversary across the entire Marvel Universe. It wasn’t long before he found himself butting heads with The Avengers, the X-Men, and even Spider-Man. In fact, it seems like every hero in the Marvel Universe has had a run-in with Doctor Doom at some point.
Doctor Doom Is Motivated to Rule at Any Cost
Stan Lee and Jack Kirby played a significant role in shaping Doctor Doom’s backstory and driving forces. Beyond his quest for revenge against Reed Richards, Doom is propelled by an ambition to rule the world. However, this isn’t just about domination; he believes that he alone possesses the ability to save the world, making him a figure “burdened with glorious purpose,” as Loki described himself in The Avengers.
As I sat down to watch “Iron Man,” I could sense a familiar determination in Tony Stark’s eyes – a drive to safeguard humanity that had evolved from disarming his own creations to envisioning an armor-clad globe. His ambition took a dark turn in “Avengers: Age of Ultron” when he unwittingly brought forth the destructive AI, Ultron. Yet, even the Sokovia Accords couldn’t deter him from his mission in “Captain America: Civil War.
By basing the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Doctor Doom on the original Stan Lee and Jack Kirby portrayal, we can depict him as a character akin to Tony Stark – a determined individual who is driven to safeguard the world (or multiverse), even if it means using force. He holds the conviction that only his hands are capable of achieving this noble goal.
1 Jonathan Hickman’s Doctor Doom
Robert Downey Jr.’s portrayal of Doctor Doom is likely to be heavily inspired by the story arc that transpired in “Time Runs Out” and Secret Wars, orchestrated by Jonathan Hickman. In this narrative, Doctor Doom embarks on a journey across multiple dimensions to save his own universe. The only feasible solution he finds is to seize the power of ancient cosmic beings called the Beyonders and collide the various universes into a single entity, Battleworld. As God Emperor Doom, he rules over this amalgamated world.
Marvel Already Seems to Be Going in This Direction
The title of “Avengers: Secret Wars” appears to be a clear reference to this comic run. This portrayal also blends various aspects of Doctor Doom, from the original Stan Lee/Jack Kirby version who seems like the only one capable of saving the universe, to the Mark Waid/Mike Weirigo version who harbors such bitterness towards Reed Richards. Jonathan Hickman’s work on Doctor Doom was instrumental in shaping the character during the 2010s, so it’s likely that Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom will share many similarities with these comics.
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2024-10-03 01:02