RDJ Writing Doctor Doom’s Backstory: A Recipe for Success or Disaster?

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In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Robert Downey Jr. isn’t simply portraying Doctor Doom; the Russos claim he’s putting in extra effort to make his interpretation of the character truly unique. As per the latest updates, RDJ is actually penning the backstory for his character version. And reminiscent of a dedicated Star Trek fan, this development seems quite fitting.

When Patrick Stewart resumed his role as Jean-Luc Picard in his subsequent series, he not only starred but also held a significant role behind the scenes, contributing significantly to the writers’ room and serving as an executive producer. This bears some resemblance to how Marvel Universe is dealing with Robert Downey Jr.’s return, so let’s take another look at Picard, given Stewart’s influence on the Starfleet captain.

Patrick Stewart’s Ideas About Picard Didn’t Always Jive With The Next Generation’s Picard Fans Knew

After the conclusion of Picard, there has been much debate about how Patrick Stewart impacted the character. Regardless of personal opinions, everyone seems to agree that the character portrayed was quite different from Jean-Luc Picard in The Next Generation. Though people may argue that it’s rare for individuals to remain unchanged after many years, it’s evident that Stewart significantly shaped the character he played.

One undeniable alteration Patrick Stewart introduced was having Picard own a pitbull. While I didn’t notice much debate over this specific point, it’s crucial to comprehend the reasoning behind it. Stewart has been a staunch supporter of the breed, and has worked tirelessly to modify UK laws so that they can be admitted into the country.

In simpler terms, advocating for Pit Bulls wasn’t something that Captain Jean-Luc Picard from Star Trek would do; it was a personal choice made by actor Patrick Stewart. While many might argue that Stewart played the role of Picard exceptionally well, it’s important to remember that Picard is a character, not a real person, and Stewart had the freedom to make creative decisions based on his own experiences rather than those of Picard. This raises questions about other areas where Stewart may have differed from the seasoned Star Trek writers in their portrayal of Captain Picard.

Actors May Be The Face Of Their Beloved Characters, But They Aren’t Writers

As a film enthusiast, I’ve noticed that some performers dabble in screenwriting, but it’s quite uncommon to find an actor who excels at both roles. There are exceptions like Ben Affleck and Matt Damon who co-wrote the brilliant script for ‘Good Will Hunting’. However, it’s more often the case that we see talented actors on-screen rather than their bylines in the credits.

For instance, despite his significant contributions to the writing team of ‘Picard’, Sir Patrick Stewart doesn’t have any official writing credits listed on IMDb. Contrastingly, Robert Downey Jr., apart from his remarkable acting roles, has a writing credit for ‘The Last Party’, a documentary he produced about the 1992 Democratic National Convention.

A notable similarity between Robert Downey Jr. and Patrick Stewart is that they are both associated with eminent characters in their respective universes. One is often recognized among the top-tier Star Trek characters, while RDJ’s presence in the MCU is so integral that he’s being reprised to revitalize the franchise. Given the anticipation surrounding the actor’s return as one of Marvel’s foremost villains, many actors would seize the opportunity. So, why not leave much of the heavy lifting to them?

It’s only fair to acknowledge that RDJ might be generating character background and ideas for his role, which could enhance his performance. However, it’s crucial to manage carefully the extent to which these ideas reach the scriptwriters, as their importance to the overall plot should be considered. These screenwriters are compensated enough to discern between good and bad suggestions, so I hope this won’t result in a scenario where the actor feels compelled to have his ideas incorporated.

Perhaps We As An Audience Should Make Concessions For Actors When They Return

In my discussion here, I’ve touched upon both Patrick Stewart and Robert Downey Jr., but there’s a crucial point that may have been overlooked. Neither of them were compelled to revisit these roles. The impression Patrick Stewart made as Picard was already etched in stone, well before talks about the revival series even began. I believe it’s accurate to say that his contributions to Star Trek were more beneficial than vice versa.

As a follower, I can confidently express that the earnings Robert Downey Jr. received from Avengers: Endgame alone could support his career in Hollywood indefinitely. Similar to Stewart, he’s demonstrated such exceptional skill and impact as Iron Man that it’s difficult to imagine anyone else significantly altering the character for decades. It seems reasonable to assert that the MCU relies on him more than he does on it, and if he desires a role in shaping Doctor Doom’s portrayal, who are we to argue against his wishes?

To clarify, Robert Downey Jr. isn’t simply joining for a reboot-style series like Patrick Stewart; rather, he’s reprising his role as the primary antagonist in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This might involve several appearances across upcoming MCU films. Given that he was instrumental in launching the franchise way back when, it’s understandable that he wants a say in the creative process. Despite any reservations I might have about him reinterpreting a character with such a rich history and background, I believe his contributions to the franchise warrant this opportunity. Lastly, I recommend watching “Star Trek: Picard” on Paramount+ because it’s still a compelling series, even if some fans have criticisms regarding certain characters.

In essence, we can merely anticipate and observe how Robert Downey Jr.’s portrayal of Doctor Doom in the MCU unfolds, with “Avengers: Doomsday” scheduled for 2026. No matter what else I learn about the film prior to its release, I’ll be eagerly waiting to catch it.

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2025-03-09 00:09