First Photos: Robert Downey Jr. Shocks Fans as Doctor Doom on Avengers: Doomsday Set

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In one of the initial photos from the Avengers: Doomsday set, Robert Downey Jr. showcased a fresh, striking hairstyle. The actor is scheduled to rejoin the Marvel Cinematic Universe in May next year, taking on a Multiverse interpretation of the legendary Marvel Comics antagonist Doctor Doom.

In a recent set photo from “Avengers: Endgame,” Robert Downey Jr., who portrays Doctor Doom, has sported a bald look for the upcoming film. This is the initial glimpse we get of Downey’s interpretation of this cherished villain, as it might hint at the direction in which the Marvel Cinematic Universe will introduce Doom when he makes his debut in the next “Avengers” movie.

The photo is posted by fellow “Doomsday” cast member Simu Liu, who uploaded it to his Instagram Story. In the image, you can see Liu with a number of “Avengers” actors, including Downey, Channing Tatum, Anthony Mackie, and Chris Hemsworth.

This is one of the first official looks from the Doomsday set fans have gotten.

The image featured alongside a group photo of various Avengers, among them Downey, who was seen lounging to catch the new Marvel Cinematic Universe blockbuster, Thunderbolts*. Notably, in this photo, he sported a fresh buzz cut.

Interestingly, fans have previously speculated about Downey’s appearance as Doctor Doom in the film based on earlier glimpses. Before the filming began, photos emerged of Downey with a disheveled, wind-tossed hairstyle, leading some to believe they had caught a glimpse of his character’s look.

In this exciting sequel to the Avengers series, I’ll be making a comeback to the Marvel Cinematic Universe world, but with a twist! Instead of stepping back into the shoes of Tony Stark, my beloved character from the MCU, I’ll be taking on a new challenge: portraying the enigmatic villain, Doctor Doom.

Under the guidance of The Russo Brothers, who are renowned for their work on films like “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Endgame”, the eagerly anticipated team-up movie is scheduled to hit cinemas on May 1, 2026. This film promises to be a thrilling prelude to the grand conclusion of the Multiverse Saga, which will unfold in the 2027 release titled “Avengers: Secret Wars”.

Why Is Robert Downey Jr.’s Shaved Head a Big Deal?

The distinction between Robert Downey Jr.’s portrayal of Doctor Doom in the MCU compared to his character Tony Stark/Iron Man has been a frequent discussion among Marvel Studios fans. This initial glimpse at the actor on the Doomsday set could potentially hint at how these two roles will be separated.

Altering a character’s hairstyle is an effective method to make them stand out right away. For instance, Downey Jr., since 2008, has been known for his role in the superhero series, where his meticulously styled, sleeked-back hair with each strand appearing precisely arranged, became a distinctive feature of his character.

The clean-shaven appearance more accurately portrays the harsh, dominating aura of Doctor Doom, thereby setting the actor apart and giving a unique impression compared to his previous roles within the extended series.

Since the character usually wears a metallic mask that hides his face, it might be more practical to shave his head so that it would be simpler for Robert Downey Jr., who plays this character, to put on and take off the mask during filming.

In my perspective, there’s been some chatter suggesting that Downey’s portrayal of Victor Von Doom might involve him sporting a wig in the film, with the bald look potentially serving as an initial hint towards this.

It appears that it might not be feasible for Downey to sport a wild shoulder-length wig, given that Doom’s comic book character usually has short and simple hairstyles. This seems rather improbable for now.

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2025-05-03 00:04