As a long-time Marvel fan and comic book enthusiast, I must say that the news of Robert Downey Jr.’s return as Doctor Doom has me both excited and curious. It’s been over four years since Tony Stark took his final bow in Avengers: Endgame, and the thought of seeing him back, albeit in a different role, is certainly intriguing.
In a memorable moment at San Diego Comic-Con’s Hall H stage, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige shared some exciting updates about the upcoming Marvel film, now titled “Avengers: Doomsday,” previously known as “Avengers: The Kang Dynasty.” Due to legal issues with Jonathan Majors, the focus is moving away from Kang the Conqueror towards Victor Von Doom, the main antagonist. However, the most significant announcement was the return of the Russo Brothers, directors of several Captain America and Avengers films, to helm “Avengers: Doomsday” and its sequel, “Avengers: Secret Wars.” They will also be bringing back Robert Downey Jr., a beloved cast member from previous MCU productions.
The moment looked like this:
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It was exciting to witness Robert Downey Jr.’s return on stage alongside his fellow Marvel colleagues, rejoining the franchise that propelled him to worldwide fame following Tony Stark’s demise in Avengers: Endgame, and earning an Oscar for his nuanced portrayal of Lewis Strauss. After the initial publicity frenzy subsided, however, questions arose about how this would fit into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as a whole. Marvel Studios seemed to be moving away from Jonathan Majors’ character, and instead of recasting Kang, they opted for a more powerful option in Doom. However, they took a significant risk by using the role to attract back one of the most prominent stars from the Marvel universe.
As a longtime fan of Marvel Comics and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), I can’t help but feel excited about the news that Robert Downey Jr. will be playing Doctor Doom in the MCU. With his extensive experience portraying Tony Stark/Iron Man, it seems like a natural fit for him to take on the role of one of Marvel’s most iconic villains.
Is this a Tony Stark variant?
It’s unlikely, although I can see why people might think so given the recent events in the MCU. Throughout the Multiverse saga, we’ve seen a variety of variants, but Marvel hasn’t always been consistent with how they handle them. For instance, when Doctor Strange encountered different Stranges from other universes, they all looked like Benedict Cumberbatch. Similarly, the multiple Wolverines (played by Hugh Jackman) that Deadpool met were not always Jackman. This inconsistency makes me hopeful that this isn’t a one-time exception.
As a gamer, I’ve found myself navigating through different realities in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), where characters like me have encountered their alternate selves, portrayed by distinct actors. For instance, the MCU’s Spider-Man, played by Tom Holland, encountered two drastically different web-slingers in the mind-blowing “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” a movie that still ranks among the best Spider-Man flicks ever made. In one MCU adventure, John Krasinski donned the role of Reed Richards, but Pedro Pascal is set to take up the mantle in another.
In other words, merely because Robert Downey Jr. portrays Tony Stark in the movies, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the character must always be a heroic figure. There could be alternate scenarios where the genius Stark transformed into a power-hungry villain aiming for global domination instead. However, I don’t foresee the appearance of an “Evil Tony Stark” in Avengers: Doomsday. Instead, it seems that we are dealing with Victor Von Doom, as suggested by Joe and Anthony Russo during their presentation.
Will Doom be connected to The Fantastic Four?
As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but feel this upcoming event is highly probable. Matt Shakman’s “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is slated for a theater release on July 25, and it’ll undeniably strengthen the presence of Marvel’s founding family within the MCU. But if Marvel, known for their strategic brilliance, has any say in the matter, they’ll seize this golden opportunity presented by that blockbuster to introduce Doctor Doom first, setting the stage for “Avengers: Doomsday” later on.
Although Doom has clashed with numerous heroes in the Marvel universe, Reed Richards remains his main adversary. I’m excited about the prospect of Robert Downey Jr. joining the cast, as I think he would relish playing a role that demands dramatic flair alongside Pedro Pascal. Establishing Downey as a strong antagonist for the Fantastic Four is an important initial move, as I believe this team will shape the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) for years to come.
(Insert Deadpool joke about Disney making an actor play a pivotal role until they are 90!)
Is it too soon to bring Robert Downey Jr. back?
As a long-time Marvel fan, I believe that the return of Joe and Anthony Russo, along with Robert Downey Jr., was a much-needed home run for Marvel Studios. After the controversy surrounding Jonathan Majors, it seemed like they needed something big to shift the focus back to their upcoming projects. The excitement generated by this reunion was palpable in Hall H, and it definitely made a significant splash among fans. It brought back fond memories of the Marvel movies I grew up watching, and I’m excited to see what else they have in store for us.
As a devoted MCU fan, it’s undeniable that the decision to bring back Robert Downey Jr. as Victor Von Doom stirred conversations. Some might view this move as a strategic attempt to ensure positive publicity for the company. However, it raises an intriguing question about Tony Stark’s sacrifice in Avengers: Endgame. The fear is that this return could somewhat diminish Tony’s heroic ending.
New mask. Same task.
He’s acquiring a fresh role, yet the objective stays consistent: Keep the Marvel Cinematic Universe fans engaged with something they will adore.
How will this affect other MCU members?
It’s undoubtedly going to feel strange and heartbreaking. Just as we witnessed in “Spider-Man: Far From Home,” Tony Stark was hailed worldwide as a savior due to his selfless act of stopping Thanos (played by Josh Brolin). I can hardly fathom how Peter Parker will respond upon encountering someone who resembles his former mentor, or the lack of attempts to control and disrupt the Marvel Cinematic Universe Multiverse from this person.
Consider pondering over the potential effects on Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau), Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow), and even young Morgan Stark. Imagine if Marvel were to introduce the Young Avengers post-Secret Wars, with a teenaged Morgan at the helm, crafting her own armor to combat a villain who bears a striking resemblance to her father. The very thought sends shivers down the spine.
On July 25, 2025, we’ll get a glimpse of what happens next as “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” hits the cinemas.
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2024-08-01 16:37