As a die-hard Marvel fan, I must say it feels like Christmas came early when I heard the news of Robert Downey Jr.’s return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as none other than Doctor Doom! With his exceptional talent and unparalleled charm, Downey Jr. has always been the perfect fit for any role he takes on.
In the upcoming Marvel Studios films such as _The Fantastic Four: First Steps_, _Avengers: Doomsday_, and _Avengers: Secret Wars_, it has been announced that Robert Downey Jr. will be portraying Victor von Doom, the ruler of Latveria. This change in character for Downey Jr., who is best known as Iron Man, has sparked debate among Marvel fans, with some feeling that bringing him back as another major character might not sit well. After all, there are numerous other gifted actors ready to take on the role of the green-costumed character, famously quoted as saying “I’m gonna kill you, Reed Richards!”
The current skepticism might be tied to perceptions of casting favoritism, but it also emphasizes the cynicism and world-weary attitude of genre fans at the moment. Except for Deadpool & Wolverine, recent superhero movies mostly haven’t been as fun as past ones and the recasting of a former franchise actor feels like a desperate move to recapture former glory.
However, such a move isn’t a first for Marvel Studios. Michelle Yeoh portrayed Aleta Olgord in the Guardians of the Galaxy films and Ying Nan in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. David Dastmalchian portrayed Kurt Goreshter in the first two Ant-Man installments, then showed up as Veb in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. There is also Gemma Chan, who played Minn-Erva in Captain Marvel and Sersi in The Eternals.
Although things didn’t unfold as planned, Phase 5 and Phase 6 were always intended to shine the spotlight on Kang. Regrettably, despite Jonathan Majors receiving a relatively light punishment for assault, Kevin Feige and other executives at Marvel Studios stood firm in their decision to part ways with him. Moreover, they opted not to replace Kang with another actor but instead introduced a renowned antagonist. This move seemed fitting given that Doctor Doom has been a thorn in Marvel’s side ever since he first appeared in The Fantastic Four #5, way back in 1962.
It’s interesting to note that approximately two decades back, Robert Downey Jr. tried out for the part of Doctor Doom, long before he landed the role of Iron Man – a fact that might not be common knowledge among his fans.
Robert Downey Jr. Auditioned to Play Doctor Doom in 2005’s Fantastic Four
In a Marvel Entertainment YouTube video, Jon Favreau, the actor-director, recounted to Kevin Feige, head of Marvel Studios, that he had auditioned Robert Downey Jr. for a role while producing Fantastic Four. Initially, Downey Jr. wanted to play Doctor Doom, but Feige ultimately cast Julian McMahon from the TV show ‘Nip/Tuck’ instead.
During that period, the Oppenheimer star wasn’t thriving due to his struggles with addiction and frequent legal issues. He found himself working in mid-budget films, but he yearned for the limelight of big-time productions. Over time, he meticulously orchestrated a resurgence, aiming to regain his leading role in the blockbuster industry that once dismissed him.
In an ideal scenario, things turned out just as he’d wished. The Oscar-winning actor’s past rejection would prove beneficial later on. Favreau remembered that during screen tests for Iron Man, he focused more on this particular actor due to a prior encounter years ago when the actor was desperately seeking a role in a failed audition. He was a familiar face with obvious determination, so Favreau decided to cast him.
What Robert Downey Jr.’s Casting in Fantastic Four Would Have Meant for Him and the MCU
I was utterly captivated by “Iron Man,” a film that marked Marvel’s spectacular era of superhero cinema. Many of its subsequent top-tier installments showcased Robert Downey Jr.’s exceptional talent, from watching over Peter Parker to thwarting Ultron’s schemes. Tony Stark was indeed an unforgettable character, and it’s hard to imagine where Downey Jr.’s career might have taken him if he had been cast as Doctor Doom a few years prior.
It’s quite possible that he wouldn’t have gotten the opportunity to play an Avenger due to the failure of Fantastic Four and its sequel. This could have led him to explore different roles instead. His absence from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) might have significantly impacted its development.
In the same retrospective chat with Kevin Feige, Favreau says:
“He was the missing piece that brought everything together. When I sat down with him, I could see a glimmer of determination in his eyes, and it was clear he was eager to start.”
Although the Marvel Cinematic Universe is heavily influenced by its intricate narratives and grand visuals, it’s important to note that the success of the franchise isn’t solely dependent on any single actor. If things had turned out differently, the universe might have taken a slightly altered shape, but it would still have been successful in its essence.
It’s possible that Downey Jr.’s opportunities in the Marvel Cinematic Universe hadn’t closed off entirely. If he made the right impression, he could potentially have landed a role. Just look at Chris Evans – he played the Human Torch first and then became Captain America later on. Perhaps Downey Jr. would have taken on another character, but playing Iron Man would have been much more exciting.
After completing that chapter, there had been rumors suggesting Robert Downey Jr. could portray a character similar to Doom from “Iron Man: Demon in Armor #1,” who exchanged bodies with Iron Man. However, the actor has clarified this is not the case. Instead, he will embody the true antagonist, resplendent in his green form.
As a devoted cinephile, I can’t help but wonder if now is the ideal moment to bring in Doctor Doom. Just like how Deadpool addressed the superheroes in The Void during his escapade with Wolverine, he might say something similar to Doctor Doom: “Hey there, you’re just in time for a bit of chaos!”
“Welcome to the MCU. You’re joining at a little bit of a low point.”
For now, fingers just have to remain crossed.
How Robert Downey Jr’s Comeback as Doctor Doom Deal Was Sealed
In an interview for The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast, the Academy Award recipient clarified his contentious casting choice. He shared that his initial intention was to contribute behind the scenes without any on-screen role; however, he was presented with a more substantial part in the project instead.
“I came up with an idea that’s separate from the Cinematic Universe, which I thought could be beneficial for the Parks and their entertainment locations. At one point, Susan and I discussed this with Feige, and he mentioned, ‘It just keeps crossing my mind that if you were to return…’ Susan then asked, ‘Hold on, hold on, come back as what?’ After some contemplation, we both understood that it was yet another proof of his incredible creative mind, considering how to move forward without regressing or disappointing expectations, and how to consistently exceed them. He proposed the idea of Victor Von Doom.”
Nevertheless, Downey Jr. ensured that all key stakeholders were aligned. Following a conversation with Feige, he also decided to consult with Disney’s CEO, Bob Iger.
“Then I asked Kevin if I could speak with Bob Iger. He inquired about the reason, to which I replied that I wanted to discuss everything. I had visited his house and found it difficult to explain the experience. I’ve had many remarkable experiences, but visiting Iger’s place was exceptional. We sat down, he expressed approval, and I responded, ‘He likes it.’ He invited me to the Imagineering Campus. Accompanied by Feige, we went to the Imagineering Campus, and let me tell you, it’s hard to amaze two minds, but ours were certainly blown…I can’t reveal too much, but what is happening there now surpasses my expectations of what could be possible.”
Just like that, the deal happened.
In the upcoming movie “Avengers: Doomsday,” set to be released on May 1, 2026, Robert Downey Jr. will first portray Doctor Doom.
Read More
- BODEN PREDICTION. BODEN cryptocurrency
- GHST PREDICTION. GHST cryptocurrency
- BETA PREDICTION. BETA cryptocurrency
- STRD PREDICTION. STRD cryptocurrency
- Mango Markets Exploiter Found Guilty Of Fraud And Manipulation
- GBP EUR PREDICTION
- MATIC PREDICTION. MATIC cryptocurrency
- LOOKS PREDICTION. LOOKS cryptocurrency
- BRN/USD
- TNSR PREDICTION. TNSR cryptocurrency
2024-08-28 23:31