Robert Downey Jr. is returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), not as Iron Man, but as the malevolent supervillain Doctor Doom. This action announcement has left the fans feeling bitter. Read more: Loading the Doctor Doom Era: Revisiting Robert Downey Jr.’s Greatest Gray Roles Ahead of His Big Marvel Comeback
His casting was announced by MCU president Kevin Feige during San Diego’s Comic-Con on Saturday. He also announced that he will direct the Russo Brothers, a duo known for producing Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame. Two more Avengers are returning to direct sequels — Secret Wars and Doomsday, the latter of which is set to introduce Robert’s Doom.
Acting prompts backlash
Robert plays Victor Van Doom, a new addition to the MCU. His Iron Man character died in Avengers: Endgame. Social media users reacted with confusion to the news, with some seeing it as yet another example of Hugh Jackman’s return to the Wolverine universe.
“These two scenes are nothing now,” wrote one user on X, formerly known as Twitter. One user responded to the post saying, “No it’s not. Tony Stark and Victor Van Doom are completely different characters. The Wolverine we have now is not the one from Logan. It’s a variation”, shared another, “No, those two characters are dead. Now there are variations. And welcome to the world of comic books”.
One social media user said, “I get diversity and blah blah blah, but Iron Man being Dr. Doom does absolutely nothing for the MCU as we know it and does nothing for the Dr. Doom character. To sell tickets. It’s boring, disrespectful to my liking, and pointless. Next”. Another wrote, “Some people try to say that Robert Downey’s Dr. Doom performance is so stupid, it’s brilliant and I feel the same way”.
“I’m at a loss for words, but the way the MCU has completely reduced itself to devalued and creatively mindless nostalgia,” shared one, noting that “it’s always the weirdest thing.”
About his return to the MCU
Robert will play the villain Victor Van Doom or Doctor Doom in any of the upcoming Avengers movies. He started Marvel’s film franchise with Iron Man and played the iconic character in nine films, but appeared on Saturday wearing Doctor Doom’s mask and green suit. “New mask, same mission,” Downey said with maniacal glee.
He returned after winning his first Oscar for his role in Christopher Nolan’s 2023 film Oppenheimer. He bid farewell to the Tony Stark character after more than a decade of anchoring the MCU in 2019’s Avengers: Endgame, which saw Tony give his life to save the universe.
Get more updates with latest entertainment news on Bollywood, Taylor Swift, Hollywood, Music and Web Series and Hindustan Times.
“Friend of animals everywhere. Devoted analyst. Total alcohol scholar. Infuriatingly humble food trailblazer.”