HOLLYWOOD, CA – JUNE 28: Robert Downey Jr. attends the premiere of Columbia Pictures’ “Spider-Man: … [+]
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has not seen the last of Robert Downey Jr. The actor, best known for playing Iron Man, will officially return to the comic book films as supervillain Doctor Doom for two Avengers movies: Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.
Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige announced the news during Marvel’s San Diego Comic-Con panel on July 27, 2024. He also confirmed that the Russo Brothers (Anthony Russo and Joseph Russo) will direct Avengers: Doomsday, slated for a May 2026 release.
“Same mask, new task,” Downey told the audience from the stage. The actor will be headed to the dark side and will now portray longtime Fantastic Four villain Victor von Doom, who will also appear in Avengers: Secret Wars in May 2027.
The official Marvel Studios X account quickly posted the exciting development on social media. “The Russo Brothers return to direct Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Doomsday, starring Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom. Only in theaters May 2026. #SDCC,” the caption read.
Downey Jr. made his MCU debut in 2008’s Iron Man, appearing in ten films throughout the franchise, including Iron Man 2, Iron Man 3, The Incredible Hulk, The Avengers, Captian America: Civil War, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.
The 59-year-old actor’s last appearance was in Avengers: Endgame (2019), in which his character sacrificed himself to defeat Thanos and save the universe. The actor recently shared that he would be open to returning to Marvel. “Happily. It’s too integral a part of my DNA,” he said in an April 2024 interview with Esquire Magazine.
“That role chose me. And look, I always say, ‘Never, ever bet against Kevin Feige.’ It is a losing bet. He’s the house. He will always win,” he added.
Avengers: Doomsday was originally called The Kang Dynasty, but the studio changed the name after Jonathan Majors was fired from the MCU following his domestic violence trial and conviction last year.
Stay tuned to learn more about Avengers: Doomsday.