Late Saturday at SDCC, Wonder stunned fans by uncovering that, as a matter of fact, Robert Downey Jr. would be getting back to the MCU, yet not as Tony Unmistakable. All things being equal, he will assume the job of Specialist Destruction in another film, Justice fighters: Armageddon.
While the declaration got a hazardous response from the group, it was quickly trailed by sheer disarray. How is everything turning out to precisely work? What are they holding back nothing projecting decision?
From my perspective, there are two primary choices, one apparently more feasible than the other. The choice I don’t cherish is:
Robert Downey Jr. is Playing An Evil Tony Stark Variant
While this wasn’t made explicit, it stands to reason that before Avengers: Doomsday, Doctor Doom will appear in the upcoming Fantastic Four movie, which has been confirmed to take place in a non-MCU universe (even if, obviously, they will eventually collide). As such, perhaps in this world, Tony took a different path and ended up as a masked, armored villain rather than a masked, armored hero.
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This idea isn’t just pulled out of thin air; there is actual comic source material precedent for this kind of storyline. One example is “Infamous Iron Man,” where Victor Von Doom takes up the Iron Man mantle. Additionally, there’s another storyline involving Anthony Stark of Earth-11029, where Doom and Stark switch minds, resulting in Doom walking around in Stark’s body. This could technically get around the Russo Brothers’ statement that Robert Downey Jr. is playing Victor Von Doom specifically, not Stark, because technically, he would be.
Robert Downey Jr. Is Playing Victor Von Doom With No Stark-Strings Attached
This is a simple explanation. Robert Downey Jr. is a great actor who can play multiple parts. He can be cast as Victor Von Doom and deliver an entirely different performance from his decade and a half as Tony Stark. They will likely alter his appearance significantly, beyond just the absence of a goatee. Additionally, Doctor Doom is masked most of the time, so this role will involve primarily voice work. This would be the straightforward approach of Downey Jr. playing a Fantastic Four universe Doom without any Tony Stark multiverse shenanigans. However, given the multiverse context, anything is possible.
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While I have my hopes for the direction they’ll take, the actual plan remains uncertain. Casting Downey Jr. as Doom is a huge risk. Doom is a legendary character, and there’s relief among fans about moving on from Kang. Though Cillian Murphy was the latest fan-favorite pick, Downey Jr.’s casting has sparked excitement, confusion, and some outright anger. Some see this as a desperate move to lure people back to the MCU. I’m so baffled by it that I can’t even say whether it’s good or bad at this point. But I think these are the only two explanations that make sense.
FAQs about Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom in the MCU
1. Why is Robert Downey Jr. playing Doctor Doom instead of returning as Tony Stark?
Robert Downey Jr. has been cast as Doctor Doom to bring a fresh and exciting dynamic to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). By taking on a completely different character, Downey Jr. can showcase his versatility as an actor and offer fans a new experience, distinct from his iconic portrayal of Tony Stark/Iron Man.
2. How will Robert Downey Jr. differentiate his portrayal of Doctor Doom from Tony Stark?
Robert Downey Jr. is expected to deliver a performance that contrasts sharply with his decade-long role as Tony Stark. This will likely involve significant changes in his appearance and demeanor. Additionally, since Doctor Doom often wears a mask, the role will primarily focus on voice work, allowing Downey Jr. to create a unique persona for the character.
3. Will Doctor Doom appear in other MCU films before Avengers: Doomsday?
While not explicitly confirmed, it is reasonable to expect that Doctor Doom will make his debut in the upcoming Fantastic Four movie, which is set in a non-MCU universe. This would provide context for his character before he appears in Avengers: Doomsday, potentially explaining the different path Tony Stark took in this alternate universe to become Doctor Doom.
4. Is there any comic book precedent for this storyline?
Yes, there is comic book precedent for storylines involving characters switching roles. In “Infamous Iron Man,” Victor Von Doom takes on the mantle of Iron Man. Additionally, in the storyline of Earth-11029, Tony Stark and Victor Von Doom switch minds. These stories provide a basis for exploring alternate paths and character dynamics in the MCU.
5. What has been the fan reaction to Robert Downey Jr. being cast as Doctor Doom?
The fan reaction has been mixed, with some excitement about seeing Downey Jr. take on a new challenge, while others express confusion and concern. Some fans feel this move might be a gimmick to draw audiences back to the MCU, while others are eager to see how Downey Jr. will reinvent himself as such an iconic villain. The uncertainty and speculation add to the anticipation of his performance.