‘New mask, same task’: Robert Downey Jr announces return to Marvel universe but not as a superhero

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA: Robert Downey Jr, who played the iconic role of Iron Man, is making a triumphant return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He had previously bid farewell to the MCU in 2019 with his onscreen death on 'Avengers: Endgame'.

In a thrilling reveal on July 27 at the San Diego Comic-Con, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige announced that Downey, now 59, will step into the shoes of the iconic villain Victor von Doom, also known as Doctor Doom, for the next two 'Avengers' movies: 'Avengers: Doomsday' and 'Avengers: Secret Wars', as per People.

Kevin Feige confirms Robert Downey Jr's villainous return to MCU

Adding to the excitement, Kevin Feige, 51, also confirmed that the dynamic directing duo, Anthony and Joe Russo, will be back to helm 'Avengers: Doomsday'.

Feige and the Russo brothers teased that the Avengers saga is headed towards an epic adaptation of the renowned comic-book storyline 'Secret Wars'.

However, before we reach that monumental event, Robert Downey Jr will make his return to the MCU, not as the beloved Iron Man, but as one of Marvel's most iconic villains.

"New mask, same task," Downey quipped as he stepped onto the panel's stage, flanked by a group of masked and robed actors. "What did I tell ya? I love playing complicated characters."

Before unveiling Downey Jr, the Russo brothers hinted that "one crucial character is essential to truly honor Secret Wars," and teased that they would need "the greatest actor in the world" to bring Doctor Doom to life.

Back in Comic-Con 2022, Feige gassed up fans, unveiling a slew of MCU titles, including a 'Blade' reboot and two new 'Avengers' films.

Those were part of Phase Five and Six, collectively dubbed the Multiverse Saga, which was initially centered around Jonathan Majors' villainous Kang the Conqueror.

The fifth Avengers movie was to be titled 'The Kang Dynasty'.

However, following Jonathan Majors' conviction for assault and harassment in December 2023, the studio decided to part ways with the 34-year-old star of 'Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania' and announced that the next Avengers film would receive a new title ('Avengers: Doomsday'). 

Robert Downey Jr was in talks to play Doctor Doom in 'Fantastic Four'

Robert Downey Jr, cherished for his iconic role as Iron Man, is no newcomer to the realm of Marvel villains.

He was once in talks with 20th Century Fox for the part of Doctor Doom in 2005's 'Fantastic Four'.

Originally, Doctor Doom first appeared in 'The Fantastic Four 5' (July 1962).

This casting brings his journey full circle, adding an intriguing layer to the MCU as he steps into yet another legendary role.

This revelation has ignited a flurry of questions about Doctor Doom's role in the Multiverse Saga and how Downey's performance will influence the unfolding narrative.

Nonetheless, this surprising turn of events has reignited fan excitement and anticipation for the forthcoming Avengers films.

Original 'Avengers' stars Chris Evans and Chris Hemsworth made a splash at Comic-Con on July 25, with Evans promoting 'Deadpool & Wolverine' and Hemsworth talking up 'Transformers One'.

San Diego Comic-Con runs from July 24 to July 28, and following this weekend's release of 'Deadpool & Wolverine', the next MCU film on the horizon is 'Captain America: Brave New World,' set to hit theaters on February 14, 2025.

Fans reacts to Robert Downey Jr's return to MCU

Fans and critics alike have shared their opinions on social media, highlighting a range of reactions from excitement to skepticism.

While one called the casting a "pure shock factor" move intended to generate hype, another criticized it as a sign of desperation, suggesting that it's time for Marvel to innovate and move on.

One viewer expressed, "This casting is pure shock factor, and fan service to get everyone hyped. Unfortunately it'll work, but if that's what you're relying on, that's a bad sign imo."

Another viewer shared, "They are very desperate...you should know when to let go and make something new . Things need to change ..they have to."

One viewer pointed out, "Disney is losing a lot of money, so this is their way to get people's attention again."

A follower observed, "That is a bad choice imo. This all in same universe how can a hero looks same as iron Man."

One comment stated, "Creatively bankrupt Disney can't produce successful IP. The dead horse beating of MCU and Star wars will continue."

Another comment read, "They are really desperate... they will find a way to make it crap."

"This s**t is so pathetic, cringe and desperate. I love RDJ as iron Man but to drag him back and shoehorn him in as a villain is like bringing back Jay Leno after retirement," explained an individual.

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