Robert Downey Jr reflects on 'weird' side of playing Doctor Doom after Iron Man: 'I am the enemy'
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA: Robert Downey Jr is back, but this time as Marvel's biggest villain, Doctor Doom. Following Marvel Studios' Hall H panel at San Diego Comic Con on Saturday, July 25, the actor admitted it feels "weird" to play Doom after spending years as Iron Man.
Downey said being on the "enemy" side has an "isolated vibe," but made it clear he is enjoying the experience. 
Robert Downey Jr says it felt 'really weird to be on the other side of the bad-guy mask'
The Hall H footage revealed that Doom comes from the Fantastic Four's universe. Sue Storm, played by Vanessa Kirby, says she once knew him and that losing his family, an unnamed mother and child, left him broken. Doom then tells the heroes, "All of you have lived stolen lives. You refuse to give them back."
Reflecting on the role, Downey admitted, "It was really weird to be on the other side of the bad-guy mask because it’s such an isolated vibe. I’m seeing them all socializing and stuff, and I am the enemy!"
While Tony Stark was driven by trauma that turned him into a hero, Doom follows a much darker path. "When it comes to Tony and Doom, 'There’s the science thing, and they’re considered pretty brilliant guys," Downey told Entertainment Weekly.
"But Tony had the trauma that turned him into a hero and Doom’s got the exact opposite, to where it takes the prowess of all of these folks to go up against him, and it was a joy to behold," he added.
Robert Downey Jr embraces his dark side as Doctor Doom
Unlike Iron Man, Victor von Doom is driven by power, control, and ambition. The character is known for his brilliant mind, political influence, and intimidating presence, making him one of Marvel's most complex antagonists.
With Downey taking on the role, fans are eager to see how he puts his own spin on the iconic villain while leaving Tony Stark firmly in the past. Over the years, he has battled the 'Fantastic Four', 'Avengers', 'Spider-Man', 'X-Men', and nearly every major Marvel hero, earning a reputation as one of the most dangerous minds in the Marvel Universe.
Well, now that Downey has already embraced his darker side. During Marvel Studios' Hall H panel, he fully stepped into character and addressed the crowd. "Decisions will have to be made; you're either on the side of the good guys, or perhaps, you may consider the alternative... of perhaps joining the family of Doom," he said.
It also hinted at the darker direction the MCU is heading with Downey leading the franchise's next chapter as its biggest villain.
