Robert Downey Jr says 'Avengers: Doomsday' won't disappoint fans after 'Endgame'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Actor Robert Downey Jr. has opened up about the immense pressure of returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Doctor Doom in 'Avengers: Doomsday', while assuring fans that the highly anticipated film will deliver on expectations.

The Oscar-winning actor, who previously led the MCU as Iron Man, is set to return as the iconic villain Victor Von Doom. Although he remained guarded about revealing plot details, he expressed confidence that the film has evolved into something that will satisfy audiences when it arrives in theaters on December 18, 2026.

Robert Downey Jr says 'Avengers: Doomsday' can avoid an 'Endgame' letdown

Speaking to Comic Book Reporter alongside co-director Joe Russo, Downey discussed the challenges of stepping into a completely new role within the MCU while carrying the weight of fan expectations.

"I'm quite odd in that I try to stay as removed from a subjective experience of things as I can," he explained.

He further added, "So I try to think like the brothers. I try to feel like I'm in the writing room. I try to feel all that stuff. But eventually, there are so many big shoes to step into that I just have to go, 'What hasn't been done as well as it can be done yet?' We're always looking for that opportunity."

The actor revealed that the creative team spent considerable time experimenting with different approaches before arriving at a version of the story that felt right.

"A lot of it has been... there's some experimentation. We've had our moments of, 'Let's shift here.' But we landed in a place that I think will more than suffice," Downey said. He further stressed that the film's strengths extend beyond his own performance as Doctor Doom.

"And it's not even about how I executed it. It's about the way it's been structured, and the other characters," he added.

Downey also hinted that the upcoming Avengers films contain a key element designed to address concerns about whether Marvel can match the success of its previous blockbuster events.

"There's something going on in 'Doomsday' and forward that is literally the only antidote to: How do you not have these films be let down after an 'Infinity War' and an 'Endgame?' And boy, have we labored long and hard to bring that down."

Joe Russo calls 'Avengers: Doomsday' Marvel's most emotionally complex film

While remaining secretive about the story, Russo suggested that 'Avengers: Doomsday' will offer audiences a different kind of Avengers experience.

"There are a lot of surprises," Russo said before adding, "I think ['Doomsday'] is the most emotionally complex of all of them. And in a lot of ways, the most mature of all of them."

Downey also reflected on his appreciation for the opportunity to return to the MCU, acknowledging both the support and scrutiny Marvel receives from its audience. 

"There's an incredible amount of gratitude we have going into these two," he said.

"One epic at a time. 'Doomsday'... just the gratitude to be able to do it. To still be engaging with people who are critical when we fall short, but who understand how difficult it is when we get it right."

His return comes seven years after Iron Man's emotional farewell in 2019's 'Avengers: Endgame.' Since then, Marvel has experienced both major successes, including 'Spider-Man: No Way Home' and 'Deadpool & Wolverine', and setbacks such as 'The Marvels' and 'Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.'