More on Robert Downey Jr.’s Transformation from Iron Man to Doctor Doom

by Annika March 6, 2025

Robert Downey Jr., famous for his longstanding role as Iron Man, is redefining his Marvel persona by stepping into the shoes of the notorious Doctor Doom in two forthcoming Marvel films. After ten years of leading the Avengers, Downey is trading his renowned hero status for a more turbulent escapade. The metamorphosis of Tony Stark into Victor Von Doom signifies a new chapter in Downey’s Marvel journey, as unveiled at the recent Comic-Con.

More on Robert Downey Jr.’s Transformation from Iron Man to Doctor Doom

– After portraying Marvel hero Iron Man for over a decade, Robert Downey Jr. is set to play the Fantastic Four villain Doctor Doom in two forthcoming Marvel films.
– Downey notably unveiled his new role at Comic-Con in July, promising the same task with a new mask.
– The next two Marvel films featuring Downey, Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, are slated to release in May 2026 and May 2027, respectively.

During a recent chat with Entertainment Tonight, Joe and Anthony Russo, the esteemed co-directors of the latest two Avengers movies, were queried about their reunion with Downey for Avengers: Doomsday and his readiness for his new villainous role.

The character development process is highly involved, according to Joe Russo. He commented on Downey’s immersion and focus saying, “He’s so immersed in it. He’s so dialed in.”

The conversation continued, with Russo saying, “Downey is creating a backstory, brainstorming costume ideas … he really loves fully formed, nuanced characters. He sees a real potential in this role.”

At the celebrated Comic-Con in July, Downey shocked attendees by removing his mask onstage and revealing his new role as Doctor Doom. This came as a surprise to fans who thought his Marvel Cinematic Universe journey had ended with Iron Man’s tragic death in 2019’s Avengers: Endgame.

Addressing the Comic-Con audience, Downey quipped, “New mask, same task.” The comment was backed up by Russo, also present onstage, who said, “If we’re going to introduce Victor Von Doom to the viewers – one of the most intricate characters in the comic universe… then we need the world’s best actor.”

Doctor Doom isn’t a new character, he’s been previously embodied by Joseph Culp in the unreleased 1994’s The Fantastic Four, Julian McMahon in Fantastic Four from 2005 and the 2007 sequel Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, and by Toby Kebbell in 2015’s unfortunate flop, Fantastic Four.

The much-anticipated Avengers: Doomsday is expected to hit theatres in May 2026. Its sequel, Avengers: Secret Wars, is eyeing a May 2027 release.