Big Marvel News: Robert Downey Jr. Will Play Doctor Doom in Next Avengers Movies

Robert Downey Jr. is making a grand return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe – and not as Tony Stark / Iron Man. As was first confirmed in a jaw-dropping reveal at Comic-Con (watch below), the Oscar-winning actor will be taking on the role of iconic Marvel supervillain Doctor Doom!

Downey will be playing Victor Von Doom in not one, but two upcoming Marvel films: Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. Set to direct both films are Joe and Anthony Russo, the filmmakers returning to the MCU after delivering Captain America: Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame.

“Victor Von Doom is one of the most complex characters in comics,” said Joe Russo before the big Dr Doom reveal. “To bring him to life, we need the greatest actor in the world.”

To a stunned and cheering audience, Downey Jr. said, “New mask, same task. What can I tell ya? I like playing complicated characters.”

Of course, no plot details were provided. However, there was confirmation that the Fantastic Four – Pedro Pascal’s Mister Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn’s Johnny Storm and Ebon Moss Bachrach’s Ben Grimm – will be appearing in both Avengers films. Next year’s Fantastic Four film was also given its title: The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

Stephen McFeely, co-writer of the Russos’ previous Marvel films, will pen the new Avengers movies.

This announcement signifies a major creative shift for the Kang road Marvel was heading down; Avengers: Doomsday replaces Avengers: The Kang Dynasty. The original plan was altered following Jonathan Majors’ legal issues.

Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to hit cinemas in May 2026, followed by Avengers: Secret Wars in May 2027.