Marvel Studios surprised fans at San Diego Comic-Con when it was revealed that Robert Downey Jr. is returning to the MCU as the villainous Doctor Doom in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. While many were pleased about his return to the franchise, some have argued that this decision could ruin the actor’s legacy as Iron Man. However, Joseph Culp, who played Doctor Doom in the unreleased 1994 Fantastic Four movie, believes otherwise.
Even Downey Jr.’s co-stars, like Gwyneth Paltrow, voiced concern over Marvel Studios’ decision, worried that the antagonistic role would be too much for fans to handle.
In an interview with TMZ, Joseph Culp pointed out that Downey Jr. is the ideal choice to be the MCU’s new Doctor Doom:
“It was an astonishing moment to see that, finally, an actor will be stepping into the shoes of Doom after many years. We’ve had a couple of other incarnations of that, but it’s Robert Downey Jr. How exciting. For me, as a fellow actor, I say kudos to Mr. Downey. It’s a magnificent role. He’s a magnificent actor who has proven that time and time again. He has reincarnated himself in many ways, I think, in both his life and his career, so maybe who better to take up the mantle of Doom in this uncertain moment when Marvel, I think many people would agree, needs a big push? So, why not go to Mr. Downey?”
Culp’s take on the matter makes a lot of sense, since Robert Downey Jr. has proven his capability in a variety of roles throughout the years, especially in regard to his influence on the MCU. Therefore, Marvel might have made the best decision possible, given the circumstances. As stated by Culp, Downey Jr.’s return might just provide the franchise with a much-needed push following the success of Deadpool & Wolverine (let’s not discredit the Marvel Jesus).
Tony Stark Is Doctor Doom in a Version of Marvel Comics
Marvel fans who adored Downey Jr.’s portrayal of Iron Man may find it hard to accept that the actor is now playing the antagonistic role of Dr. Doom. However, the franchise could make this work for the better in numerous ways. Given how frequently the MCU’s Tony Stark has strayed from the path of morality, an evil version of Downey Jr.’s character exists somewhere in the multiverse.
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In the 2010 single-issue comic, What If? Iron Man: Demon in the Armor, Tony Stark encounters Victor von Doom at a college. Upon seeing Stark’s enormous wealth and influence, the notorious antagonist switches minds with Stark. Now that he is inhabiting Stark’s body, Doom turns into a ruthless scientist with immense wealth.
If the MCU could recreate the scenario with a less complicated narrative, the idea of Downey Jr. portraying Doctor Doom would surely be a game changer. On the other hand, the MCU could justify his involvement by labeling him a variant, since the multiverse is a vast place where many versions of each superhero exist, as seen in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Avengers: Doomsday
, directed by the Russo Brothers, is expected to be released on May 1, 2026.