Daily News for Marvel Movie

Summary

• Downey Jr. being cast as the MCU's Doctor Doom has raised theories about him being a Tony Stark variant in Avengers: Doomsday.
• This would change how Thanos' line about himself and Stark being "cursed with knowledge" looks.
• Speculation about Downey Jr.'s performance suggests he could be the Avengers' most terrifying villain yet.

Robert Downey Jr.'s new role as Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday recontextualizes a number of Marvel Cinematic Universe moments from the past. Downey Jr. is the first confirmed Doomsday cast member, and will play an instrumental role in the film, similar to Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War. While Marvel has taken its time building up its characters throughout the franchise, it is worth remembering that, other than a few short teases, Thanos barely appeared onscreen in the MCU before Infinity War. Following this, the film spent much time and effort building up the villain to his iconic status.
Doctor Doom needs to emerge as one of the strongest MCU villains from his first appearance, both physically and intellectually. The franchise received criticism for its treatment of Kang, who was beaten by Loki and then by Ant-Man without much effort, and this lesson must be learned for Avengers: Doomsday. It is a difficult thing to create a compelling villain quickly; however, using the context attached to Robert Downey Jr.'s performances in the universe, and following speculation on how the performer may play Victor von Doom, it appears there will be some great depth to the villain.
3:02 Related Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom Casting Explained Robert Downey Jr. famously played Iron Man in the MCU, so how is he returning as Doctor Doom?
1 MCU's Doctor Doom Variant Theories Make Thanos Look A Lot More Right About Tony Stark The Infinity Saga Villain And The Multiverse Saga Villain May Have Much In Common Close In Avengers: Infinity War, Thanos tells Tony Stark "You’re not the only one cursed with knowledge,” which reflects forebodingly on the potential future of Doctor Doom's complicated casting as a Tony Stark variant. A refrain from the fanbase through the years has been that "Thanos was right," and in some cases he was. While the reality is far more complicated and morally dubious, The Mad Titan clearly has great wisdom and insight. Him and Stark alike are burdened with knowledge, and it is how they choose to use that knowledge that differentiates them.
If Doctor Doom is a Tony Stark variant, as he is theorized to be in the MCU, it is certain that he, too, will be cursed with that knowledge. Relatable villains who have believable and understandable goals are integral to Marvel storytelling, and the knowledge and insight that Tony Stark possessed has served as a blessing and a curse in the MCU. In Avengers: Age of Ultron, Iron Man nearly destroyed the world with that knowledge. As such, it would be compelling to see how that knowledge resonates with a version of the character who is more amenable to destruction.
2:57 Related Doctor Doom: 3 Movies Robert Downey Jr. Could Appear In Before Avengers 5 Robert Downey Jr. is set to play Doctor Doom in the MCU, and there are some movies he could appear in before Avengers: Doomsday.
1 How Thanos' Line Could Foreshadow The MCU's Doctor Doom Story Victor Von Doom Is Set To Struggle With The Same Responsibility As Tony Stark Close If Doctor Doom is a Tony Stark variant, this line could foreshadow how Doom sees the world. Like Tony Stark and Thanos before him, Doctor Doom's goal will likely be in support of a realistic and sustainable vision for the world. While the Latverian ruler is generally on the side of villainy, he does so in support of beliefs and ideals. Cursed with knowledge on a level so few on Earth have and the wisdom to navigate it, this line foreshadows the path of the morally dubious and how that can be used in the MCU.
Doctor Doom promises to be a relatable and compelling villain, as with a performer like Robert Downey Jr., this is all but assured. However, it is the deeper character details and motivations that will make Doom the most effective antagonist. In a way, Ultron was an evil Tony Stark, with the same programmed ideals and motivations. Seeing someone with that same outlook but with more realistic ways to accomplish it, anchored in a brilliant human, could make for the most terrifying villain that the Avengers have yet faced.
Related I Know The Best Way For RDJ's Doctor Doom To Bring Back The MCU's Original Avengers With Robert Downey Jr. back in the MCU but as Doctor Doom, Marvel could be using a dark story that sees the return of the original Avengers cast.
Details for Avengers: Doomsday are scarce, and it is certainly possible that Doctor Doom will not be a Tony Stark variant. However, while the theory Doom is a Stark variant breaks from most comic book lore, it is important to consider the efficacy of turning Tony Stark into a villain.
The brilliant figure was such an instrumental part in saving the world due to his wisdom and insight that there couldn't be a much more compelling story than flipping that on its head. Either way, the Russos know what they are doing, and Avengers: Doomsday already has promise when it comes to the prospect of the movie delivering a villain greater than Thanos.
Avengers 5 Avengers: Doomsday is the fifth Avengers film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and will bring together heroes, new and old, to face off against Victor von Doom – played by the returning Robert DOwney Jr.. Avengers 5 will also mark the beginning of phase 6 of the MCU.
Director Destin Daniel Cretton Release Date May 1, 2026 Cast Kathryn Newton , Iman Vellani , Mark Ruffalo , Hailee Steinfield , Anthony Mackie , Benedict Wong , Simu Liu , Benedict Cumberbatch , Dominique Thorne , Xochitl Gomez , Chris Hemsworth , Brie Larson Upcoming MCU Movies Captain America: Brave New World
Release Date February 14, 2025 Thunderbolts*
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Release Date July 25, 2025 Blade (2025)
Release Date November 7, 2025 Avengers: Doomsday
Release Date May 1, 2026 Avengers: Secret Wars
Release Date May 7, 2027