Robert Downey Jr., who kickstarted the Marvel Cinematic Universe with 2008’s Iron Man, is set to return to the franchise for two upcoming Avengers movies.
Marvel Studios confirmed Downey’s return as the classic Fantastic Four villain Doctor Doom during its San Diego Comic-Con presentation, as reported by Variety. Downey will appear in the newly titled Avengers: Doomsday, set for release in May 2026, and Avengers: Secret Wars, scheduled for May 2027.
Marvel Chief Kevin Feige also announced that Joe and Anthony Russo will direct these next two Avengers films.
Downey, who gained immense fame as Tony Stark/Iron Man in 2008’s Iron Man, which launched the MCU, last appeared in the franchise in 2019’s Avengers: Endgame, where his character sacrificed himself to save the universe.
Downey’s role as Doctor Doom was revealed in a dramatic ceremony featuring about two dozen olive-robed men wearing metal masks reminiscent of Doctor Doom. Joe Russo commented.
“If we’re going to bring Victor Von Doom to the screen he is one of the more complex characters in all of comics this is potentially one of the more entertaining characters in all of fiction.” He added that they needed “the greatest actor in the world” for the role.
During the event, a masked man in a green suit stepped forward and revealed himself as Downey, confirming his role.
Fans had speculated about Downey’s return as Iron Man after Marvel Studios Chief Kevin Feige hinted that Hugh Jackman’s return as Wolverine in Deadpool & Wolverine might open the door for Downey to return as Iron Man.
When asked about the possibility of Downey or Chris Evans returning as Iron Man or Captain America, Feige noted that the recent Deadpool movie has opened up possibilities.
He added, “That’s the key, right? How do you do it in a way that maintains what has come before, and in a great way? And we’ve been spending, you know, the last two-plus years figuring that out for Wolverine.”
