Robert Downey Jr. is regarded by many as the face of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, so his return was some of the biggest news they could have dropped.
On July 28th, Marvel shocked its fans at the 2024 San Diego Comic-Con with its newest updates.
The hall was ecstatic when Downey revealed himself to be the Fantastic Four supervillain Doctor Doom.
Downey’s Marvel journey started in the MCU beginning in 2008 as Iron Man, until the character’s death in the 2019 phenomenon Avengers: Endgame.
Being the second highest-grossing film of all time after being overtaken by Avatar, the filmmakers Anthony and Joe Russo believed that was the end of their Marvel journey.
However, also announced at Comic-Con, was their return for the future Doctor Doom films, including Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.
Joe Russo stated at the convention: “When we directed Avengers: Endgame, we really believed it was the end for us in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.”
Yet the directing duo seemed to find a ‘very special story’ that convinced their return to the franchise.
Although Downey’s character has been beloved by almost all Marvel fans as the genius, billionaire, playboy, and philanthropist Tony Stark – some think his story should have ended there.
With Doctor Doom being such a complex and multifaceted villain, fans had a lot to say about the casting choice, mostly on X after the announcement.
“Marvel actually dug a deeper hole for themselves by bringing RDJ back.”
“Genuinely what’s the point of casting Dr Doom if he isn’t a Romani man scarred by the way ppl treated his family because of his heritage.”
Doctor Doom is from a fictional Eastern European country by the name Latveria, born into a tribe of Latverian Romani people, which is crucial to his story.
Many believe it could be so simple to accurately cast a new Romani actor for the role, instead of white-washing the character. But many believe Marvel are in need of something to bring the dying franchise back, and the love for Downey could do just that.
“This is straight-up whitewashing,” one wrote.
“Dr Doom is one of those villains it should be impossible to f*** up but wasting him on a cheap Iron Man nostalgia-casting pop might be the way.”
“Doctor Doom is not a white man,” another said.
Some fan casts have suggested Saša Barbul (Life Eternal) or Danny Wynter (Capturing Mary) for the iconic role.
However, some believe Downey can pull it off and has the potential to be something incredible.
Some speculation believes he could be playing a Tony Stark variant, which would be a big step for Marvel to take with such a beloved character.
“I think it has crazy good potential.”
“Think back to when Tony saw that Alien army at the end of Avengers 1.”
“He wanted to cover the world in a suit of armour but had friends who told him better.”
“What if this version of him just goes down a different path? It has a lot of promise.”
“I mean it’s obviously gonna be a Tony Stark variant. I don’t love it but I saw a tweet saying the one who saves the world in one dimension is the one who ends it in another and that’s pretty compelling but well see how they do it.”
