Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

Robert Downey Jr. Is Coming Back To The MCU, But Not As Iron Man—And Fans Are Seriously Divided

Robert Downey Jr.
Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney

After the reveal that the Oscar winner has been cast as Doctor Doom in the 'Fantastic Four' reboot, Marvel fans sounded off.

Marvel fans thought they saw the last of Robert Downey Jr. in the MCU when Tony Stark's alter ego Iron Man died heroically saving the universe by defeating Thanos in 2019's Avengers: Endgame.

The actor previously starred as Tony Stark/Iron Man since 2008 in the MCU films Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, The Avengers, Iron Man 3, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Captain America: Civil War, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame.


Fans made peace with the fact that it was the end of the line for Downey Jr. in a Marvel movie.

But, not so fast.

MCU fans did a double-take after a massive announcement that brought Downey Jr. back in two upcoming Avengers films, this time as a villain.

At Saturday's Comic-Con in San Diego, Marvel President Kevin Feige surprised fans with the announcement the actor was returning to the MCU as Doctor Doom or Victor Von Doom in Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027).

The attendees at Hall H lost it when Downey Jr. stepped forward wearing Doctor Doom's green cloak and removed the character's signature titanium alloy mask.

MCU Film directors Anthony and Joseph Russo, a.k.a. the Russo Brothers, who are also returning to helm the new films, introduced Doctor Doom's casting, saying:

"If we're going to bring Victor von Doom to the screen...we are going to need the greatest actor in the world."
"As proof of the unimaginable possibilities of the Marvel Universe, we give you the one person who could play Victor von Doom."


That was the epic moment when Downey Jr. unmasked in front of fans.

In the Marvel Comics, Doctor Doom is the primary antagonist in the Fantastic Four franchise of the Marvel Universe, as well as the adversary of the Spider-Man and the Avengers franchises.

Downey Jr. later posted the announcement on Instagram, writing, "New mask, same task."


Translation:

While the initial response to his casting was met with enthusiasm, as seen in the viral clips of his reveal, many online were confused.

Some wondered if Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom would be an evil version of Tony Stark or if he was going to be a standalone villain with no connection to Iron Man.

"I'm so pissed off and in shock right now," wrote a disappointed fan on Instagram, adding, "How can they turn my Superhero into a super villain. This is so not right. I need time to accept this."

One fan speculated Disney must've secured a lucrative deal with Downey Jr.'s star power by signing him back on at the expense of better special effects.

"Avengers 5 gonna have the sh*ttiest cgi because half the budget went to rdj’s greedy a**," they wrote.

There were many positive reactions.





While some fans tried to make heads or tails of the situation.



Others were disappointed in the casting choice.




Warning: NSFW language.

The mixed feelings continued.




People got dramatic.


Jokesters had a field day.




Even actor Gwyneth Paltrow, who played Pepper Potts in the Iron Man franchise, scratched her head over Downey Jr.’s Instagram announcement.

She playfully commented:

“I don’t get it, are you a baddie now?”

Regardless of how moviegoers feel about Downey Jr.'s return to the MCU as Doctor Doom, the viral buzz surely won't prevent them from going to see the films in theaters.

After all, any lack of buzz around a new film can signal potential box office doom.

More from Entertainment/celebrities

Donald Trump; Superman (2025) poster
Joe Raedle/Getty Images; Warner Bros. Pictures

White House Blasted After Portraying Trump As Superman In Bonkers Poster Mock-up

The White House was mercilessly mocked online after it posted a revised poster for the latest Superman film that features President Donald Trump as the Man of Steel.

The latest big screen adaptation of the famed superhero comic, Superman, was directed by James Gunn and stars David Corenswet as the titular superhero, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. The film has received positive reviews and has already made an estimated $2.8 million from Tuesday previews for a total $21 million, including Thursday previews.

Keep ReadingShow less
Screenshot of Charlie Kirk
Real America's Voice

MAGA Influencer Charlie Kirk Called Out After Blaming DEI For High Death Toll In Texas Flooding Disaster

Turning Point USA founder and MAGA influencer Charlie Kirk was harshly criticized after he claimed the death toll in the flash floods that have devastated central Texas "would not have been as high if it wasn't for DEI," ridiculously suggesting that principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion were responsible.

Kirk's comments are reflective of President Donald Trump’s broader push to dismantle federal programs focused on diversity and inclusion—part of what he pledged in his inaugural address would be a campaign to stop attempts to “socially engineer race and gender into every aspect of public and private life.”

Keep ReadingShow less

People Reveal The Dark Secrets They Discovered About Someone After They Died

Sometimes you never know who someone is until they're gone.

Everyone has their secrets.

Keep ReadingShow less
Screenshot of Jesse Watters; Hakeem Jeffries
Fox News; Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Jesse Watters Pathetically Tries To Burn Hakeem Jeffries With Bizarre 'Rule For Men' Rant

Fox News personality Jesse Watters was widely mocked after he criticized House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries for having recently shared a photo of himself on Instagram that appeared to be digitally altered—with the bench he was leaning against noticeably warped around his hips.

You can see Jeffries' photo below.

Keep ReadingShow less
Snoop Dogg
Christopher Polk/Billboard via Getty Images

Snoop Dogg's Puppy Instagram Breaks Internet

Snoop Dogg introduced his fans to the newest little bow-wow in his household, a puppy named Baby Boy Broadus.

The adorable small tan French bulldog made his debut on the rapper’s Instagram account on June 28th, sporting a Louis Vuitton leash and chewing on his owner’s Death Row Jacket.

Keep ReadingShow less