Marvel Studios has confirmed that they are bringing back Robert Downey Jr. to the MCU, but this time not as Tony Stark. Instead, he will portray Victor von Doom/Doctor Doom in the upcoming Avengers movies “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Avengers: Secret Wars.”
During Marvel’s presentation at San Diego Comic-Con, it was announced that The Russo Brothers will direct “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Avengers: Secret Wars.” They previously directed “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame.” On stage at SDCC Hall H, Joe Russo said, “When we directed ‘Avengers: Endgame,’ we really believed it was the end for us in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.” He added, “That four-movie run was incredible, and it left us creatively spent.” However, since then, the duo found a “very special story” that convinced them to come back. Joe emphasized, “It’s the biggest story that Marvel Comics ever told. It’s the reason that Anthony and I are standing up here.” And that film is “Avengers: Secret Wars.”
We also have an exciting update on the casting: The Fantastic Four will appear in both Avengers films, including Pedro Pascal as Mister Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Susan Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as The Thing.
Downey Jr. shared an image of himself on Instagram with the Doctor Doom mask and wrote, “New mask, same task.”
In a recent interview with Esquire magazine, Downey Jr. was asked if he would ever return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and he responded affirmatively. “Happily. It’s too integral a part of my DNA,” Downey said. “That role chose me. And look, I always say, ‘Never, ever bet against Kevin Feige.’ It is a losing bet. He’s the house. He will always win.”
In a recent interview with Still Watching Netflix on YouTube, Cumberbatch confirmed that ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ filming will begin next year and that he is “very much looking forward” to returning. Cumberbatch said, “He’s a gift in my life in many ways as a producer, as an actor. I’m very much looking forward to Avengers which is cooking up a storm.”
Downey Jr.’s first MCU movie was 2008’s “Iron Man.” Since then, the MCU has expanded with sequels, and he reprised the role of Iron Man in 10 Marvel films, including “Iron Man 2,” “Iron Man 3,” “The Incredible Hulk,” “The Avengers,” “Captain America: Civil War,” “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” “Avengers: Infinity War,” and “Avengers: Endgame.”
Benedict Cumberbatch will return as Stephen Strange/Doctor Strange, Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier, Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, Wyatt Russell as John Walker/U.S. Agent, Olga Kurylenko as Antonia Dreykov/Taskmaster, David Harbour as Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian, and Hannah John-Kamen as Ava Starr/Ghost.
Stephen McFeely will pen the script for “Avengers: Doomsday,” which will be a sequel to “The Avengers,” “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Avengers: Infinity War,” and “Avengers: Endgame.” It is the thirty-ninth film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the third installment of Phase Six. Produced by Kevin Feige.
“Avengers: Doomsday” is set to be released on May 1, 2026, and “Avengers: Secret Wars” will be released on May 7, 2027.
