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The rich tapestry of the Marvel Cinematic Universe has led to the buildup of some of the most riveting storylines and legendary endeavors that none have managed to replicate. With its multiversal element still intact and in full bloom, it provides an added possibility for an even grander narrative. So with the recent introduction of Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom, fans believe that Marvel is playing a long and pretty enticing game.

As per a recent fan theory floating around, RDJ might just be a stand-in for an even mightier Doctor Doom, potentially played by none other than Cillian Murphy. Thus, knockingSecret Warsright out of the park, the MCU, as per fans, is planning an even greater story than the 2019 blockbuster,Avengers: Endgame.
Fan Theory: Robert Downey Jr. is Just a Stand-In, the Worst is Yet to Come
Robert Downey Jr.gave fans one of the best superhero portrayals of all time when he starred as Tony Stark/Iron Man in the MCU. Credited to have laid the foundation of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Downey will forever and ever be known as the titular superhero. As fans continue to see him inseparable from his iconic Marvel role, he has a new challenge ahead of him: portraying another iconic character from Marvel mythos, Doctor Doom.
A debatable feat,RDJ’s casting has naturally raised the stakesfor it would be hard for him to step aside from the shadow of his previous Marvel role. Yet, a fan theory believes this is exactly why he has been cast as one of Marvel’s greatest villains. As per aReddituser, Downey’s Doom might just be a stand-in for the ‘real’ and truly invincible Victor Von Doom.

“Seems too much like bad fan fiction”: ‘Loki’ Season 1 Ending Proves Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom Arc Might Be the Only Solution to MCU’s Kang Problem
Casting the Oscar-winning actor would allowMarvel to portray him as an indestructible Doom, who does some extraordinary feats in the upcomingAvengers: Doomsday. Either kickstarting the creation of Battleworld or laying the foundation of Secret Wars, the theory states that Marvel could show RDJ’s Doom as the ultimate adversary only to end up with him being murdered by the ‘real’ Doom at the end ofDoomsday, potentially played by the fan-favorite Cillian Murphy.
If Marvel does follow suit, such an event would not only cement the real Doom as the ultimate villain but also open up a thrilling sense of unpredictability, keeping fans on edge about who holds the true power as the saga unfolds.

Cillian Murphy as the Ultimate Doom: The Perfect Conqueror forSecret Wars
Cillian Murphy [as Thomas Shelby fromPeaky Blinders| Credit: Netflix]Casting an actor as talented and vital to the MCU as Robert Downey Jr. will certainly provide Marvel an edge for cementing him as the quintessential villain. But if Marvel follows the recent fan theory, it allows the MCU to leverage Downey’s star power without locking him into the role permanently and making way for an even grander enemy.
Not only would such a feat provide Downey with an ample amount of time to shine, but this twist could help symbolize the multiverse’s instability while allowing for an even more grand antagonist to come through. And as per popular fan-casting,Cillian Murphywould bethe best choice to play the Ultimate Doctor Doom.

Renowned for his acting prowess and enigmatic presence, Murphy is an ideal candidate for the ultimate version of Doctor Doom. The Oscar-winning actor, as per the fans, can imbue Doom with an intellectual menace and intensity that would make him a worthy adversary for Earth’s mightiest heroes inAvengers:Secret Wars.
“RDJ should be playing this role instead of Doom”: Russo Brothers Could Have Brought Robert Downey Jr. Back as an Evil Iron Man Without Casting Him as Doctor Doom
Can be poised as a mastermind lurking behind the scenes, this feat can get even more interesting if RDJ is to portray Doctor Doom as a reflection of Tony Stark’s shadow self — an arrogant genius turned tyrant, with Murphy being the purest and most dangerous form of Doom. Not only giving fans a villain who is not only powerful but nuanced, strategic, and terrifyingly intelligent, the MCU could elevate itself with such a thrilling set of narrative.
Avengers: Doomsdayis scheduled to be released on August 23, 2025, whileAvengers: Secret Warsis scheduled to be released on July 12, 2025.

Maria Sultan
Senior Writer
Articles Published :2703
Maria Sultan is a dedicated News Content Writer at FandomWire. With over five years of professional experience and hundreds of published articles, she brings a wealth of expertise to her coverage of Marvel, K-dramas, and the latest on streaming platforms.Her work is not just about reporting news; it’s about providing insightful perspectives on the entertainment trends that matter most.