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Despite numerous rumors that went around about Robert Downey Jr. returning to the MCU as Doctor Doom, the majority of fans never bought a single word of it because, first and foremost, he will always be Iron Man. Now, the illusion has been shattered after it was revealed at the San Diego Comic-Con that he’s playing Doctor Doom after all.
This revelation elicited varied reactions from fans. Doctor Doom is now tasked to be the menacing figure in the MCU after Jonathan Majors messed up and left Kang the Conqueror’s fate hanging by a thread.
Robert Downey Jr. Returns To MCU As Doctor Doom
For the past few months,Robert Downey Jr.expressed willingness to return to the MCU. He toldEsquirethat he would “happily” come back to the franchise because it is “too integral” in his life. He also added: “I always say, ‘Never, ever bet against Kevin Feige.’ It is a losing bet. He’s the house. He will always win.”
And winning, he did –Kevin Feige, the boss of the Marvel Studios, managed to bring back theIron Manactor into the fold, but not as what fans hoped for. Many have been wishing for his return as Tony Stark, whether as a variant or in a flashback, literally anything just to see him once again. In the end, he comes back as the villain.
Industry insiderJeff Sneiderpreviously shared a scoop about hearing Downey Jr. making a possible return in a futureAvengersmovie. The source claimed he would be a Stark Variant that would transform into Doctor Doom.
As bizarre as that sounds, the Oscar-winning actor actually attempted to win the role in 2005’sFantastic Fourso this is not his first brush with the character. In an interview viaMarvel Entertainment, directorJon Favreausaid to Feige: “I remember you had all met with [Downey] already for like Doctor Doom or something on another project.” Almost two decades later, he finally got the part.
“Doom is a type of villain that must be built”: Doctor Doom Not The Main Villain of Fantastic Four, Fans Agree, Say He’s a Much Bigger Threat
The Doctor Doom revelation at the SDCC was not only shocking news but also a strategic plan, as per fans. They believe Feige set it up for everyone to forget aboutJonathan Majors’ blunder. After all, whatever happened to Kang the Conqueror?
Fans Will Soon Forget Jonathan Majors After Doctor Doom Announcement
Majors was supposed to playKang the Conquerorin a series of Marvel films. The character was meant to replace the void left by Thanos in the MCU, making him the big bad villain of the present and upcoming phases.
When the actor was charged with assault and subsequently convicted, Marvel Studios dropped him from their payroll. For months, fans have been wondering if they will recast Kang or head in a different direction.
“Sounds like something that’ll never happen”: Robert Downey Jr. Might Not Return as Iron Man But Insider Claims MCU Eyeing Him for a Role He Had Auditioned Before
They chose the latter, obviously, and with Downey Jr. taking up the mantle of Doctor Doom, fans believe everyone has forgotten about Majors. Check out their tweets below:
I had forgotten about him before this
Jonathan who now?
MCU fans to Jonathan Majors rn 😂pic.twitter.com/gLRRCH5Kjk
Forget about who?
It remains to be seen how the formerIron Manstar would fare as MCU’s new villain. Netizens are still having mixed emotions about Doctor Doom’s casting.
Avengers: Doomsdayhits theaters on May 2026.
Ariane Cruz
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3532
Ariane Cruz is a Senior Writer at FandomWire, majorly focusing on TV shows with over 3,000 articles published. Her love for pop culture and the creative arts fuels her passion to deliver engaging and informative stories. Her daily consumption of films, shows, and books keeps her energized for the day, along with her mission to serve as the bridge between fans and their favorite franchises.
