.jpeg "Robert Downey Jr. Says ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Won’t Try to Top ‘Endgame’ as Marvel Rebuilds Trust With Fans")
During a surprise appearance at SXSW London alongside directors Joe and Anthony Russo, Downey addressed the challenge facing the upcoming film. The actor, who is returning to the MCU as the iconic villain Doctor Doom after previously portraying Tony Stark/Iron Man for more than a decade, acknowledged the impact of Marvel’s previous Avengers films.
“What we've been laboring long and hard over… we can't beat it—we can't stand on the shoulders of these giants of Infinity War and Endgame,” Downey said. “So we're literally zeroing out the board, and we're gonna try to earn your trust and respect all over again.”
His comments suggest that Marvel Studios is aiming to refresh its storytelling strategy following several years of mixed audience reactions to the post-Endgame MCU.
Downey Embraces a New Role as Doctor Doom
Downey’s casting as Victor Von Doom was officially announced at San Diego Comic-Con 2024, one of the biggest surprises in Marvel history. The announcement also confirmed the return of the Russo brothers, who directed Infinity War and Endgame, to helm both Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.
Since the announcement, Downey has spoken openly about the transition from hero to villain. He recently argued that Doctor Doom is an even greater threat than Thanos, the villain who dominated the MCU's Infinity Saga.
According to Downey, Doom's danger comes not only from power but from intelligence and manipulation. While Thanos relied on physical strength, armies, and the Infinity Stones, Doom combines advanced technology with dark mystical knowledge, making him unpredictable and exceptionally dangerous.
How Marvel Pitched Doctor Doom to Downey
Downey has also revealed how the idea of returning to the MCU first came about.
The actor explained that he originally met with Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige to discuss ways he could contribute to Disney projects outside the cinematic universe. During the conversation, Feige unexpectedly suggested a return to Marvel in a completely different role.
Downey recalled being surprised when Feige proposed Victor Von Doom. His wife, Susan Downey, reportedly asked what character he would return as before Feige revealed the iconic Marvel villain.
After researching Doom's comic-book history, Downey became intrigued by the character. The idea later received support from Disney CEO Bob Iger, helping move the project forward.
Building a Different Version of Doctor Doom
The Russo brothers have emphasized that Downey is approaching Doctor Doom as an entirely new character rather than relying on audience nostalgia connected to Iron Man.
According to the directors, the actor has spent considerable time studying comic-book source material, developing character backstories, and exploring costume concepts. The goal is to create a complex, fully realized version of Doom that stands apart from Tony Stark.
Comic Storylines Influencing ‘Avengers: Doomsday’
Marvel Studios is reportedly drawing heavily from several major comic-book storylines to shape the film.
The most significant influence comes from Jonathan Hickman’s New Avengers and Time Runs Out series. Those stories revolve around “Incursions,” catastrophic events in which parallel universes collide, threatening the destruction of entire realities.
In the comics, Doctor Doom investigates the collapse of the multiverse while secretly positioning himself to seize control of reality itself.
The film is also expected to serve as a direct lead-in to Hickman’s acclaimed 2015 Secret Wars storyline. In that comic event, Doom acquires immense cosmic power and creates Battleworld, a patchwork planet built from fragments of destroyed universes. He then rules as the all-powerful God Emperor Doom.
The Russo brothers have additionally cited inspiration from the original 1984 Secret Wars event, particularly its crossover concept that brings heroes and villains from different worlds together.
Recent Marvel Comics stories, including Doomquest and One World Under Doom, may also influence the character's motivations, particularly his obsession with controlling and reshaping history to create what he believes is a better reality.
Massive Cast Brings Together Multiple Marvel Universes
Avengers: Doomsday is shaping up to be one of the largest crossover films ever produced by Marvel Studios.
The movie will feature returning MCU veterans alongside characters from newer franchises and legacy Marvel films.
Among the confirmed stars are:
• Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom
• Chris Evans as Steve Rogers
• Chris Hemsworth as Thor
• Tom Hiddleston as Loki
• Anthony Mackie as Captain America
• Paul Rudd as Ant-Man
• Simu Liu as Shang-Chi
The Fantastic Four team will also play a major role, including:
• Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards
• Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm
• Ebon Moss-Bachrach as The Thing
• Joseph Quinn as Human Torch
Members of the Thunderbolts and New Avengers lineup are also set to appear, including Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, and Wyatt Russell.
In addition, Marvel is bringing back several actors from Fox’s X-Men films, including:
• Patrick Stewart as Professor X
• Ian McKellen as Magneto
• James Marsden as Cyclops
• Channing Tatum as Gambit
Marvel’s Biggest Multiverse Event Yet
Production on Avengers: Doomsday is currently underway. Early details suggest the film will unite heroes and villains from multiple realities, including the main MCU timeline, the Fantastic Four universe, and characters from Fox’s X-Men franchise.
The movie is expected to lay the foundation for Avengers: Secret Wars, which will conclude Marvel’s Multiverse Saga and potentially reshape the future of the MCU.
Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled for release on December 18, 2026, while Avengers: Secret Wars is set to arrive in theaters on December 17, 2027.
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