SDCC: Robert Downey Jr. Returning to MCU, Will Play Dr. Doom In Next Two Avengers Films

Robert Downey Jr. is returning to the MCU — but not as Iron Man, as he’s playing Doctor Doom in the next two Avengers films. It was announced in Hall H at San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday that Downey, who kicked off the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Tony Stark in Iron Man, is set to play the iconic Marvel villain in the next two Avengers films, which the Russo Brothers are officially back to direct.

Downey will play Doom in the now-rechristened Avengers: Doomsday in May 2026 as well as Avengers: Secret Wars in May 2027. Downey appeared at the panel, unmasking to reveal himself as Victor Von Doom.

The fifth Avengers film was originally titled Avengers: The Kang Dynasty. However, after Kang fizzled out in Ant-Man And the Wasp: Quantumania and actor Jonathan Majors was fired after being found guilty of reckless assault and harassment against his ex-girlfriend, Marvel decided to switch gears.

“If we’re going to bring Doctor Doom to the screen — he is one of the most complex characters, most entertaining characters in all of fiction,” Joe Russo said. “If we’re going to do this … then we are going to need the greatest actor in the world.”

The Russos are making their return to the MCU after having last directed Avengers: Endgame, which broke box office records when it released in 2019 and capped off Phase Three. Meanwhile, Downey has won an Oscar since leaving the MCU for playing Lewis Strauss in Oppenheimer.

Just announced in Hall H:
 
The Russo Brothers return to direct Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Doomsday, starring Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom. Only in theaters May 2026. #SDCC pic.twitter.com/oqnSwWKnYn

— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) July 28, 2024