Robert Downey Jr may return as Doctor Doom after Avengers Secret Wars
Marvel's decision to cast Downey Jr.—famously known for his portrayal of Iron Man—as Doctor Doom marks a bold creative shift as the studio repositions itself following the Infinity Saga. While Thanos was teased over several years and gradually built into a franchise-defining villain, Doctor Doom will have a much shorter runway, having only recently been teased in newer films.
Originally, Kang the Conqueror was expected to serve as the next central antagonist. However, behind-the-scenes challenges and lukewarm audience reception reportedly led to Marvel rethinking its long-term narrative plans.
Now, with Doctor Doom set to debut in Avengers: Doomsday, Marvel is already weighing the potential of keeping Downey Jr. in the role for future projects beyond Secret Wars. If true, this could suggest the character survives those events or returns through a multiverse scenario—a tactic common in comic adaptations but sometimes criticized for reducing narrative stakes.
If Doctor Doom remains central to the MCU, it raises questions about the financial sustainability of continuing with Downey Jr. The actor is reportedly earning over $80 million for the two Avengers films, with total compensation potentially exceeding $100 million. Keeping him on board would require a substantial ongoing investment.
Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled for release on December 18, 2026, followed by Avengers: Secret Wars on December 17, 2027. Whether Downey Jr. stays on long-term could significantly influence the future tone and structure of Marvel's next saga.
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