Summary
It is intriguing that Robert Downey Jr. is officially re-joining the franchise as Doctor Doom, but I’m distraught because this makes the most importantMarvel Cinematic Universereunion impossible. Regardless of how you feel about Marvel Studios and their projects, there’s no denying that it catapulted the superhero and comic book genre to mainstream popularity. Every studio has attempted to copy its business and creative blueprint, but no one has come close to its success. After the release ofDeadpool & Wolverine, theMCU has officially passed $30 billionin earnings globally, with movies likeAvengers: EndgameandBlack Panther.
It seems so long ago, but I was part of theScreen Rantteam that covered what many would call its golden years. I was there when people couldn’t decidewho was correct inCaptain America: Civil War, when Ryan Coogler and Chadwick Boseman introduced Wakanda inBlack Panther, and whenAvengers: Infinity Warended with a massive cliffhanger. There was also a period of frenzy waiting forAvengers: Endgame’s title and trailer, as well as when it dropped, and made it all worth it. Despite my love for the MCU, even I admit that it has been lost recently.
Robert Downey Jr.’s MCU Return As Doom Explained
Downey Returns In The Russo Brothers' Avengers: Doomsday
The Multiverse Saga started with so much potential. I still think thatWandaVisionis one of the best things to come out of the MCU because it was so creative, not to mention well-acted. Unfortunately, things have become rocky since then. Bringing backAvengers: Infinity WarandAvengers: Endgame’s Joe and Anthony Russo to direct the next Avengers films feels like the most solid bet, considering their record. That said, Marvel Studios capped off their San Diego Comic-Con Hall H 2024 panel with the confirmation thatDowney is coming back, not as Iron Man, but as Victor Von Doom.
Full disclosure, I’m still torn about this revelation. Aside from the casting, Marvel Studios didn’t really reveal how this would work, considering the events of the Infinity Saga. That being said,Downey’s Doctor Doom debut will likely be tied to the MCU’s current multiversal story. Regardless of the specifics, this would allow them to preserve Iron Man’s heroic arc and emotional death inAvengers: Endgame. Still, I would have preferred that Marvel Studios fully moved on from the actor, not because he isn’t good. It’s just that for me (and presumably other fans),Downey was, is, and will always be Tony Stark.
RDJ’s New MCU Role Effectively Makes An Iron Man & Captain America Team-Up Impossible
It’s Unlikely That Downey Also Plays Iron Man In The Same Film He Portrays Dr. Doom
Despite my personal feelings about Downey coming back and playing a different role in the MCU, I somehow understand why this is the route that Marvel Studios is taking. They need someone tried and tested to drum up hype for the next twoAvengersfilms in light of their post-Avengers: Endgameperformance. Just like bringing the Russos back, the actor coming back is an effective way to do that. Somehow, I’m also holding out hope that they can justify this controversial decision simply because of the people involved.
However, one thing that I am truly heartbroken about is the idea that Downey’s debut as Dr. Doom effectively makes Iron Man’s reunion with Steve Rogers/Captain America.
However, one thing that I am truly heartbroken about is the idea that Downey’s debut as Dr. Doom effectively makes Iron Man’s reunion with Steve Rogers/Captain America. While rumors swirled around that Marvel Studios was trying to bring back its inaugural actor, there were also murmurs that they were working on recruiting Chris Evans back. Granted that he already returned asJohnny Storm/Human Torch in Deadpool & Wolverine, the franchise still has a clear opportunity to feature him again inAvengers: Secret Wars. If anything, the Russos directing will be extra motivation for him to be involved.
Assuming that Evans does come back as Steve Rogers inAvengers: Secret Wars, the chances of him sharing the screen with Downey as Iron Man are slim to none. It’s doubtful that Marvel Studios will have Downey play Dr. Doom and Tony Stark in the same movie. Not only can it be confusing for the general public, it will also be extra-strenuous for the actor. This leaves Infinity Saga fans like me missing on the chance to see the Avengers' leaders share the screen again since they defeated Thanos inAvengers: Endgame.
Why An Iron Man & Captain America Reunion In Phase 6 Is Important
Iron Man & Captain America’s Relationship Shaped MCU’s Infinity Saga
Those who have been following the MCU since its inception in 2008 like me knowhow special the original Avengers are. 2012’s The Avengers solidified Kevin Feige’s plans of building an interconnected and offered the first real glimpse of the franchise’s potential. Beyond that, it established the leaders of the evolving universe, with the founding of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. Each of them had their respective dynamics with each other, butnothing was as important as Stark and Rogers' relationship. The only time the Avengers lost was when they weren’t together, and that was inAvengers: Infinity War.
Iron Man and Captain America’s relationship was complicated. They had very clear differences, which resulted in some clashes. I think their arguments remain to be the MCU’s most compelling and tense ones in all of its 16 years. Despite all of that, however, they needed each other to properly lead the Avengers. Interestingly, they complemented each other. Despite their differences, they were always united on one goal — to ensure the safety of Earth to whoever threatened it. Adding to their on-screen dynamic was knowing the friendship that Downey and Evans continue to have.
With Downey playing Doom, Marvel Studio unofficially rules out the possibility of seeing Iron Man and Captain America not just reunite but fight for the same cause inAvengers: Secret Wars. Considering the status of the franchise and what they are planning to do in the Multiverse Saga, this may be the only time that Marvel Studios can bring both of them back. It’s a ploy that they cannot abuse, otherwise, it will diminish the importance of the Infinity Saga.
Will Marvel Ever Bring Back RDJ & Evans As Iron Man & Captain America?
Marvel Studios May Not Have Any Chance To Bring The Avengers Back After Secret Wars
BeyondAvengers: Secret Wars,I simply don’t see Marvel Studios bringing both Downey and Evans back— at least in the foreseeable future. Aside from the aforementioned concern about over-relying on Stark and Rogers' popularity despite being years removed from Infinity Saga, seeing them again after already being in the Multiverse Saga may just hamper theMarvel Cinematic Universe’s attempt to move forward and establish new poster characters for the franchise. Unfortunately, it doesn’t help if the franchise remains stuck in the past by continuously featuring Downey and Evans long after their heroes' stories were told.
Avengers: Secret Wars
Cast
Avengers: Secret Wars is an anticipated installment in Phase 6 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, serving as the finale of The Multiverse Saga. Scheduled for release in December 2027, the film’s plot remains under wraps, fueling curiosity about its role in the expansive Marvel narrative.
