So Robert Downey Jr. is returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe…but who is Doctor Doom?

As an MCU and Iron Man fan – which we all know is different from Marvel comics fans – I find the news of RDJ’s return to the MCU hard to digest. RDJ’s Iron Man made me fall in love with the entire franchise (sorry not sorry, Captain America fans) and superhero movies in general. Despite Avengers: Endgame breaking my heart with Tony Stark’s ending, I could say there is no better way to close his chapter. Clueless about the new role RDJ is taking on, it makes me wonder if this news is something that would satisfy my longing for RDJ in the MCU. Thus, fellow non-comic book fans, join me in searching for answers to discover who Doctor Doom is!

Also read: Robert Downey Jr. Is Set To Return To The Marvel Cinematic Universe

Apparently, his full name is Doctor Victor Von Doom – the “infamous ruler of Latveria.” Marvel described him as a “scientific genius” with “an unquenchable lust for power and a towering ego,” making him “one of the world’s greatest villains.” This tells us that Robert Downey Jr. will return as one of Marvel’s iconic villains – contrary to his iconic superhero role.

In summary, Victor Von Doom was orphaned at a young age and exposed to dark magic. While studying at the same university, a scientific rivalry with Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic) turned into a personal vendetta when a catastrophic experiment scarred him physically and psychologically. Resurrected as Doctor Doom, he transformed Latveria into his personal fortress and became a global menace.

SECRET WARS (1984) #10 (SOURCE: MARVEL)

Doctor Doom is a formidable foe with a mastery of science, technology, and magic. With an intellect that rivals Tony Stark’s, his advanced armor grants him enhanced strength, durability, and flight. As ruler of Latveria, he commands vast resources and an army of robots. His genius allows him to manipulate time, dimension, and weaponry with deadly precision. Unlike Captain America’s leadership or Doctor Strange’s mystical prowess, Doom is a solitary force, driven by a twisted genius that could potentially eclipse the combined might of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.

Doctor Doom is most commonly associated with the Fantastic Four – which consists of Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic), his wife Susan Storm Richards (Invisible Woman), her brother Johnny Storm (Human Torch), and Ben Grimm (The Thing). These four got superhuman abilities from exposure to cosmic rays during an experimental space flight.

However, it is also important to note that Doctor Doom “has made his presence felt across the world and come more than close to ruling it on a number of occasions. There was even that time when he rewrote all realities,” according to Marvel.

Before Robert Downey Jr., Doctor Doom was portrayed by different actors. The character appears in several Fantastic Four film adaptations, such as:

• Fantastic Four (1994): played by Joseph Culp

This movie, however, was reportedly made solely to maintain the film rights to the franchise and was never intended to be released.

• Fantastic Four (2005) and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007): played by Julian McMahon

This 20th Century Fox film adaptation stars Michael Chiklis as Ben Grimm/The Thing, Ioan Gruffudd as Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic, Jessica Alba as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, and Chris Evans as Johnny Storm/Human Torch (whose role was – SPOILER ALERT – spoofed in Deadpool and Wolverine).

• Fantastic Four (2015): played by Toby Kebbell

The 2015 reboot, featuring Miles Teller, Kate Mara, Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Bell, and Toby Kebbell, presented a new vision for the superhero team.

In case you’re wondering, here are comic book storylines where Iron Man and Doctor Doom interact:

• Fantastic Four: The most iconic rivalry, as Doctor Doom is the arch-nemesis of the Fantastic Four, a team that often includes Iron Man as an ally.
• Armor Wars: Storylines focusing on advanced technology often pit Iron Man against those who misuse it, Doctor Doom being a prime example.
• Secret Wars: Major crossover events often feature both characters as central players, their clash of intellect and power becoming a focal point.
• Solo Series: Both characters have storylines where they directly confront each other, exploring their complex relationship and contrasting ideologies.
• Avengers: As a founding member of the Avengers, Iron Man frequently faces threats from Doctor Doom, who often seeks to conquer the world or manipulate global events.

Further research even reveals that their relationship isn’t always purely antagonistic. Post-Secret Wars, Doctor Doom apparently undergoes a redemption arc, becoming an ally to Iron Man in the Invincible Iron Man series.

INFAMOUS IRON MAN (2016) #1 (SOURCE: MARVEL)

Now, on to the most pressing question! What likely appeals to most non-comics fans about the MCU is the consistency of main actors reprising their roles, which simplifies following the saga. However, the multiverse concept offers greater flexibility for introducing characters and actors. For example, as previously mentioned (with a spoiler alert), Chris Evans returned to the MCU on Deadpool and Wolverine in a different role. While Deadpool’s fourth-wall-breaking antics might justify this, the real question is: Will the MCU rebrand Robert Downey Jr. entirely as Doctor Doom, or will they connect this new role to Tony Stark?

Iron Man and Doctor Doom share a complex history. As RDJ said, “What can I tell you? I like playing complicated characters.” Both brilliant inventors, their paths diverged – with Stark becoming a hero and Doom a villain – yet, their stories intertwine. Although comic book storylines often pit them against each other, the Marvel multiverse further blurs the lines with stories where they’ve even swapped roles.

For instance, “Iron Maniac” from Marvel Team-Up #3 and “What If? Iron Man: Demon in an Armor” explore these alternate realities. Dr. Doom even briefly became Iron Man in the series “Infamous Iron Man” where he defends Stark Industries from an attack by The Hood and his minions, showcasing the unexpected depths of their characters.

So while the casting of Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom might seem surprising to some (as in those who don’t read or follow Marvel comics including myself), comic book history actually offers a precedent. Nevertheless, whether the MCU will link these two famous characters together or not, and if so, how, is yet to be disclosed.

As announced by Marvel at the recent Comic-Con, Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom will appear in the upcoming MCU movie Avengers: Doomsday in 2026, followed by Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027. Also joining RDJ in the next two Avengers films are Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as the Fantastic Four; as well as Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, David Harbour, Wyatt Russell, and more as the Thunderbolts*.

Also read: All The Epic Reveals At The 2024 San Diego Comic-Con

Are you excited about RDJ’s return to the MCU as Dr. Doom? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!