Are Fans Marvelling Over Robert Downey Jr's Return To MCU As Doctor Doom?

Robert Downey Jr AKA Iron Man is arguably one of the most beloved members of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Fans were left heartbroken five years ago when RDJ announced his leave from the MCU after playing Iron Man for as long as 11 years. In a dramatic reveal at the recent Comic-Con in San Diego, Downey came onto the stage wearing Doctor Doom's signature green robe and mask, receiving an overwhelming response from the audience upon taking his mask off.

It's official, RDJ isn't Iron Man anymore but has reincarnated as the most popular villain of the Fantastic Four comic books, Dr Victor Von Doom. The announcement received mixed reactions from fans as some were left confused and others rejoiced at his return.

Varied reactions from fans

Many speculated that this recasting decision is a marketing strategy to boost rating points and viewership for the already multi-billionaire franchise. 

Hindustan Times reported a social media user saying, ''I get it's multiversity and blah blah blah, but Iron Man being Doctor Doom means absolutely nothing for the character Doctor Doom. It's just to sell tickets. It's boring, disrespectful to my fave, and it doesn't make any sense.''

I get it's multiversity and blah blah blah, but Iron Man being Doctor Doom means absolutely nothing to the MCU as we know it and does nothing for the character Doctor Doom. It's just to sell tickets. It's boring, disrecptful to my fave, and doesn't make sense. Next.

— Evan Von Doom 💀 (@EvanReadsComics) July 28, 2024 Another user expressed their displeasure by explaining how the MCU has reduced itself to nothing but cash grabs and is relying on only the nostalgia factor, where creativity is slowly dwindling. Fans have also theorized that Downey's re-entry into the MCU is only after his highly appreciated performance in Oppenheimer last year, for which he won an Oscar award.

i don't even have words but the way the mcu has completely reduced itself to cashgrabs and nostalgia with no sense of creativity has to be studied https://t.co/4PoY15WwSn

— 𓆩♥︎𓆪 • #1 dc hawks expert (@HAWKGIRLS) July 28, 2024

Other fans marvelled (pun intended) at how genius this move will prove to be for the multiverse.
''A Doom variant that has Tony Stark's face. That's pretty smart if you're gonna do the multiverse. All of the Avengers will feel morally uncomfortable as their greatest hero is now their greatest enemy. This kind of makes his sinister nature even more scary. Genius move when you think about it,'' a fan postulated.

The announcement

The varied and controversial fan response came after the dramatic announcement, where a man came onto the stage wearing Doctor Doom's signature green robe and mask. The man removed his mask to reveal himself to be the one and only, Robert Downey Junior, receiving massive applause and uproar from the audience.

Marvel Studios posted the official announcement on X, saying, ''New mask, same task.''

“New mask, same task.”

Robert Downey Jr. surprises Hall H to announce his return to the MCU as Doctor Doom. pic.twitter.com/j1SEjzse3p

— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) July 28, 2024

Who is Doctor Doom?

Doctor Doom is one of the most iconic supervillains in the Fantastic Four comic series. His real name is Victor Von Doom, and he is a genius inventor and scientist, with mastery over both technology and magic. His character is often depicted with a scarred face hidden behind a metal mask, and he wears a green cloak and armour.

Despite his villainous actions, Doom is sometimes portrayed with a sense of nobility and honour, adding complexity to his character. His combination of intellect, power, and arrogance makes him a formidable and multi-dimensional antagonist in the Marvel Universe.

Doctor Doom as a character seems like a perfect fit for Downey, as he has previously stated that playing complex characters is something that interests him.