Why Robert Downey Jr. Returning As Doctor Doom Is A Bad Idea - Especially If He's Not Playing A Stark Variant

Why Robert Downey Jr. Returning As Doctor Doom Is A Bad Idea - Especially If He's Not Playing A Stark Variant

The news that Robert Downey Jr. is set to make his MCU return as Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday was greeted with a lot of trepidation from fans, and I'm not at all surprised...

Feature Opinion
By MarkCassidy - Aug 25, 2024 01:08 PM EST
Filed Under: Avengers: Doomsday

In one of the most surprising - not to mention divisive - Comic-Con announcements yet, we learned that Robert Downey Jr. would be returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Doctor Doom during Marvel Studios' Hall H presentation earlier this month.

Recent rumors had claimed that RDJ would be playing an evil Variant of Tony Stark, but the actor was introduced as "Victor Von Doom," and follow-up comments from the Oppenheimer star seemed to confirm that he has indeed been cast as an entirely new character.

Since the news broke, fans have been weighing up the pros and cons of Downey being reintroduced to the MCU as Doctor Doom, and while I am in the "let's wait and see" camp to a degree, I can't help but feel some concern that this is simply blatant stunt casting that could blow up in Kevin Feige's face - especially if Downey is not playing a Stark variant.

If Doom debuts as an alternate universe Iron Man who went down a darker path, it would at least make some sense in relation to the established rules of the Multiverse, and leave the door open to another actor suiting-up as the villain down the line. But are we just supposed to play along and accept it if Downey steps onto the screen as a completely new character with zero explanation?

Sure, other actors have played dual roles in the MCU before, but this isn't like Chris Evans pulling double-duty as the Human Torch and Captain America in two separate franchises, or even Gemma Chan playing Minn-Erva (with about three minutes of screen time) in Captain Marvel before taking on the role of Sersi in Eternals.

This is Robert Downey f*cking Jr. we're talking about here. The face of the Marvel Cinematic Universe for well over a decade. Yes, he is a versatile actor, and he may well wear a mask as Doom for a lot of his scenes, but there is no way he is keeping his face covered for his entire run as this character - and even if heavy prosthetics are applied for Doom's scarred visage, does anyone think he will be completely unrecognizable?

If audiences can tell that it's RDJ and aren't given a satisfactory explanation as to why Iron Man is suddenly back as a villain - and we're supposed to buy that the other characters aren't taking any notice - this simply isn't going to work. And if he is plastered under so much make-up that it's difficult to tell... then what's the damn point?

Feige and The Russo Brothers want to work with Downey again... great, completely understandable. But does anyone really believe that - as great an actor as he is - RDJ is the best choice to play Doctor Doom? Many feel that an actor of Romani descent should be cast as this character, but even if you understand why the studio would want an A-list star in the role, there are so many actors out there that are better suited to this particular part.

Again, I'm perfectly willing to give these guys the benefit of the doubt and wait and see what they have in store - but just going off the information at hand, I can't help but feel that it would have been a better idea to cast someone else as Doom, and if Robert Downey Jr. really wants to return to the MCU and (potentially) tarnish his powerful send-off in Avengers: Endgame, then bring him back as an actual Tony Stark variant for Secret Wars.

What do you guys think? Do you agree, or am I being too cynical here? Be sure to leave a comment in the usual place.

AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY Production Details Revealed; Could We See Another Actor Play Doom After Robert Downey Jr.?
Related:

AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY Production Details Revealed; Could We See Another Actor Play Doom After Robert Downey Jr.?

AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY Rumor Says Doom Will Have A More Important Relationship With [SPOILER] Than Reed Richards
Recommended For You:

AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY Rumor Says Doom Will Have A "More Important" Relationship With [SPOILER] Than Reed Richards

DISCLAIMER: ComicBookMovie.com is protected under the DMCA (Digital Millenium Copyright Act) and... [MORE]

ComicBookMovie.com, and/or the user who contributed this post, may earn commissions or revenue through clicks or purchases made through any third-party links contained within the content above.

1 2 3 4
TheyDont
TheyDont - 8/25/2024, 1:35 PM
I know how to tell whether it's a good idea, but you won't like it.
RegularPoochie
RegularPoochie - 8/25/2024, 3:06 PM
@TheyDont - yeah, by watching the movies.
The1st
The1st - 8/26/2024, 2:23 PM
@RegularPoochie - Or reading comics. But I wonder if that's even what the MCU will do, or anyone here for that matter. Either way, I booked my I told you so a few articles ago.

User Comment Image
Snow43214
Snow43214 - 8/25/2024, 1:37 PM
IMO it's a strange one

Casual film-goers will be confused why Iron Man is back and is bad and in another metal suit

Fans who are up to date will understand but the disconnect from Iron Man and Dr Doom will be difficult, we will always know RDJ as Iron Man first

I just can't see people saying he was born to play both
RegularPoochie
RegularPoochie - 8/25/2024, 3:07 PM
@Snow43214 - oooor, he's not seen as Downey before his face goes to a melted cheese.
Snow43214
Snow43214 - 8/25/2024, 4:56 PM
@RegularPoochie - I had the same thought initially but then also had the thought

If you were a producer within the MCU, would you hire as big a star as Downey and not show his face haha?

He gets butts on seats
RegularPoochie
RegularPoochie - 8/26/2024, 2:40 AM
@Snow43214 - also true, but I guess they'll figure it out, or they already are trying different things now that they have the time.
RegularPoochie
RegularPoochie - 8/26/2024, 2:43 AM
@Snow43214 - also wanna add that I guess the reason to announce it already was that people know it is him. Or they can use him in the f4 movie in longer end credits scene.
Snow43214
Snow43214 - 8/26/2024, 3:10 AM
@RegularPoochie - oh yeah, totally on both accounts.

Marvel obviously have a plan, they wouldn't just choose RDJ for a "just because" reason

I look forward to having my mind blown (hopefully)
RegularPoochie
RegularPoochie - 8/26/2024, 4:48 AM
@Snow43214 - same herd, hoping for the best. I think it will work, because looks like Feige and co have learned their lessons.
Izaizaiza
Izaizaiza - 8/25/2024, 1:40 PM
Terrible casting, IMO
KennKathleen
KennKathleen - 8/25/2024, 9:01 PM
@Izaizaiza - Until you learn... RDJ was DOOM the entire time.

DCasAhobby
DCasAhobby - 8/25/2024, 1:43 PM
It begins. Fake clickbait articles all the way up to release of the film. Just to watch it make over 3 billion at the BO and be a critical hit.

Super smart move by marvel story wise and financially
TheRogue
TheRogue - 8/25/2024, 1:46 PM
@DCasAhobby - Oh [frick]. Not you.
DCasAhobby
DCasAhobby - 8/25/2024, 2:00 PM
@TheRogue - which one are you. You apperantly know me, but not sure on you.
RegularPoochie
RegularPoochie - 8/25/2024, 3:08 PM
@TheRogue - he's still right.
allwalledup
allwalledup - 8/28/2024, 2:11 PM
@DCasAhobby - so, are you saying that this is genuinely good casting? Do you also put ketchup on peanut butter sandwiches?
Conquistador
Conquistador - 8/25/2024, 1:47 PM
I'm still intrigued, but if they don't use this opportunity to dig deeper into why some variants look the same and some don't, and some look like other people from other worlds then what's the point...would be cool if Holland's Peter's uncle Ben looked like Tobey Maguire.

I'm enjoying the Nostalgia Saga for what it is though.
harryba11zack
harryba11zack - 8/25/2024, 1:48 PM
not a fan of taking the old heroes and turning them into failures or villains in order to prep up the "new" heroes.
User Comment Image
RegularPoochie
RegularPoochie - 8/25/2024, 3:09 PM
@THEDARKKNIGHT1939 - LMFAO!!!
Nomis929
Nomis929 - 8/25/2024, 6:59 PM
@THEDARKKNIGHT1939 - LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLO!!!!!!!!

User Comment Image
RolandD
RolandD - 8/25/2024, 10:14 PM
@THEDARKKNIGHT1939 - That’s hilarious!
ChrisRed
ChrisRed - 8/25/2024, 1:48 PM
I have no idea if bringing Downey Jr back as Doom is a good idea or not - only time will tell.

All I can say is that I was disappointed. Not by the fact that they threw Kang under the bus in favor of Doom but instead that they chose to bring back a beloved MCU actor who already played a completely different role, had a great run and ended his tenure on a high note.

If this is an actual Victor von Doom and not a Tony variant, then what's the point?
Why not give the role to new actor who can get the chance to become as iconic in the role as Downey Jr already is as Iron Man?
And if this Doom turns out to be a Tony variant, then what's the point of that? Other than screwing around with the remaining heroes of the MCU who knew Tony.

Hopefully Marvel has something great in store and a good reason to cast Downey Jr again.
We all know that the guy can tell tickets but I pray that's not why they brought him back
Gambito
Gambito - 8/25/2024, 1:51 PM
There’s no other actor they could have chosen really yes it’s stunt casting and really it doesn’t matter if it’s a stark variant it’s all but guaranteed we’ll see him as iron man in secret wars. If they would have cast a more appropriate actor it would have never ever reach the level of interest so it’s a done deal let’s just enjoy it for what it is after all if D&W proved anything is that the fan service will be the priority for now
HistoryofMatt
HistoryofMatt - 8/25/2024, 2:01 PM
@Gambito - There's no other actor they could have chosen? Well, that's a bunch of b.s.

There are literally dozens, if not hundreds, of fantastic actors they could have chosen to play Victor Von Doom.

User Comment Image
DaHULK2000
DaHULK2000 - 8/25/2024, 2:01 PM
@Gambito - VIGO MORTINSON
TheyDont
TheyDont - 8/25/2024, 2:35 PM
@DaHULK2000 - MATTS MIKKULSON
Gambito
Gambito - 8/25/2024, 3:03 PM
@TheyDont - read my comment man I agree other actors could play that role but none would bring over the casual fans and especially the people who gave up on the mcu, purely from a marketing standpoint there is NO ONE
Toecutter
Toecutter - 8/25/2024, 3:32 PM
@Gambito - I don't think so, dude. They literally could have cast any prominent actor like Leonardo Dicaprio, Tom Cruise, Joaquin Phoenix, etc., and people would have lost their minds. Are you going to tell me that if they brought back RDJ as Iron Man and then did RDJ vs Tom Cruise, for example, that wouldn't be an instant billion-dollar movie?
Gambito
Gambito - 8/25/2024, 3:59 PM
@Toecutter - that’s true if Leo was cast that would be the equivalent, never gonna happen unfortunately
Ziggidy7
Ziggidy7 - 8/25/2024, 8:36 PM
@Gambito - Uh no. I gurantee Cillian Murphy alone people would have lost it.
DaHULK2000
DaHULK2000 - 8/25/2024, 10:51 PM
@TheyDont - Madds milkession is a good choice too..ill admit that..but I don't see him being able to sell dooms twisted sense of nobility.
DaHULK2000
DaHULK2000 - 8/25/2024, 10:56 PM
@Gambito - marketing departments shouldn't be casting these films.marketing should be selling whoever the filmmaker decide to cast. That line of thinking is backwards and why film as artform has decended into the rut it is in today.
Gambito
Gambito - 8/26/2024, 1:13 AM
@DaHULK2000 - I agree now with all these movies flopping they listen more to the marketing department these days I
WruceBayne
WruceBayne - 8/26/2024, 2:53 AM
@DaHULK2000 - Javier Bardem
DaHULK2000
DaHULK2000 - 8/26/2024, 7:25 AM
@WruceBayne - hmmm, he'd be interesting too, he has a killer voice as well
RockBottom
RockBottom - 8/25/2024, 2:01 PM
I don’t like the idea of RDJ being Doom of the main MCU and not a variant. But I’ll give it a chance and see what they do with it.
MyCoolYoung
MyCoolYoung - 8/25/2024, 2:03 PM
I don’t get why anyone would have to be given an explanation. Doesn’t matter if Gemma was only given 1 minute of screen time and switched or if RDJ was the founder, I don’t think anyone needs an explanation. He’s doom now.

I feel like people care too much about semantics. What I care about is a good movie. The only reason I’d say it was a bad idea because I can see the reviews now. Doom could act nothing like Tony and RDJ could be completely unrecognizable but they’ll still say “all I see is Tony stark playing doom”
MarkCassidy
MarkCassidy - 8/25/2024, 2:19 PM
@MyCoolYoung - And they'd be right to say that because IT IS TONY STARK PLAYING DOOM!
1 2 3 4

Please log in to post comments.

Don't have an account?
Please Register.

View Recorder