Marvel recently confirmed the return of Robert Downey Jr to the world of the Avengers, at last year's Comic-Con, but in a different role.
The Oppenheimer actor, who grew his fanbase significantly after essaying Tony Stark aka Iron Man in the MCU until the last Avengers film, has been cast as Dr Victor Von Doom, the principal antagonist of the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.
Joe Russo and Anthony Russo, the filmmaking siblings collectively known as the Russo brothers, said the actor is "intensely" involved in developing his character. "He's so immersed in it. He's so dialled in," they told Entertainment Tonight.
Aside from winning an Academy award, Downey also won a Golden Globe, BAFTA, and SAG awards for his portrayal of Lewis Strauss in the Christopher Nolan-directed epic.
Dr. Doom, a villain predominantly featured in the Fantastic Four stories, is said to be squaring off against the new members of the Avengers that comprise Sam Wilson/Captain America, the Fantastic Four, the Hulk and She-Hulk. It's not yet clear if more superheroes will be entering the fray at a later stage.
Joe Russo added that Downey is working on the backstory as well as the costume ideas for his character. “I think he just loves really rich three-dimensional characters and I think he sees a real opportunity here with that character.”
Avengers: Doomsday is slated for release on May 1, 2026, and Avengers: Secret Wars for May 2027.