Robert Downey Jr's final look for his antagonist role, Doctor Doom aka Victor Von Doom, in 'Avengers: Doomsday' may have been confirmed by a new promo art at the Disney 2026 Merchandise Expo in China. Downey, who takes on MCU's intimidating Phase 6 villain, is said to be taking over the mantle of the big baddie previously occupied by Thanos, played by Josh Brolin.
The new adventure, which sees the Russo brothers returning to the directors' chairs, will assemble the Avengers, New Avengers, Fantastic Four, and the X-Men. As per reports, Doctor Doom will be the prime focus of 'Avengers: Doomsday' in the same manner that Thanos was in the previous MCU entries.
Last year, fans of Marvel Cinematic Universe and the Avengers were taken aback when Downey Jr., known for his portrayal of the Avengers character ‘Iron Man’, announced his return to the franchise as a villain in the upcoming film at the San Diego Comic-Con.
The Russo brothers shared in recent interviews that Downey is working on the backstory as well as the costume ideas for his character.
'Avengers: Doomsday' is slated for release on May 1, 2026, and 'Avengers: Secret Wars' for May 2027.
Downey played Iron Man in nine films. Although he said in 2023 that he won't return to the MCU, the 'Oppenheimer' actor in July appeared at the event wearing Dr. Doom's mask and a green cloak. "I like playing complicated characters," he said then.
At the same event, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige had revealed the titles of the two upcoming Avengers films as 'Avengers: Secret Wars' and 'Avengers: Doomsday'.
