A cryptic Instagram post of Robert Downey Jr. has led fans to speculate that Iron Man may return in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. The comic illustration of Dr. Doom and Iron Man pulling on two ends of a wishbone — a Thanksgiving ritual which means anyone who pulls the larger piece will have their wishes granted — hints that Doomsday might have an Iron Man connection.
In 2023, Marvel head Kevin Feige was firm in his confirmation of the fact that Robert Downey Jr's Tony Stark, a.k.a Iron Man, won't return in future entries in the MCU, most notably the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.
But since Downey Jr is cast in the role of Dr. Victor Von Doom, the theory floating around online is that Doom might be a variant of Tony Stark from a different timeline, or perhaps an involvement of time-travel could explain the connection — if Downey Jr is indeed playing Stark-turned-Doom. Doom is, after all, known for inventing a "time-platform" and his ability to traverse different timelines.
There's also the possibility that this interpretation of Doom might have ties to the mind-swapping storyline involving Doom and Iron Man in 'Demon in an Armor’ (2010), where the mind of Tony Stark is "transferred" into Doom's body.
Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars see the return of the Russo brothers to directing duties. The superhero ensemble comprises the Avengers, New Avengers (*Thunderbolts), Fantastic Four, and the X-Men. Doctor Doom will reportedly be the prime focus of 'Avengers: Doomsday' in the same manner that Thanos was in the previous MCU entries.
In 2023, Marvel Cinematic Universe fans were surprised when Downey Jr. announced his return to the franchise during 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 scheduled for release on May 1, 2026, while 'Avengers: Secret Wars' has been planned 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.