Robert Downey Jr. surprises fans as he announces his return to the Avengers universe for two new films – but NOT as Iron Man
Robert Downey Jr. is returning to the Avengers universe in two new films, but he will not reprise his role as Iron Man.
Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige confirmed during the Marvel panel at San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday that the 59-year-old Oscar winner is returning to the franchise.
The actor will play the role of supervillain Victor von Doom (also known as Doctor Doom) in the 5th and 6th Avengers films, titled Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.
Downey Jr. made his dramatic entrance at the convention in a Doom costume, surrounded by replicas of Doombots. He then removed his silver mask and revealed his face to shocked fans who gave him a standing ovation.
The actor was seen addressing the audience at the convention in a clip shared by Varietyand told the crowd, “New mask, same job. What can I tell you, I like playing complicated characters.”
Robert Downey Jr., 59, will return to the Avengers universe in two new films — this time as a supervillain; pictured at San Diego International Comic-Con on Saturday
The actor will not reprise his beloved role as Iron Man (seen in a 2008 photo from Iron Man)
The two films will be directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, the brothers who directed 2019’s Avengers: Endgame.
Avengers: Doomsday is set to premiere in May 2026, followed by Avengers: Secret Wars, which is expected to premiere in 2027.
Marvel Studios also made the announcement on Twitter, sharing a poster for the upcoming film with the caption, “Just announced in Hall H: The Russo Brothers return to direct Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Doomsday, starring Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom. In theaters only May 2026. #SDCC.”
Doctor Doom is one of Marvel’s most iconic supervillains and the archenemy of the Fantastic Four.
He is a genius scientist with a tragic past.
Tony Stark (the genius behind Iron Man) and Doom share several similarities: they both wear metal masks, they are both incredibly wealthy, and they both possess extraordinary intellects.
Avengers 5 was previously called Avengers: The Kang Dynasty.
After Marvel dropped Jonathan Majors in December 2023, the series was retooled with a new title and direction.
The actor will play the supervillain Victor von Doom (also known as Doctor Doom) in the 5th and 6th Avengers films, titled Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars
Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige confirmed the Oscar winner will return to the franchise during the Marvel panel at San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday
Downey Jr. made his entrance at the convention in a Doom costume, surrounded by replica Doombots, before removing his silver mask to reveal his face
Shocked fans gave him a standing ovation after the movie reveal
The two films will be directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, the brothers who directed 2019’s Avengers: Endgame; (L-R) Feige, Downey Jr., Joseph and Anthony Russo
Doctor Doom is one of Marvel’s most iconic supervillains and the archenemy of the Fantastic Four. He is a genius-level scientist with a tragic backstory
Marvel Studios also made the announcement on Twitter, sharing a poster for the upcoming film, which is set to hit theaters in May 2026.
Majors was set to play villain Kang the Conqueror in the films, but the studio canceled his role after he was found guilty in a domestic abuse case.
Downey had said in recent interviews that he was open to returning to Marvel, but fans assumed he meant he would return as Iron Man (Tony Stark).
He first played the role of playboy super-genius Stark in 2008’s ‘Iron Man’.
The actor went on to play the role in 10 Marvel films spanning 11 years, including ‘Iron Man 2’, ‘Iron Man 3’, ‘The Incredible Hulk’, ‘The Avengers’, ‘Captian America: Civil War’, ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’, ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’, ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ and Avengers: Endgame.
Endgame saw Iron Man’s death. Last December, Feige said Vanity Fair that he had no interest in undoing the emotional moment to bring the character back.
“We’re going to hold on to that moment and never touch that moment again. We’ve all worked so hard, for many years, to get there, and we would never want to magically undo it.”
Meanwhile, Downey Jr. has indicated that he would like to return to the franchise.
After winning the Oppenheimer Oscar, he was asked if he would be interested in returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
He first played the role of playboy super-genius Tony Stark (Iron Man) in 2008’s ‘Iron Man.’ He went on to reprise the role in 10 more Marvel films; seen in a still from 2016’s Captain America: Civil War
Avengers 5 was previously titled Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, with Jonathan Majors set to play villain Kang the Conqueror. It was then reworked when Majors was dropped by Marvel after pleading guilty in a domestic abuse case; Majors to open in LA in June
“Thankfully. It’s too integral a part of my DNA,” he said Squire magazine in April.
“That role chose me. And look, I always say, ‘Never, ever bet against Kevin Feige.’ It’s a losing bet. He’s the house. He’s always going to win.”
The new casting is the culmination of a successful year for the actor.
In addition to his Academy Award win for his role as Lewis Strauss in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, he was also recently nominated for an Emmy for his role in Park Chan-wook’s HBO miniseries The Sympathizer.