A big rumor offers that Robert Downey Jr. could be returning to the MCU as none other than Doctor Doom.
The info also happens to follow the news that the Russo Brothers are in early talks to return to Marvel to direct both Avengers 5 and Avengers: Secret Wars.
Doctor Doom plays a big part in the original Secret Wars in the comics and in the 2015 version from Marvel Comics.
What does the rumor say?
Despite meeting his maker in Avengers: Endgame, Robert Downey Jr. has actually been teasing a Marvel return. In a recent interview he said has “become surprisingly open-minded to the idea.”
So since his character died fighting the good fight, how could Robert Downey Jr. return to the MCU? Enter the Multiverse.
According to Jeff Sneider, Robert Downey Jr. could return in an Avengers movie as a Tony Stark Variant who becomes Doctor Doom.
What is interesting is that prior to playing Iron Man, Robert Downey Jr. actually auditioned for Doctor Doom in the Fantastic Four movie released in 2005, three years before Iron Man, with the role having went to Julian McMahon.
Regarding whether or not Robert Downey Jr. would be the main Doctor Doom in the MCU is anyone’s guess or if it will simply be a cameo.
Deadpool & Wolverine gets released next week, said to feature a bunch of one-off cameos, so we’ll have to see how fans react to those. Some of the cameos have already been spoiled, which lessens the surprise, so Robert Downey Jr. being used one time could come off as disappointing or even as a money grab. Marvel needs to do it right.
What is also interesting is that years ago it was claimed Robert Downey Jr. would actually be playing Kang the Conqueror in Avengers 4. Obviously, we know that didn’t happen, but the MCU does happen to need a new Kang.
